LogoRegulatory Alerts
2019-06-09

Extending Working Hours of Bank Branches Located in Pilgrims Gathering Areas Near the Two Holy Mosques

The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority has approved the extension of working hours for bank branches located in pilgrims' gathering areas near the Two Holy Mosques during the 1440 AH Hajj season, effective from 18/11 to 14/12 AH. Participating branches must operate up to four continuous extended hours beyond official schedules, ensure adequate staffing, publicly advertise their new hours, comply with the Labor Law and its executive regulations, and submit a final list of extended-branch locations to the Authority. This directive supports Saudi Vision 2030's objectives for expanding Hajj and Umrah services by enhancing banking accessibility for pilgrims.

Saudi Central Bank logo

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Central Bank

Click to view thumbnail

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority Headquarters

Banking Policy Department

Reference No.:59608 / 67
Date:1440/10/06 AH
Attachments:None

Circular

To: ................................................................................................. Respected Banks

Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you,

Subject: Extending Working Hours of Branches in Pilgrims' Gathering Areas Near the Two Holy Mosques.

Pursuant to Article 16 of the Banking Control Law, and in continuation of the Authority's Circular No. 35487/BA/586 dated 1427/10/9 AH regarding bank working hours for the public, and in pursuit of the Authority's collaboration with banks to achieve the objectives outlined in Saudi Vision 2030 concerning the expansion of Hajj and Umrah services.

Please be informed that the extension of working hours for branches located in pilgrims' gathering areas near the Two Holy Mosques during the Hajj season of 1440 AH has been approved, effective from 1440/11/18 AH to 1440/12/14 AH, subject to the following conditions:

  1. The branch must be located in a pilgrims' gathering area near the Two Holy Mosques.
  2. The extended working hours shall not exceed four continuous hours beyond the official working hours.
  3. Sufficient bank staff must be available during the extended working hours.
  4. The branch's working hours must be advertised through appropriate communication channels.
  5. The addition of working hours must not violate the provisions of the Labor Law and its executive regulations.
  6. The Authority must be provided with a list of branches whose working hours have been extended.

Yours sincerely,

Fahd bin Ibrahim Al-Shathri Deputy Governor for Supervision

Distribution Scope:

  • Banks and financial institutions operating in the Kingdom

P.O. Box 2992, Riyadh 11469 | Telex: Markazi | Fax: 404400 | Tel: 4633000 | Fax: 4662414

Share