SAUDI EXPATRIATES

Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, minister of interior, has given his approval for the amendment to Article 2 of the relevant rules. The changes further provide that 15 crucial business operations are available with 24-hour security guard service.

The amended article states that certain facilities must have private civilian security during work hours. These facilities include private and international educational and training centers, wedding and event halls, private clinics, medical centers, and complexes.

Additionally, facilities licensed by the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority or the General Entertainment Authority must also have private civilian security during the event.

Also included in this category are restaurants with more than 1,000 square meters of space, gyms catering to women, supermarkets and hypermarkets with more than 2,000 square meters of space, and locations set aside to host pilgrims at holy sites from Dhul Hijjah 1 to Dhul Hijjah 15 every year. See Also: Watch Saudi Arabia's Luxury resort on Shebara island

Certain kinds of businesses are now required by the revised Article 15 to employ private civil security guards around the clock. Markets, malls, and closed or open commercial centers with 30 or more stores, or a commercial area exceeding 3,000 square meters according to the building license, are examples of places that fall into this category.

It also includes hospitals, hotels, banks, exchanges, money transfer shops, gold and jewelry stores, and similar establishments that are not required to provide private civil security guards.

Buildings and towers with more than 50 units intended for residential or commercial rent, as well as car showrooms with an area exceeding 2,000 square meters according to the commercial activity license, shelters for human resources company employees, and sales centers affiliated with agencies for cars and heavy equipment, as well as maintenance centers affiliated with these dealerships, are all required to provide 24-hour security.

This list of establishments includes residential complexes with more than 10 villas or 50 units, amusement parks, private libraries, and entities required to provide civilian security guards. Most Viewed: Self-driving cars to arrive in Saudi Arabia this year

The commercial activity license specifies that these places must have an area exceeding 3,000 square meters. After submitting a feasibility assessment from a registered security consulting firm, factories and warehouses are also required to have 24-hour service under the instruction of the regional police director. Within two months after receiving the notification, the study must be submitted.

It is worth noting that private sector establishments employing civilian guards are governed by a body of law known as the Law of Private Security Services. The law establishes guidelines for businesses that train civilians to be security guards for both public and private buildings. Join Saudi Expatriates on Telegram

Amendment of Article 2 of the Private Security Guard System to limit it to 8 activities during Working hours