Is Open Carry legal in Saudi Arabia?
No. Open carry of firearms is strictly prohibited under Saudi law, with exceptions confined to licensed security personnel and state-authorized entities.
Saudi Arabia enforces stringent gun control measures through the Royal Decree No. M/1/1439H (2018) and subsequent regulations by the General Directorate of Civil Defense (GDCD) and Ministry of Interior (MOI). Civilian possession requires a license issued by the MOI, typically restricted to hunting or sport shooting, with firearms stored unloaded and locked. Open carry in public spaces—even with a license—constitutes a criminal offense under Article 20 of the Firearms and Ammunition Law, punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both. The 2026 National Security Strategy further tightens enforcement, mandating biometric tracking for licensed firearms and mandatory reporting of lost or stolen weapons.
Key Regulations for Open Carry in Saudi Arabia
- Licensing Mandate: Civilian firearm ownership requires an MOI-issued license, valid only for specific purposes (e.g., hunting, sport). Open carry outside these contexts is illegal.
- Storage Protocols: Licensed firearms must be stored in secure, locked containers at all times. Carrying a loaded firearm in public—even with a license—violates storage regulations.
- Enforcement & Penalties: The GDCD and MOI conduct random inspections. Violations trigger administrative penalties (license revocation) or criminal prosecution (up to 5 years imprisonment per Article 25).