A doctor, nurse or pharmacist assaulted or insulted at work? Assaulting a health practitioner in Saudi Arabia is a crime, whether verbal or physical, and the authorities treat it seriously. Here is the penalty as announced by the Ministry of Health, what an assaulted practitioner should do, and what matters in the defence.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Penalty as announced by the Ministry of Health | Up to ten years' prison and a fine of up to SAR 1 million |
| Forms of assault | Verbal and physical are both crimes, per the Ministry |
| Practitioner's private right | Compensation, and arsh or diya where there is injury |
Reviewed by: Ahmad Farag Al-Sayed MuhammadHead of the Criminal Department at USUS Law FirmLast updated:
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What counts as assault?
The Ministry of Health announced that verbal or physical assault on a health practitioner is a crime and that the penalty may reach ten years' prison and a SAR 1 million fine. This covers hitting, pushing, threats, abuse and insults during or because of work. The Public Prosecution has treated assaults on health practitioners as major crimes requiring detention.
If you were assaulted
- Report it to the facility management and ask them to preserve camera footage; note witnesses.
- Get a medical report for any injury.
- File a report with the police or through Kollona Amn.
- Do not waive your private right on a verbal promise; any settlement should be written.
Frequently asked questions
What is the penalty for assaulting a health practitioner in Saudi Arabia?
According to the Ministry of Health, up to ten years' prison and a fine of up to SAR 1 million; verbal and physical assault are both crimes.
Does a waiver end the case?
A waiver ends the private right, not the public right.
Usus Law Firm handles assault cases for victims and the accused. See our criminal lawyer in Riyadh.
Legal review: the Usus Law Firm team
A select team of lawyers and legal advisers licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Justice, working from Riyadh and Tabuk, with experience before the general, commercial, labor, criminal, personal status and administrative courts. Every article is reviewed before publication and updated when laws or regulations change.
Last reviewed: 28 October 2026
This article is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case. Court proceedings in Saudi Arabia are in Arabic; the official Arabic text of each law prevails.
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