No, extracting sand from Saudi beaches violates the Environmental Law (Royal Decree No. M/165, 2023) and Coastal Zone Management Regulations (2024), enforced by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVCD). Violations may incur fines up to SAR 5 million or imprisonment under Article 37 of the environmental code, with stricter penalties for commercial extraction.
Key Regulations for Taking Sand from the Beach in Saudi Arabia
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Prohibition on Extraction: The Environmental Law (2023) explicitly bans the removal of sand, soil, or marine sediments from beaches, coastal dunes, and intertidal zones to preserve ecosystems and prevent erosion. Violations trigger immediate enforcement actions by the NCVCD and Saudi Coast Guard.
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Commercial Activity Restrictions: The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) and Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) require permits for any sand-related commercial activity. Unauthorized extraction for construction or export is criminalized under Royal Decree No. M/165, 2023, with mandatory asset forfeiture.
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Cultural and Heritage Protections: The Saudi Heritage Commission classifies certain coastal areas as protected zones. Disturbing sand in these regions, such as near archaeological sites (e.g., Al-Ula’s coastal areas), constitutes a violation of Law No. 21, 2020, punishable by SAR 10 million fines or 10-year imprisonment.