In a decisive move to safeguard national and cultural identity, Saudi Arabia has issued a sweeping ban on the commercial use of symbols and logos tied to countries, as well as religious and sectarian emblems. The directive, introduced by Commerce Minister Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi, aims to curb exploitation and uphold respect for these symbols.
Under the new regulation, businesses found misusing such emblems will face penalties aligned with municipal violation laws. The enforcement window begins 90 days after the directive’s publication in the official gazette, granting companies time to comply before sanctions take effect.
This action follows an earlier prohibition on incorporating Saudi Arabia’s national flag, its emblem of crossed swords and palm tree, and names or images of national leaders into commercial ventures. Items such as branded merchandise, promotional materials, and customized gifts are explicitly included in the ban.
By extending protections to global and sectarian symbols, the move underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preventing misuse in commerce, fostering a climate of integrity and respect in the marketplace.
