21 Oct Understanding CCTV Laws in Saudi Arabia: Essential Rules for Businesses and Homeowners

Surveillance via CCTV cameras has become a cornerstone of security for both commercial premises and residential properties. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the regulation of such systems is governed by a dedicated legal framework designed to balance security effectiveness with privacy considerations. This blog breaks down the key CCTV  laws and rules Saudi Arabia, relevant to businesses and homeowners—especially focusing on commercial  CCTV usage—and outlines how you can stay compliant. We’ll wrap up by introducing how CDIT, a leading CCTV company in Riyadh, can help businesses and homeowners install and maintain compliant systems.

1. What are the CCTV LAWS in Saudi Arabia?

The main legislative instrument is the Law of the Use of Security Surveillance Cameras (KSA), which was issued by Royal Decree on 3 October 2022 following a Council of Ministers decision on 27 September 2022.

Key points of the law:

The law covers “security surveillance cameras,” defined as any fixed or mobile device designed to capture moving images under the provisions of the law.

It excludes cameras installed by individuals inside private residential units or compounds (i.e., purely home‑use inside private homes) from its scope.

The scope of application is broad: public and private commercial facilities, shopping centers, healthcare, education, roads and intersections, etc.

The law is accompanied by implementing regulations (Regulations of the Law) that set out further details, such as mandatory signage, installation requirements, retention rules, prohibitions in certain zones, and penalties.

In practice, for businesses in KSA, compliance with this law is now essential — failure to comply can trigger fines and other penalties.

2. Which businesses must install CCTV?

The law lists many categories of “applicable facilities” including: ministries and public institutions; oil & petrochemical facilities; commercial complexes and shopping centres; banks and financial institutions; residential buildings including complexes; public and private health care; highways and intersections; educational institutions; event and festival venues; public & private cultural and recreational facilities; fuel stations; economic and commercial activity areas.

For high‑sensitivity entities (for example, utilities, oil & petrochemical, critical infrastructure), the law mandates direct connection of their CCTV systems to operation rooms via secure networks. Medium and low‑sensitivity entities have less demanding connectivity requirements.

For more typical commercial businesses (shopping centers, offices, warehouses), they fall under the broad “commercial activities / economic and commercial activity areas” clause, meaning they are captured by the law’s obligations.

Thus, if you operate a commercial facility in Saudi Arabia (especially in Riyadh), you should assume the CCTV law applies and ensure your system is compliant.

3. Key obligations for businesses deploying CCTV

For a business installing or operating CCTV systems, here are the main obligations under the law and implementing regulations.

a) Installation, maintenance & operation

1. The system must be installed, maintained, and operated 24/7 (continuous operation) if required.
2. The recordings must be preserved unaltered once an incident is reported and until the investigation is complete.
3. The installation of cameras must often meet technical specifications set by the competent authority. Non‑compliant devices may incur fines.

b) Signage and notification

A visible signboard/sticker must be placed in areas where surveillance cameras are deployed, informing individuals that they are under surveillance.

Recently, law enforcement has issued guidance: a fine of SAR 1,000 is levied for failing to have a visible sign indicating camera monitoring in covered areas.

c) Prohibited locations

The law prohibits ithe nstallation of surveillance cameras in areas where there is a heightened expectation of privacy, for example: changing rooms, medical examination rooms, inpatient rooms, physiotherapy rooms, women’s salons and clubs, toilets, residential units in tourist accommodation, etc.

If a business has any such area within its facility (e.g., a staff changing room, toilet, spa area in a hotel), the CCTV system must not monitor those prohibited zones.

d) Data transfer/publication controls

Transfer or publication of CCTV footage (recordings) is strictly regulated: such recordings may only be transferred or published with the approval of the Ministry of Interior or the Presidency of State Security, or based on a court order or at the request of the competent investigative authority.

Unauthorized transfer or publication is subject to a fine of up to SAR 20,000 (≈ US $5,300) for individuals or entities.

e) Retention of recordings

The system must store recordings for a specified period; failing to do so may incur fines (for example, SAR 5,000 for not retaining for 90 days in one ruling)

Until the investigation is complete, recordings must remain unaltered.

f) Licensing/manufacture/importation

The law prohibits the manufacturing, importing, selling, installing, operating, or maintaining of surveillance cameras without prior approval from the Ministry of Interior or its relevant authority.

4. Penalties for non‑compliance

Commercial operators need to take note of the various fines and sanctions that apply if the law is violated:

• SAR 500 fine for each camera or device that fails to meet technical specifications.
• SAR 1,000 fine for each device not installed according to specification (or failing to display signage).
• SAR 5,000 fine for failing to record or retain footage as required.

• SAR 10,000 fine (in some reports) for installing cameras in prohibited areas.

• SAR 20,000 fine for transferring/publishing recordings without authorization, or for damage/tampering of the system/recordings.

These fines underscore that compliance is not optional for commercial businesses. The reputational and legal risks of non‑compliance are real.

5. Practical considerations for businesses

Given the legal framework, businesses should adopt the following practical steps when installing or managing CCTV systems:

• Pre‑installation audit: determine which areas of your facility fall under the law (shopping zones, offices, warehouses, parking, etc.). Note any excluded zones (e.g., purely private residential units), but assume “commercial activity areas”

• Select a compliant system: ensure the hardware meets technical specs and is approved per Saudi regulations. Consider the connectivity requirement (especially if a high‑sensitivity facility).

• Define coverage areas carefully: avoid prohibited zones (toilets, changing rooms, private residential units in tourist accommodation, etc.).

• Install visible signage: prominently display signs stating that surveillance cameras are in operation — this alone could avoid a SAR 1,000 fine.

• Document retention and access policies: define how long recordings are kept (e.g., 90 days or per requirement), ensure recordings remain unaltered until investigations are complete, and ensure authorized access only.

• Prepare transfer/publication protocols: make sure no recordings are published or transferred without the required approval or court/investigative request.

• Regular maintenance & audit: keep the system functioning 24/7, maintain logs, and ensure devices are performing. If a camera fails or the system is down, you risk losing coverage and possibly non‑

• Training of staff: make sure staff understand who can access footage, what to do in the event of an incident, and what zones cannot be monitored.

• Contract with a professional provider: leveraging an experienced CCTV provider familiar with Saudi regulations helps ensure your installation, maintenance, and ongoing compliance are robust.

Stay updated: regulations may evolve; for instance, new regulations approved by the Council of Ministers in 2025 set updated penalties and broadened obligations.

6. What about homeowners and small residential properties?

While the CCTV law primarily targets commercial and large facilities, homeowners should also be aware of relevant rules:

The law explicitly excludes cameras “installed by individuals inside private residential units and compounds”.

However, if you run a business from home, or your residential property is part of a commercial or mixed‑use activity (for example, a guest‑house, serviced apartment, or tourist accommodation), then you may fall under the law’s provisions. If you use CCTV and share footage (for
example for social media or other publication) You should be cautious because
transferring recordings may still raise privacy or other obligations under
Saudi law or civil liability.

 In summary, while homeowners have fewer specific obligations under the law, it is still wise to adopt disciplined, respectful CCTV practices.

7. Why choose a CCTV specialist company like CDIT in Riyadh?

When installing or maintaining a CCTV system in Saudi Arabia, choosing a compliant and experienced provider is essential. CDIT, a leading CCTV company in Riyadh, offers end-to-end solutions that meet the Law of the Use of Security Surveillance Cameras and its regulations. With deep expertise in Saudi compliance requirements—covering signage, retention, and prohibited zones—CDIT designs tailored surveillance systems for retail, offices, warehouses, hotels, and villas. From installation and configuration to maintenance and audits, CDIT ensures your setup remains effective, secure, and legally compliant. Whether for business or home use, CDIT provides peace of mind by managing every detail with professionalism and regulatory precision.

If you’re looking to install or upgrade a CCTV system in Riyadh (commercial or residential), CDIT offers the experience and regulatory know‑how you need. They can support you from design through installation and ongoing maintenance, ensuring your system is compliant, effective, and future‑proof.