Al-Khoya is a traditional practice from the Arabian Peninsula that Saudi kings have continued to preserve. They are employees of a lower rank than the Royal Guard, who are always seen around the kings. They are characterized by dedication, loyalty, and brotherhood, and they perform security and service tasks for the king.
During the reign of the Founding King Abdulaziz Bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, al-Khoya were divided into fifteen groups, alternating around the clock in the palace in a system called "al-Khabar." In 1965, al-Khoya were integrated into the Ministry of Interior.
Al-Khoya attire
Al-Khoya used to wear ordinary clothes, over which they would don a "Zaboun" or "Daghla." In the summer, they wore the "Sayah", a belt, and a "Mujanad", carrying rifles to perform their duties. For special occasions, such as al-Ardah and receiving delegations, they wore embroidered garments with golden threads known as "Dawaira" or "Turkiyah."
Al-Khoya ranks
King Abdulaziz used to personally select al-Khoya and determine their rank, as they had different levels and grades. The highest-ranking al-Khoya would accompany the king throughout the day, even in his palace. The lower-ranking al-Khoya would attend during the king's sitting times. Their compensation was in the form of "Sharha", given on special occasions, and "Barwa" and "Kiswa," as they did not receive regular salaries. The concept of a monthly salary was not known during the early years of King Abdulaziz's rule. An office responsible for al-Khoya affairs was established in al-Murabba Palace.
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