Riyadh Season attracts a massive influx of visitors of all ages and backgrounds, making it essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. In this context, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enforces the Anti-Harassment Law to uphold human dignity and deter any behavior that violates privacy or disrupts the integrity of public events.

1. The Legal Framework of Anti-Harassment in Saudi Arabia

The Anti-Harassment Law was issued under Royal Decree No. (M/96) dated 16/9/1439 AH (2018), with the aim of protecting every individual from any act or statement of a sexual nature — whether verbal, physical, or through gestures — committed in person or via modern technology, including in public spaces.

Article 1 of the law defines harassment as:

“Any statement, act, or gesture of a sexual nature made by a person toward another that touches the body, honor, or modesty of the latter, by any means whatsoever.”

The law’s purpose is to preserve human dignity, protect personal privacy, and reinforce public morality across society.

2. Legal Penalties for Harassers

Saudi Arabia imposes severe penalties on individuals convicted of harassment, with the punishment varying according to the gravity of the act and surrounding circumstances. These penalties include:

  • Imprisonment for up to two years and/or a fine of up to 100,000 SAR.

  • In cases of recurrence, or if the crime is committed against a child, a person with disabilities, or within workplaces, schools, or public events, the penalty increases to up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 300,000 SAR.

  • The authorities may also publicly disclose the court ruling against the offender in media outlets at the offender’s expense — a deterrent measure to raise awareness and prevent recurrence.

3. Preventive Measures During Riyadh Season

The Riyadh Season’s organizing bodies, in cooperation with the Public Prosecution and the Ministry of Interior, implement strict preventive measures against harassment, including:

  • Heavy security presence at all event venues to ensure rapid response to incidents.

  • Digital reporting channels, such as the “Kollona Amn” (We Are All Security) app, enabling visitors to instantly report any harassment or misconduct.

  • Coordination between the Public Prosecution, police, and the General Entertainment Authority to expedite investigations and apply appropriate legal actions.

These efforts reflect the Kingdom’s zero-tolerance policy toward harassment and reaffirm that visitor safety is a top priority in all public events.

4. The Role of the Public Prosecution

The Public Prosecution oversees the investigation of all harassment reports in accordance with legal procedures and pursues cases until final judgments are issued.
Official statements from the prosecution emphasize that harassment is a serious, arrestable offense, and that authorities will strictly prosecute anyone who violates public decency or personal privacy — whether during Riyadh Season or elsewhere.

5. Awareness and Prevention Efforts

The Kingdom’s efforts extend beyond enforcement to include public awareness initiatives. Educational campaigns across event venues and media platforms remind visitors of their responsibilities and appropriate conduct in public.
Security staff and event organizers also receive specialized training on how to professionally handle harassment cases — ensuring both victim protection and information confidentiality.

Conclusion

The Anti-Harassment Law reflects Saudi Arabia’s firm stance on safeguarding human dignity, particularly during major public events like Riyadh Season.
Through the coordinated efforts of the Public Prosecution, Ministry of Interior, and General Entertainment Authority, visitors can now enjoy a safe and respectful entertainment environment — where rights are protected, and values are upheld.