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ARTICLE · 13 JULY 2012

Saudi Arbitration Law Takes A Big Step Forward

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Today, 9 July, Saudi Arabia, the largest economy in the Middle East, takes a big step forward with its new Arbitration Law consisting of 58 new articles.

Saudi ArabiaLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Raid Abu-Manneh
Raid Abu-Manneh
Wisam Sirhan
Wisam Sirhan
Mark King
Mark King
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Originally published 9 July, 2012

Keywords: Saudi Arabia, arbitral award, UNCITRAL model law

Today, 9 July, Saudi Arabia, the largest economy in the Middle East, takes a big step forward with its new Arbitration Law consisting of 58 new articles. Broadly in line with the UNCITRAL Model Law, it replaces its 1983 predecessor and brings Saudi Arabia in line with other countries in the region. The key changes set out below are significant improvements to arbitration in the Kingdom.

Key changes

  • Court intervention axed

    Parties to arbitrations no longer have to file their arbitration agreement with the court so that it can supervise the arbitration process. This should significantly speed up arbitrations.

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