Saudi Arabia eyes fines for illegal use of state-owned properties in holy sites

Dubai: Saudi Arabia is studying a proposal to introduce financial penalties for individuals or entities that misuse properties belonging to the Ministry of Finance or other government bodies under its oversight within the Kingdom’s holy sites, according to a new report issued by the General Auditing Bureau, Okaz newspaper reported.

Under the proposal, violators would also be required to pay full rental fees for the entire period in which the property was used without authorization.

The report highlights that all courts in the Kingdom hold jurisdiction over disputes tied to Resolution No. (62/M), the legal framework governing the use of state assets and their revenue streams.

The measure aims to reinforce regulatory compliance and safeguard public property, particularly in areas considered sensitive due to their religious and national significance.

A specialized committee has already been convened to identify properties being used without valid contracts and to conduct on-the-ground assessments of their status within the holy sites, as well as across government-owned locations overseen by the Ministry of Finance.

According to the report, legal procedures are currently underway to address these violations. The proposed measures are part of the General Auditing Bureau’s broader effort to strengthen the management of state assets, prevent revenue leakage, and curb irregularities that could compromise the proper use and protection of properties located in or around the holy sites.