Law of Saudi Decorations

The Law of Saudi Decorations is a law that introduces decorations and their degrees within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Decorations are awarded by Royal Orders to kings, heads of state, and both national and international civil and military figures. These medals serve as honorary or commemorative tokens, recognizing significant contributions, celebrating important events, or marking occasions of national importance. The law was issued on May 4, 2013, and comprises sixteen articles.

First-degree decorations are the Great Chain of Badr and the Collar of the Order of King Abdulaziz. Second-degree decorations include the King Abdulaziz Sash and the King Abdulaziz Sash (second class). The Order of King Abdulaziz is ranked a third-degree decoration, whereas the Order of King Saud, Order of King Faisal, Order of King Khalid, Order of King Fahd, Order of King Abdullah, and Order of King Salman are fourth-degree decorations.

As per Article Three of the law, the Great Chain of Badr, the Collar of the Order of King Abdulaziz, the King Abdulaziz Sash, the King Abdulaziz Sash (second class), and the Order of King Abdulaziz are honorary or commemorative tokens, or both.

The Great Chain of Badr and the Collar of the Order of King Abdulaziz are the highest honors in the Kingdom, reserved exclusively for kings and heads of state. They are worn by the King of the Kingdom upon his allegiance ceremony as king. The King Abdulaziz Sash is bestowed upon members of the trusteeship councils, individuals of similar rank, crown princes, and royal family members, as well as prime ministers, parliamentary speakers, and officials of equivalent standing.

The King Abdulaziz Sash (second class) is awarded to both Saudi and foreign ministers and ambassadors who have rendered exceptional and distinguished services to the state. The Order of King Abdulaziz is divided into five classes: Special Class, First Class, Second Class, Third Class, and Fourth Class. This medal is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the state or its institutions, carried out morally valuable services, or made notable sacrifices.

The Order of King Abdulaziz of the Special Class is awarded to those appointed as ministers, those holding ministerial rank or equivalent positions, and ambassadors representing the Kingdom abroad. The Order of King Abdulaziz of the First Class is granted to individuals appointed to the rank of excellence or equivalent, as well as those selected as members of the Shura Council.

The Order of King Saud, Order of King Faisal, Order of King Fahd, Order of King Fahd, Order of King Abdullah, and Order of King Salman are all appreciation medals, ranked as the fourth degree among Saudi decorations. Each order consists of three classes and is awarded on National Day to individuals who have made significant achievements or demonstrated exceptional and distinguished contributions. Ministries, government agencies, and civil society organizations can nominate deserving candidates, based on recommendations from a committee led by the minister or head of the respective agency. Nominations must be submitted to the Prime Minister at least three months prior to National Day.

The Order of King Saud recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence in civil service, the judiciary, economics, finance, liberal professions, and those who have performed heroic acts of valor. The Order of King Faisal honors achievements in service to Islam, diplomacy, military, and security sectors. The Order of King Khalid celebrates contributions to the Arabic language, national heritage, environmental protection, and urban development.

The Order of King Fahd is awarded to those who excel in science, arts, literature, medicine, education, scientific research, and sustainable development, as well as individuals with significant initiatives aimed at serving Muslims, promoting the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet, fostering Arab solidarity, enhancing international security and stability, and ensuring national security.

The Order of King Abdullah recognizes excellence in humanitarian initiatives, social development, Arab and Islamic unity, upholding justice and tolerance, advancing technology and communications, and fostering administrative development.

The Order of King Salman is awarded for achievements in national, Arab, and Islamic history, library services, manuscript preservation, media and culture, tourism development, and significant contributions to charitable and relief efforts.

According to Article Ten of the Law of Saudi Decorations, ministries, government agencies, and civil society organizations can nominate individuals they consider suitable for an honor on National Day, as stipulated in Article Nine of this law. This process is based on the recommendation of a committee led by the relevant minister or agency head. Nominations are limited to those who have demonstrated exceptional and distinguished contributions. Nominations are submitted to the Prime Minister at least three months prior to National Day, with the recipients of the honor announced during the National Day celebrations each year. The law's Implementing Regulations define the members of the nomination committees, as well as the necessary conditions, procedures, and required documentation.

A decoration can only be revoked through a justified Royal Order. In exceptional circumstances, it is permissible to award the honor posthumously to individuals who are deserving.