JEDDAH: Saudis will be able to buy handguns and other personal firearms openly for the first time after the Ministry of Interior said Saturday it will license privately owned gun shops.
Anyone over 25 with a clean criminal record and a bank guarantee of SR500,000 can apply to open a gun store, the ministry said. An official said the move is aimed in part at reining in the widespread illegal ownership of handguns and assault weapons.
Hunting and sport shooting weapons are currently sold in specialty stores and all weapons have to be licensed. The conditions for carrying firearms include a fresh antecedents certificate and a copy of the civil status card accompanied by three photos.
There are no statistics on how many guns exist in private hands in the Kingdom. But in the six months leading up to July this year Riyadh police said they had seized 1,091 weapons and more than 13,200 pieces of ammunition in the area.
Applicants need to apply within 60 days of the ministry’s notification and fulfill all its conditions.
At the end of last month the ministry also announced its decision to give Saudis permission to start shooting clubs. Interested people were asked to contact the Directorate of Arms and Explosives in the ministry to apply for permits within three months from the date of the notification, subject to meeting particular criteria.
One of its requirements is that the club should be away from civil establishments, residential districts, schools, hospitals, markets, petrol stations and gas warehouses. The club’s warehouse should also have security measures installed, such as detection and warning systems.
There is a SR1,000 fine for anyone who carries arms in places where they are prohibited, such as the Two Holy Mosques, other mosques and military zones, government offices, airports, schools and public gatherings. Unlicensed possession of firearms incurs a punishment of eight months jail and a SR6,000 fine.
More serious violations of firearms and ammunitions regulations carry a prison sentence of up to 30 years and a fine of up to SR300,000.
