Kingdom’s new civil law ‘a quantum leap’ for legal system

Lawyer Dr. Saud Al-Ammari. (Supplied)
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Updated 17 December 2023
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Kingdom’s new civil law ‘a quantum leap’ for legal system

  • Legislation codifies ‘many Shariah principles,’ lawyer Saud Al-Ammari says
  • Civil Transactions Law was approved by Saudi Cabinet in June

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday implemented its new Civil Transactions Law, in what one expert described as a “quantum leap” in the nation’s legal system.

The groundbreaking legislation, which was approved by the Saudi Cabinet in June, is a key component of the Vision 2030 reform plan and seeks to ensure the Kingdom has a clear, fair and transparent legal system amid a period of rapid development.

Written to reflect Islamic values, the law covers such areas as the regulation of financial transactions, and compensation for damage caused to property or persons. It also sets out definitions for contracts, including their validity, termination and all aspects of ownership.

Lawyer Dr. Saud Al-Ammari, who manages a law firm and has trained in both Saudi Arabia and the US, said the new legislation was part of a significant upgrading of the Kingdom’s judicial system and introduced a wide-ranging set of laws and regulations.

“This marks a milestone as the first codification of civil law in the Kingdom,” he said. “Previously, civil law matters in Saudi Arabia were governed by courts’ interpretations of Shariah-based guidelines and principles.”

Its introduction was as “a quantum leap in the Saudi legal system,” he said.

“While the civil law does not violate Shariah, the codification of many Shariah principles enhances the judicial system’s consistency and predictability. Specifically, the new law focuses on contractual and property rights, tort and other commercial and personal injury matters,” Al-Ammari said.

“It stabilizes transactions, reduces the causes of contract invalidation and termination, and expands contractual freedom. In addition, it speeds up the process of resolving disputes and reduces variation in judicial rulings.”

He added that the law would provide both domestic and foreign investors with a clear, consistent and modern legal framework for conducting business in the Kingdom.

“In addition to guiding the way to proper contract drawing, it limits causes of contract invalidation and speeds up the process of resolving contractual disputes,” he said.

“As for dispute resolution, the law encourages alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration, to resolve disputes efficiently and amicably. The Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration has distinguished itself globally with best in class institutional arbitration rules for handling mediation and resolving disputes via arbitration.”

Al-Ammari, who with colleague Amnah Kidwai prepared a research paper for Chambers and Partners on the new law, said that a significant feature of the new legislation was “good faith, which requires the parties to act honestly, reasonably and with integrity when fulfilling their contractual obligations.”

“As for the application of this law in courts, there should be no issues whatsoever. I know that Saudi judges and lawyers are well trained and can readily adapt to the application of the new law.”


Saudi leadership approves over SR3bn of Ramadan aid disbursement

Updated 18 March 2025
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Saudi leadership approves over SR3bn of Ramadan aid disbursement

  • Initiative part of government’s efforts to improve quality of life, enhance standard of living

RIYADH: The Saudi leadership has approved the disbursement of over SR3 billion ($800 million) to social security beneficiaries as part of an aid initiative during the holy month of Ramadan.

Under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the scheme will address the needs of beneficiary families and fulfill their requirements during Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Over SR3 billion will be given as follows: each breadwinner will receive SR1,000, and each dependent in the household will receive SR500. The funds will be deposited directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries on Tuesday, March 18, the SPA said.

Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmad bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for helping to provide citizens with a decent livelihood.

The initiative is part of the Saudi government’s efforts to improve the quality of life and enhance the standard of living for social security beneficiaries, especially during Ramadan, the SPA added.


Nearly 11m iftar meals served at Two Holy Mosques during first half of Ramadan

Updated 18 March 2025
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Nearly 11m iftar meals served at Two Holy Mosques during first half of Ramadan

  • Number iftar meals provided during Ramadan to has increased this year due to growth in the number of Umrah pilgrims at Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque, officials say

MAKKAH: Saudi authorities provided almost 11 million iftar meals to Umrah pilgrims and other worshippers at the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madina during the first half of Ramadan.

The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque said on Monday, the 17th day of Ramadan, it has provided 10,822,999 iftar meals and 10,290,000 packets of dates so far during the holy month, which is a time of worship for Muslims during which they fast from sunrise to sunset.

The authority said the number of iftar meals it provides during Ramadan to pilgrims performing Umrah, and other visitors to the mosques, has increased this year due to growth in the number of pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The food is served in designated iftar areas at the mosques, in adherence with strict health standards to ensure the safety of worshippers, it added.

In the run-up to the holy month, the authority introduced an online service through which individuals, charitable organizations and endowments could submit requests to donate iftar meals at the Grand Mosque, the SPA added.


Palestinian, Egyptian envoys awarded with King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class

Palestinian and Egyptian ambassadors to Saudi Arabia are awarded with the King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class on Monday. SPA
Updated 17 March 2025
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Palestinian, Egyptian envoys awarded with King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class

  • Basem Al-Agha and Ahmed Farouk Tawfiq were given the awards for their efforts to strengthen relations between their countries and the Kingdom

RIYADH: The Palestinian and Egyptian ambassadors to Saudi Arabia were awarded with the King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class on Monday. 

Basem Al-Agha and Ahmed Farouk Tawfiq were given the awards for their efforts to strengthen relations between their countries and the Kingdom, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji awarded the sashes on the directive of King Salman, SPA added. 


Saudi Culinary Arts Academy receives full institutional accreditation

Updated 17 March 2025
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Saudi Culinary Arts Academy receives full institutional accreditation

  • The accreditation follows an agreement signed on March 10 between the academy and the Education and Training Evaluation Commission

RIYADH: The Saudi Culinary Arts Academy (ZADC) was awarded a full institutional accreditation certificate on Sunday, with the support of Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Governor of the Eastern Province.

The recognition was granted during the inauguration ceremony of the academy’s new building on March 16.

The accreditation follows an agreement signed on March 10 between the academy and the Education and Training Evaluation Commission to implement institutional accreditation processes.

The achievement underscored ZADC’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and excellence in culinary education and training.

By equipping national talents with specialized skills, the academy aims to contribute to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality sector.

The achievement also aligns with the broader efforts of the Education and Training Evaluation Commission to ensure quality and excellence in education and training institutions across the Kingdom.


Saudi Foreign Ministry hosts Iftar reception for diplomats and international organizations

Updated 17 March 2025
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Saudi Foreign Ministry hosts Iftar reception for diplomats and international organizations

  • Several senior ministry officials attended

RIYADH: Under the patronage of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and in the presence of Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji, the Foreign Ministry hosted a gathering of the heads of diplomatic missions, regional offices, and international organizations accredited to the Kingdom to mark the holy month of Ramadan.

The ministry hosted an iftar reception at its headquarters in Riyadh, and those attending, which included several senior ministry officials, exchanged Ramadan greetings and engaged in cordial discussions, enhancing communication with diplomatic missions in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.