All airspace in which a potential hazard to aircraft operations may exist and all areas over which the operation of civil aircraft may, for one reason or another be restricted either temporarily or permanently, are classified according to the following three types of areas as defined by ICAO.

An airspace of defined dimensions, above the land areas or territorial waters of a State, within which the flight of aircraft is prohibited. This term is used only when the flight of civil aircraft within the designated airspace is not permitted at any time under any circumstances.

An airspace of defined dimensions, above the land areas or territorial waters of a State, within which the flight of aircraft is restricted in accordance with certain specified conditions. This term is used whenever the flight of civil aircraft within the designated airspace is not absolutely prohibited but may be made only if specified conditions are complied with. Thus, prohibition of flight except at certain specified times leads to the designation of the airspace as a "restricted area" as would prohibition except in certain meteorological conditions. Similarly, prohibition of flight, unless special permission has been obtained, leads to the designation of a restricted area. However, conditions of flight imposed as a result of application of rules of the air or air traffic service practice or procedures (for example, compliance with minimum safe heights or with rules stemming from the establishment of controlled airspace) do not constitute conditions calling for designation as a restricted area.

An area of defined dimensions within which activities dangerous to the flight of aircraft may exist at specified times. This term is used only when the potential danger to aircraft has not led to the designation of the airspace as restricted or prohibited. The effect of the creation of the danger area is to caution operators or pilots of aircraft that it is necessary for them to assess the dangers in relation to their responsibility for the safety of their aircraft.
 
The type of area involved is indicated by the letter "P" for Prohibited. "R" for Restricted and "D" for Danger, preceded by the nationality letters "OE". For example, areas are assigned numbers and letters in the following manner: 0EP07, 0ER08, 0ED12 etc.
Each area is described in the tabulation hereafter, which indicates its lateral and vertical limits, the type of restriction or hazard involved, the times at which it applies and other pertinent information. These areas are also shown on the Index Chart using the chart symbols in the following examples:   The upper and lower limits are shown in the manner indicated. Altitudes are given in feet. Note 1 : The coordinates of all the areas starts from the Northeast corner, clockwise to the starting point. Note 2 : Several prohibited, restricted and danger areas are established within Saudi Arabian territory, few of which interfere with normal air traffic. Activation of areas subject to intermittent use is notified well in advance by NOTAM, giving reference only to the designation of the area.