Country Report 2018: Saudi Arabia

Individuals are somewhat free to form organizations. The process and laws have been improved (e.g. the new Law on Associations and Foundations, Royal Decree No. M/8, 19.2.1437H), in consequence, it takes less time and less people to incorporate an organization; however, certain organizations that could be seen as anti-government or anti-religion or as addressing issues that are not culturally and politically appropriate or sensitive would not be approved. At the end of the day, the final approval comes from the government. In addition, only Saudis are allowed to form POs – no foreigner is allowed to form such an organization in the country