Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Ministry of Interior’s Civil Affairs Agency has announced amendments to certain articles of the executive regulations of the Civil Status Law, specifically articles 40, 41, and 43.

The changes pertain to the modification of first names and the alteration or deletion of family, or tribal names as part of the ongoing review of regulations and instructions.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Civil Affairs explained that individuals over the age of 18 can now change their first names for the first time or revert to their previous names.

Regarding the deletion of parts of a name, individuals can remove family, tribal, or second grandparent names, provided that the deletion does not result in a name with fewer than four parts in the civil registry.

Additionally, the deletion should not be based on naturalization procedures, special nationality grant decisions, or be prohibited by any specific orders.

The modification of family, or tribal names must be in accordance with Saudi documents that confirm the identity of the father, grandfather, brother, uncle, or son.

Exceptions to this include completing a four-part name in the civil registry and correcting inappropriate or linguistic errors in names.