No, concealed carry without a permit is illegal in Saudi Arabia under the 2020 Firearms and Ammunition Law, enforced by the General Directorate of Civil Defense. Exceptions require explicit approval from the Ministry of Interior, with no blanket allowance for unlicensed concealed carry.
Key Regulations for Concealed Carry Without a Permit in Saudi Arabia
- Ministry of Interior (MOI) Authorization Mandate: The MOI’s 2023 circular on firearm licensing explicitly prohibits concealed carry without a permit, even for self-defense. Permits are issued only to licensed gun owners meeting stringent criteria, including background checks and training certification.
- Civil Defense Enforcement: The General Directorate of Civil Defense conducts random inspections and compliance audits under the 2020 law, with penalties including fines up to SAR 50,000 or imprisonment for violations.
- Regional Restrictions: In areas like Riyadh and Jeddah, local security forces (e.g., Riyadh Police’s Firearms Unit) impose additional scrutiny, requiring permits for transport or storage of firearms in vehicles, regardless of concealment intent.