In brief
A ministerial set of minimum work-environment standards for every private establishment: no discrimination or pressure on workers, prayer and rest areas, toilets, seating, security and cameras, and rules for women-only and men-only premises.
Summary of the law
Key points
- Discrimination on grounds of sex, disability or age is banned, as is unequal pay for work of equal value.
- A worker may not be forced into duties outside those agreed in the contract.
- Employers must issue written rules on workplace misconduct and dress, and obtain staff acknowledgement.
Common violations
- No prayer and rest area or separate toilets for women and men where more than five people work.
- No proper seating for cashiers and receptionists.
- No guards or cameras covering the workplace and store, or men working in women-only shops and vice versa.
Practical tip
- Breaches are penalised under the Labour Law table of violations; check these requirements before an inspection and keep your internal rules in writing.
A plain-language summary prepared by Al-Bayan Al-Wadih Law Firm, focused on the violations and problems that come up most in daily life. It is not a substitute for the official text or for legal advice.
What it covers
- No discrimination in pay or hiring
- Dress code and protection from workplace misconduct
- Prayer, rest, toilet and seating requirements
- Women-only and men-only establishments
Timeline
- Issued: Published 26/1/1442H
Full record of amendments and regulations at the official source
Official text at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
The authoritative text is in Arabic; the Bureau of Experts publishes English translations for some laws.
Library content is simplified general information for awareness only. It is not legal advice and does not replace the official text. Laws change: always check the official source and consult a lawyer before acting. Library data last reviewed: .