Saudi legal reforms ‘to speed access to justice’

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Updated 08 February 2021
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Saudi legal reforms ‘to speed access to justice’

  • Crown Prince says previous discrepancies in court rulings hurt many — especially women
  • Sweeping reforms will bring clarity and consistency to legal process

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia is to implement sweeping reforms to the legal system to eliminate inconsistency, speed up verdicts and make the Kingdom’s judicial institutions more efficient.

At the heart of the reforms are four new draft laws — a Personal Status Law, a Civil Transactions Law, a Penal Code for Discretionary Sanctions, and a Law of Evidence.

The new laws would eliminate discrepancies and ensure consistency in court rulings, improve the reliability of oversight mechanisms, and clarify accountability, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said.

The crown prince said discrepancies in court rulings had led to a lack of clarity, which had hurt many people, mostly women. “The absence of applicable legislation has led to discrepancies in decisions and a lack of clarity in the principles governing facts and practices,” he said.

“That resulted in prolonged litigation not based on legal texts. In addition, the absence of a clear legal framework for private and business sectors has led to ambiguity with respect to obligations.

“This was painful for many individuals and families, especially women. It also permitted some people to evade their responsibilities. This will not take place again.”

A previous draft Code of Judicial Decisions was insufficient to meet society’s needs and expectations, the crown prince said. The new draft laws will be submitted to the Council of Ministers for review before being sent to the Shoura Council, and are expected to be finalized this year.

The crown prince said the Kingdom had taken major steps in recent years to develop its legislative environment.  The aim was to preserve rights, entrench the principles of justice and transparency, protect human rights and achieve sustainable development.

The new laws adopt international judicial practices and standards in a manner that does not contradict Sharia principles, the crown prince said.

Saudi Justice Minister Dr. Walid bin Mohammed Al-Samaani, president of the Supreme Judicial Council, said the new penal code would enhance the application of justice in criminal cases.

It was based on strong legal principles and modern legal practice, he said, classifying crimes into different categories according to their nature, magnitude and consequences, and the penalties applicable in each case.

Saudi lawyer Dimah Al-Sharif told Arab News the reforms would “contribute to an unprecedented standardization of the system of rulings,” particularly in relation to family law. “We will bid farewell to the wide and indefinite scope of discretion that a judge enjoys,” she said.

At the moment, she said, there were often wide discrepancies in judicial rulings on different cases in which the facts and circumstances were essentially the same. The reforms, she said, “will play a huge role in empowering not only women, but the whole of society.”


Pakistan’s prime minister arrives in Jeddah

Updated 19 March 2025
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Pakistan’s prime minister arrives in Jeddah

  • Saudi ambassador to Islamabad attends reception

JEDDAH: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Jeddah on Wednesday with his accompanying delegation.

Prince Saud bin Meshaal bin Abdulaziz, deputy governor of the Makkah Region, welcomed Sharif at King Abdulaziz International Airport.

Saudi Ambassador to Islamabad Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki also attended the reception alongside other senior officials from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.


Egyptian child with parasitic twin arrives in Saudi Arabia for possible separation surgery

Updated 19 March 2025
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Egyptian child with parasitic twin arrives in Saudi Arabia for possible separation surgery

  • Parents thank the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program and the Kingdom’s leaders for their help and the care and attention their son has received
  • The boy was taken to King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh for assessment by a medical team led by Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah

RIYADH: Mohammed Abdulrahman Juma, a child from Egypt with a parasitic twin, flew with his family to Riyadh on Wednesday for examination by a Saudi medical team to assess whether separation surgery is possible.

It followed directives from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that the Kingdom help care for the child.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, the head of the medical team at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital, and also an advisor to the Royal Court and Saudi aid agency KSrelief, thanked the Kingdom’s leaders for their support of this humanitarian case. He also acknowledged their backing of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, which provides assistance to critical cases worldwide.

Mohammed’s parents said they deeply appreciated the help provided by the program and the Saudi leaders, and the care and attention they have received, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

A parasitic twin, also known as vestigial twin, is an identical twin that stopped developing during gestation but is physically attached to the fully developed twin. Because it is not fully developed, it cannot survive on its own and often dies in the womb or during birth.


Diriyah program to empower, upskill local community

Fifth Diriyah Graduate Development Program has been launched to equip local talent with essential skills and knowledge.
Updated 19 March 2025
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Diriyah program to empower, upskill local community

  • Enhance technical, behavioral skills with hands-on experience and training in key sectors 

RIYADH: The fifth Diriyah Graduate Development Program has been launched to equip local talent with essential skills and knowledge to assist in the transformation of the location and the Kingdom. 

As a part of its efforts to empower and upskill the Diriyah community, the program focuses on personal and professional development while fostering a connection to the operating firm’s values, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

Launched by Diriyah Co., the program offers graduates an educational experience enhanced through collaboration with experts, consultants, and management institutes. It is designed for bachelor’s and master’s graduates with up to one year of experience. 

Aligned with the goals of Vision 2030, participants will build both behavioral and technical skills, paving the way for strong career prospects in a dynamic work environment, the SPA reported. 

The program includes competitive monthly stipends, housing and transportation allowances, health insurance, and social insurance registration. 

Participants will also have opportunities for secondments with leading consulting firms, international training at renowned educational institutions, and paid annual leave. 

Since its launch, the program has benefited 101 graduates, with nearly 30,000 applications received across four editions, the SPA reported. 

Participants gain hands-on experience by rotating through key departments including finance, marketing, human resources, legal affairs, and governance.

They also receive specialized training in fields including data management, cybersecurity, and risk management.

Registration for the program is now open and will remain available until April 13.

Through this initiative, Diriyah Co. continues to invest in its community, nurturing the next generation of leaders and supporting the Kingdom’s progress, the SPA reported.


Saudi Arabia gears up for dazzling Eid Al-Fitr celebrations

Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority has issued Eid Al-Fitr Events 2025 details, featuring a wide range of activities
Updated 19 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia gears up for dazzling Eid Al-Fitr celebrations

  • GEA unveils range of family-friendly activities, including concerts, theatrical performances, across the Kingdom
  • Fireworks will illuminate the night sky at 9 p.m. in key locations in major cities

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority has issued Eid Al-Fitr Events 2025 details, featuring a wide range of activities to mark the occasion.

GEA has unveiled a nationwide celebration featuring concerts, theatrical performances, fireworks, and a variety of activities across the Kingdom's entertainment zones, offering unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Musical concerts will take place in Riyadh, Shaqra, Abha, Qassim, Jeddah, and Eastern Region cities, while theatrical productions will take center stage in Riyadh (April 1-19), Jeddah (April 1-6), and Dammam (April 1-3).

Fireworks will illuminate the night sky at 9 p.m. in key locations, including Boulevard World in Riyadh, Jeddah Art Promenade, Alkhobar Corniche, and Arruddaf Park in Taif.

Eid celebrations will kick off on day one at Riyadh's Boulevard City, Boulevard World, VIA Riyadh, and Jeddah Art Promenade, with City Hub in Alkhobar hosting festivities on day two, providing diverse and family-friendly entertainment.

The events underscore GEA's dedication to celebrating Eid and advancing the Kingdom's entertainment sector.


Saudi Arabia’s AgriServ receives 8 ISO certifications for quality in agriculture

Updated 19 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s AgriServ receives 8 ISO certifications for quality in agriculture

  • Company recognized for meeting international quality, safety standards

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Company for Agricultural Services was awarded certifications from the International Organization for Standardization on Wednesday.

AgriServ, which provides services to farmers, breeders and agricultural enterprises, received eight ISO certifications for achieving quality standards and meeting international specifications of safety and efficiency.

Abdulrahman Al-Fadli, minister of environment, water and agriculture, and chairman of AgriServ, was present at the award ceremony.

The company obtained certifications in eight categories: anti-bribery, compliance, information security, quality, energy, environment, occupational health and safety, and customer satisfaction, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Omar Al-Suhaibani, CEO of AgriServ, said that the achievement was a result of the company’s efforts to enhance internal procedures and implement the highest quality standards.

He highlighted AgriServ’s commitment to international standards in its regulations, policies and procedures, the SPA added.