Politics · Saudi Arabia · 16 hrs ago
Saudi Arabia Allows Government Contractors to Donate Under New Rules
Saudi Arabia will let government agencies accept donations from contractors and license holders under revised rules approved by the Cabinet.
The change amends rules for government gifts and donations that were issued in 2015.
Donors must not receive favorable treatment in contracts or other dealings with the agency.
Donations must be tied to the agency’s work, support community services, and not be made during contract or licensing procedures.
A committee will review each request, and acceptance takes effect only after written approval from the responsible minister or agency head.
Agencies must report donations and related contracts each year to the General Court of Audit, and they can return a donation if a violation is later found.
Saudi Arabia has amended rules to let government entities accept donations from donors linked to them by contracts or licenses.
Donations require written approval and must meet oversight conditions.
Donors cannot receive preferential treatment in contracts or other dealings with the government entity.
Donations must support the entity’s work and aim to provide community services with a tangible impact.
Government entities must report donors, donations and related contracts and licenses annually to the General Court of Audit.
- Who
- Saudi government entities and donors who have contracts or licenses with them.
- What
- The government entities may accept donations under amended rules and specified oversight conditions.
- When
- Al Madina published the report on 8 November 2026; the amendment’s approval date is not stated.
- Where
- Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- Donations must relate to the entity’s work and aim to provide community services with a tangible impact; donors must not seek to influence decisions.
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The original rules on government entities receiving gifts and donations were issued by Cabinet Resolution No. 365.
The Council of Ministers approved amendments allowing government entities to accept donations from donors linked to them by contracts or licenses.
Al Madina published its report on the amended rules.
- Cabinet Resolution
- No. 365
- Original rules date
- 14/8/1436 AH
- Written approval
- Required from the relevant minister or head of the entity
- Annual report recipient
- General Court of Audit
- Donor conditions
- No preferential treatment; donations cannot be made during contracting or license procedures