Disability in Saudi Arabia

Doing the Hajj in a wheelchair, 2009.
A 2009 Hajj pilgrim in a wheelchair

Disability in Saudi Arabia is seen through the lens of Islamic Sharia, through cultural norms and also through legislation. As an Islamic society that follows the Qur'an and the Sunnah, disability is often seen through the lens of religion.[1] Islam teaches that people with disabilities are to be treated with respect and equality. However, Saudi Arabia tends to view disability through the medical model, rather than the social model.[2] In addition, there are few studies relating to people with disabilities in Saudi Arabia compared to other countries.[3]

Article 27 of the Saudi Basic Law states: " The State shall guarantee the rights of the citizens and their families in cases of emergency, illness, disability and old age. The State shall support the Social Insurance Law and encourage organizations and individuals to participate in philanthropic activities".[4] The National Transformation Program 2020 states that one of the program's 37 goals is to integrate people with disability in the labor market.[5]

  1. ^ Alquraini 2011, p. 152.
  2. ^ Mulazadeh & Al-Harbi 2016, p. 124.
  3. ^ Al-Jadid 2013, p. 455.
  4. ^ "Protecting the rights of Saudis with disabilities". Arab News. 2017-12-26. Retrieved 2019-02-10.
  5. ^ "Saudi Arabia's social protection system to ensure equitable distribution". Arab News. 2019-02-15. Retrieved 2019-02-17.