The Saudi Arbitration Law governs resolving disputes by arbitration instead of the courts: the arbitration agreement, the tribunal, the procedure, the award and its enforcement. Here you will find its issuing decree, a link to read and download the official, amended text, what it covers, and our guides that explain it.
Reviewed by: Ahmed Hasan AlShehriAttorney at USUS Law FirmLast updated:
About the law
| Name | Saudi Arbitration Law |
|---|---|
| Issued by | Royal Decree No. (M/34) dated 24/5/1433H |
| Official text | Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers portal |
| What cannot be arbitrated | It does not apply to personal status matters or matters that cannot be settled |
| Implementing regulations | Its implementing regulations were issued in 1438H |
Download the Saudi Arbitration Law (PDF) and read the official text
The official, amended text is published on the portal of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers, where you can read the articles with their amendments and view the original instrument. The portal's main text is in Arabic.
Read and download the official text
We always link to the official portal rather than a saved copy, because laws are amended and the authoritative version is the current one.
What the law covers
- Scope of the law
- The arbitration agreement and the writing requirement
- Forming the tribunal
- Arbitral procedure
- The award and annulment
- Enforcing the award
Who needs it
- Companies writing an arbitration clause into contracts
- Parties to a commercial dispute who want speed and confidentiality
- Anyone with an arbitral award for or against them
Our guides to this law
Frequently asked questions
Can I download the Saudi Arbitration Law as a PDF?
Yes, from the law's page on the Bureau of Experts portal, which is the official source of the current, amended text.
How do I find the latest amendment?
The law's page on the portal shows its status, the amended articles and the instrument for each amendment, so check it before relying on an older copy.
Does reading the law replace a lawyer?
The text tells you your rights, but applying it to your facts means reading the documents and the deadlines. At Usus Law Firm the first consultation is free.
This page introduces the law and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified lawyer on your case. The reference is the current official text.
Legal review: the Usus Law Firm team
A select team of lawyers and legal advisers licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Justice, working from Riyadh and Tabuk, with experience before the general, commercial, labor, criminal, personal status and administrative courts. Every article is reviewed before publication and updated when laws or regulations change.
Last reviewed: 23 October 2026
This article is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case. Court proceedings in Saudi Arabia are in Arabic; the official Arabic text of each law prevails.
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