Article 41 of the Saudi Basic Law of Governance
المادة 41 من النظام الأساسي للحكم · الباب الخامس: الحقوق والواجبات
The Article requires residents of the Kingdom to comply with its laws and to observe the values of Saudi society and respect its traditions and feelings.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يلتزم المقيمون في المملكة العربية السعودية بأنظمتها، وعليهم مراعاة قيم المجتمع السعودي واحترام تقاليده ومشاعره.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 41 explained in plain English
This Article addresses residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and places two obligations on them:
- Complying with the laws: that is, the Kingdom's laws apply to its residents, and they must abide by them.
- Observing the values of society: they must observe the values of Saudi society and respect its traditions and feelings.
Note that the first obligation is tied to the laws in force, while the second is worded in general terms relating to values, traditions and feelings, without the Article specifying particular acts or mentioning a penalty for violating it.
The Article falls in Chapter Five, "Rights and Duties", between Article 40, which provides that telegraphic and postal correspondence, telephone conversations and other means of communication are protected and may not be viewed except in the cases set out by the law, and Article 42, which provides that the State grants the right of political asylum when the public interest requires and that the laws and international agreements set the rules for extradition of ordinary criminals.
Anyone with a matter relating to their obligations as a resident would be well advised to refer to the law concerned with that matter or consult a lawyer who specializes in its field.
Practical example
Mark moves to work for a company in Riyadh. Under Article 41, as a resident he must comply with the Kingdom's laws, and he must observe the values of Saudi society and respect its traditions and feelings.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 41 of the Saudi Basic Law of Governance
Do Saudi laws apply to foreign residents?
Yes. Article 41 provides that residents of the Kingdom must comply with its laws.
What must a resident observe besides the laws?
The Article provides for observing the values of Saudi society and respecting its traditions and feelings.
Does Article 41 set a penalty for failing to respect traditions?
No. The Article states the obligation in general terms and does not mention a penalty for violating it.
More articles on Personal Freedoms and Guarantees
- Article 36
The Article obliges the State to provide security for citizens and residents, and prohibits restricting anyone's actions, or detaining or imprisoning anyone, except under the provisions of the law.
توفر الدولة الأمن لجميع مواطنيها والمقيمين على إقليمها، ولا يجوز تقييد تصرفات أحد، أو توقيفه، أو حبسه، إلا بموجب أحكام النظام .
- Article 37
The Article establishes the sanctity of homes: they may not be entered without the owner's permission or searched except in the cases set out by the law.
للمساكن حرمتها، ولا يجوز دخولها بغير إذن صاحبها، ولا تفتيشها، إلا في الحالات التي يبينها النظام.
- Article 38
The Article provides that punishment is personal, that there is no crime or punishment except under a provision of Sharia or of the law, and that there is no punishment except for acts committed after the legal provision took effect.
العقوبة شخصية، ولا جريمة ولا عقوبة إلا بناء على نص شرعي، أو نص نظامي، ولا عقاب إلا على الأعمال اللاحقة للعمل بالنص النظامي.
- Article 39
The Article requires the media, publishing and all means of expression to use good words and comply with the State's laws, and prohibits what leads to sedition or division or harms State security or human dignity.
تلتزم وسائل الإعلام والنشر وجميع وسائل التعبير بالكلمة الطيبة، وبأنظمة الدولة، وتسهم في تثقيف الأمة ودعم وحدتها، ويحظر ما يؤدي إلى الفتنة، أو الانقسام، أو يمس ب
- Article 40
The Article protects correspondence, calls and means of communication: they may not be confiscated, delayed, viewed or listened to except in the cases set out by the law.
المراسلات البرقية، والبريدية، والمخابرات الهاتفية، وغيرها من وسائل الاتصال، مصونة، ولا يجوز مصادرتها، أو تأخيرها، أو الاطلاع عليها، أو الاستماع إليها، إلا في ال
- Article 43
The Article provides that the King's majlis and the Crown Prince's majlis are open to every citizen and to anyone with a complaint or grievance, and that every individual has the right to address the public authorities.
مجلس الملك ومجلس ولي العهد، مفتوحان لكل مواطن، ولكل من له شكوى أو مظلمة، ومن حق كل فرد مخاطبة السلطات العامة فيما يعرض له من الشئون.
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.