My Relative Was Arrested in Saudi Arabia: The First 48 Hours

A relative has been arrested and you do not know where or why? This is a step-by-step guide to the first 48 hours after an arrest in Saudi Arabia, with the rights written in the Criminal Procedure Law.

Reviewed by: Raghad Mamdouh Al-KhamshiLegal Affairs Manager at USUS Law FirmLast updated: 29 October 2026

First 24 hours

• No arrest without an order from the competent authority except in flagrante (Art. 35).
• The person is told the reasons and may contact whoever they choose (Art. 116).
• No one is held more than 24 hours without a written order from the investigator; questioning within 24 hours, then detention or release (Arts. 33-34).
• A lawyer may attend the investigation (Art. 65).

Detention periods

First order up to 5 days (Art. 113); extension up to 40 days from arrest, then by the Attorney General in 30-day periods up to 180 days (Art. 114). Release is possible at any time if detention is not justified (Art. 120).

Frequently asked questions

My relative was arrested in Saudi Arabia. What should I do first?

Find out the authority, the charge and the place of detention; make no statements and hand over no devices before speaking to a lawyer; prepare proof of work and residence for a release request.

See detention periods, release on bail and our criminal lawyer in Riyadh.

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.