New SCCA Rules: Strengthening The Case For Arbitration In The KSA

On 1 May 2023, the Saudi Centre for Commercial Arbitration ("SCCA") announced the publication of its revised SCCA Arbitration Rules (the "new Rules"). The new Rules apply to all arbitrations filed on or after 1 May 2023. The new Rules replace the first edition of the Rules, which were published in 2016.

One of the main driving factors behind the new Rules is the SCCA's aim of becoming not only a major arbitration centre, but the preferred choice in the region by 2030. Indeed, the new Rules are intended to demonstrate that the KSA is an arbitration-friendly jurisdiction, with a centre and set of Rules that is on a par not only with other centres in the Middle East, but also those around the world.