1. What is the legal framework governing bribery in the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia (KSA)?
In KSA, bribery and corruption are governed by several distinct
and overlapping laws. However, the Anti-Bribery Law (promulgated
pursuant to Royal Decree M/36 dated 29/12/1412H corresponding to
July 1, 1992), is the key piece of legislation that prohibits
bribery of public officials in KSA and KSA recently expanded its
anti-bribery legislation to the private sector by way of Royal
Decree 4 of 1440 in March 2019.
2. What constitutes a bribe?
A bribe is not expressly defined under the Anti-Bribery Law,
however, the constituent parts of the bribery offences under the
Anti-Bribery Law broadly indicate that a bribe is a gift, financial
or other advantage offered or received directly or indirectly, to
induce or reward the improper performance of a person's
professional duty.
