Saudi Arabia published updated executive regulations for the Anti-Money Laundering Law in the Official Gazette. The amendments, issued by the President of State Security, took effect on June 26, 2026.
Under the updated rules, money laundering provisions apply to anyone who commits the original crime and participates in laundering its proceeds.
The regulations require financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions to identify, assess, and understand their money laundering risks. They must provide these assessments in writing, update them periodically, and submit them to the relevant supervisory authorities upon request.
The rules also set a disclosure threshold for travelers entering or leaving the Kingdom. Cash, negotiable bearer instruments, gold bullion, precious metals, gemstones, jewelry, or similar items must be declared if their value reaches or exceeds SAR 40,000, or the equivalent in foreign currency.
Travelers carrying gold bullion, precious metals, gemstones, or jewelry worth SAR 40,000 or more must report them to customs and present purchase invoices to verify their value. If the items are deemed commercial, the GCC Unified Customs Law and its executive regulations will apply.
The updated regulations also specify that the General Directorate of Financial Intelligence will be headquartered in Riyadh, with the option to open branches across the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia published updated executive regulations for the Anti-Money Laundering Law in the Official Gazette. The amendments, issued by the President of State Security, took effect on June 26, 2026.
Under the updated rules, money laundering provisions apply to anyone who commits the original crime and participates in laundering its proceeds.
The regulations require financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions to identify, assess, and understand their money laundering risks. They must provide these assessments in writing, update them periodically, and submit them to the relevant supervisory authorities upon request.
The rules also set a disclosure threshold for travelers entering or leaving the Kingdom. Cash, negotiable bearer instruments, gold bullion, precious metals, gemstones, jewelry, or similar items must be declared if their value reaches or exceeds SAR 40,000, or the equivalent in foreign currency.
Travelers carrying gold bullion, precious metals, gemstones, or jewelry worth SAR 40,000 or more must report them to customs and present purchase invoices to verify their value. If the items are deemed commercial, the GCC Unified Customs Law and its executive regulations will apply.
The updated regulations also specify that the General Directorate of Financial Intelligence will be headquartered in Riyadh, with the option to open branches across the Kingdom.
