Operating in Saudi Arabia? Speak with a security consultant.
Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest oil exporter and a rapidly transforming economy under the Vision 2030 programme. Riyadh is the political and financial capital. Jeddah is the commercial and Red Sea port city. NEOM is the flagship Vision 2030 megaproject in the northwest.
FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the Yemen border and against all but essential travel to Aseer, Riyadh, Najran and Jizan provinces and to Taif city and Taif International Airport (updated 10 October 2026). Jeddah, Dammam and Medina are not in a listed area. The main cities carry a lower risk rating than most other P1 markets, with specific caveats around the legal environment and regional threats.
Vision 2030 and the changed risk profile
Saudi Arabia has undergone genuine social and commercial transformation since 2016. International entertainment events, mixed-gender workplaces, tourism infrastructure, and relaxed social norms are real changes, not just government messaging.
For corporate visitors, these changes mean that Riyadh is now more accessible and more comfortable for international travel than it was a decade ago. The legal framework governing behaviour has not changed at the same pace, which creates a gap between what seems acceptable and what remains legally prohibited.
The Houthi threat
Saudi Arabia’s military involvement in the Yemen conflict makes it a target for Houthi retaliatory attacks. Drone and ballistic missile attacks have struck Saudi territory including Riyadh, oil infrastructure, and airports near the Yemen border. These attacks are periodic and unpredictable in timing.
For corporate visitors, this is a contextual risk rather than a daily concern. A current risk assessment will reflect the state of the regional conflict at the time of travel, which varies.
The legal compliance dimension
Nowhere else in the P1 network does legal compliance require as specific a briefing as Saudi Arabia. The consequences of violations (drug possession, alcohol offences, social media content) include arrest, heavy fines, and deportation. Employment dispute travel bans are enforceable. Understanding these parameters before arrival is mandatory preparation.
Our vetted operators provide close protection and executive protection and security driver services across Saudi Arabia. For a detailed local assessment, see our Riyadh city briefing.
Cities We Cover
Riyadh
Medium riskSaudi Arabia's capital and financial centre. Low domestic crime but regional Houthi missile threat and strict legal environment require professional assessment.
View city guide →Security Regulations
Firearms
Under the Law of Weapons and Ammunition (Royal Decree No. M/45 of 25/7/1426 H), possessing, carrying and trading in firearms need a licence from the Minister of Interior (articles 9 and 11). The Law of Private Security Services contains no provision authorising private security guards to carry arms.
Licensing
Private security companies are licensed under the Law of Private Security Services (Royal Decree No. M/24 of 8/7/1426 H), with implementing regulations issued by Ministerial Decision No. 170 of 5/5/1427 H. The licence is issued by the Minister of Interior or his delegate for 5 years and is renewable (article 4). The Law's definition of private civil security does not expressly mention personal protection. In May 2025 the Ministry of Interior amended the implementing regulations to set which establishments must keep guards during working hours or around the clock.
Foreign Operators
The Law requires a licensed establishment to be wholly owned by a Saudi national, and a licensed company to be wholly owned by Saudi nationals (article 4). It also requires all staff of a licensed security company to be Saudi nationals (article 5). A foreign security company therefore cannot hold a licence or supply its own guards, and international clients engage a licensed Saudi company. Take local legal advice before a foreign team carries out protective duties.
Sources, checked : Law of Private Security Services, Royal Decree No. M/24 of 8/7/1426 H (King Khalid University copy of the official text); Saudi Central Bank Rulebook, Law of Private Security Services (status: in force); Law of Weapons and Ammunition, Royal Decree No. M/45, text (mohamah.net); Gulf News, All employees at security firms must be Saudis (23 June 2023); Gulf News, Saudi Arabia tightens private security law (18 May 2025).