Article 3 of the Saudi Emergency Law

This article sets out the purpose of the Emergency Law, which has two parts:

First: what the law sets

• The provisions, rules and procedures for a state of emergency.
• The exceptional powers and provisions that ensure an effective response to the emergency event while the state of emergency is in force.

Second: what it seeks to achieve

• Strengthening the ability to defend the Kingdom.
• Preserving public order, security, health, the environment and public safety.
• Protecting critical infrastructure.
• Enabling business continuity.

The wording makes clear that the exceptional powers are tied in time to the state of emergency being in force, which is consistent with the definition of a state of emergency in Article 1 as one requiring temporary exceptional measures. The law does not grant these powers permanently; it ties them to a declared state.

The aim of enabling business continuity is also notable: the law is not limited to the security side, but also cares that economic and service activities continue as far as possible during the crisis. Under Article 1, critical infrastructure includes public and private facilities such as electricity, water and telecommunications.

These aims are useful for understanding and interpreting the remaining articles of the law. Article 4 follows, establishing the Supreme Emergency Council chaired by the King. Anyone who needs to understand the effect of these aims on their activity can consult a lawyer who specializes in administrative cases.