Article 13 of the Saudi Mental Health Law

This Article is the basic safeguard against arbitrary detention, as it provides that no one may be compulsorily admitted to a mental treatment facility unless all of the following conditions are met:

1. Danger: clear evidence that the person has a severe mental disorder whose symptoms pose a danger to him or to others at the time of examination, or a high likelihood of it. Under Article 1, a disorder is severe if it causes impairment in two or more of the functions specified there.
2. Necessity: admission must be necessary for his recovery, the improvement of his condition, or stopping its deterioration.
3. Medical approval: the two preceding conditions must be approved in writing by two psychiatrists on a form setting out the medical condition and the reasons requiring admission, which they sign.

The word "all" is decisive: a severe disorder without danger is not enough, nor is danger without a need for admission for treatment, nor the opinion of a single physician. The disorder on which compulsion rests must also be a mental disorder in the sense of Article 1, which excludes mere intellectual disability, immoral behavior and addiction.

It is worth noting that Article 12 allows a short temporary detention when no physician is available, which is a separate measure that does not replace these conditions. The length of compulsory admission, its extension and grievances against it are regulated by Article 14.

If you have a specific case, it is best to consult a lawyer who specializes in health regulations and patients' rights.