Detention periods in Saudi Arabia are set by the Criminal Procedure Law: 5 days for the first detention order, extendable to 40 days, then to 180 days by order of the Attorney General. After that the accused is referred to court or released, except in exceptional cases where the court orders a longer extension by a reasoned decision. This guide is for a family with a detained relative asking: how long, what are his rights now, and how is release requested?
Reviewed by: Khaled ElnaggarDirector of USUS Law FirmLast updated:
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The periods in order
| Stage | Who decides | Period in the law |
|---|---|---|
| After arrest | Police | No more than 24 hours without the investigator's written order (Art. 33); sent to the investigator within 24 hours (Art. 34) |
| Interrogation | Investigator | Within 24 hours of arrival, then detention or release (Art. 34) |
| First detention order | Investigator | Up to 5 days from arrest (Art. 113) |
| Extension | Head of the Prosecution branch | Successive periods up to 40 days from arrest (Art. 114) |
| Longer extension | Attorney General | Periods of up to 30 days each, up to 180 days in total, then referral or release (Art. 114) |
| Exceptional cases | The court | Further extension by reasoned judicial order (Art. 114) |
When is a person detained?
The investigator orders detention if, after interrogation or if the accused flees, the evidence is sufficient in a major crime, or the investigation requires it (Article 113). The Attorney General, with the Ministry of Interior and State Security, defines which crimes are major crimes requiring detention (Article 112).
Rights of a detainee
- Reason and contact: told at once why he was arrested, with the right to contact someone of his choice (Art. 116).
- A lawyer: the right to a lawyer in investigation and trial (Art. 4). Even if the investigator bans contact and visits, that ban is for at most 60 days and never blocks contact with his lawyer (Art. 119).
- Complaints: he may complain at any time to the prison director, who must pass it to the Public Prosecution (Art. 39).
- No unlawful detention: anyone aware of an unlawful detention may inform the Prosecution, which must investigate and release (Art. 40).
- Credit and compensation: time in detention is deducted from the sentence, and anyone harmed by a malicious accusation or detention beyond the lawful period may claim compensation (Art. 215).
Requesting release
The investigator may release at any time if detention is not justified, release does not harm the investigation and flight is not feared (Art. 120). After referral, release is for the court (Art. 123). See release on bail.
What the family should do now
- Note the exact date of arrest: every period runs from it.
- Find out where he is held and the charge.
- Instruct a lawyer to attend the investigation, follow each extension and file a reasoned release request.
- Gather proof of work, residence and family circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
How long can someone be detained in Saudi Arabia?
The first order is up to 5 days, extendable to 40 days from arrest by the Prosecution branch head, then to 180 days by the Attorney General, then referral or release, save exceptional extensions ordered by the court (Articles 113 and 114).
Can a detainee be cut off from his family?
He may contact someone at arrest (Article 116). The investigator may ban contact and visits for up to 60 days if the investigation requires, but never contact with his lawyer (Article 119).
Is detention deducted from the sentence?
Yes (Article 215).
Can I claim compensation for long detention?
Anyone harmed by a malicious accusation or by detention beyond the lawful period may claim compensation (Article 215).
A relative in detention?
Usus Law Firm follows detention periods and release requests from day one, in Riyadh and Tabuk, in English and Arabic. See criminal lawyer in Riyadh.
Articles cited are from the Law of Criminal Procedure (Royal Decree M/2 of 22/1/1435H). Always check the current official text.
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: 19 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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