Saudis will be able to buy handguns and other personal firearms openly for the first time, the country's interior ministry has anounced.

The ministry also stated that it would license privately-owned gun shops.

Anyone over 25 with a clean criminal record and a bank guarantee of SR 500,000 (some US$133,000) can apply to open a gun store, Arab News reported.

The move is aimed at reining in the widespread illegal ownership of handguns and assault weapons, a Saudi official said.

Hunting and sport shooting weapons are currently sold in specialty stores in Saudi Arabia and all weapons have to be licensed.

The ministry has also announced its decision to give Saudis permission to run shooting clubs.

MGH/MTM/DT