The Saudi Civil Transactions Law sets the general rules on contracts, obligations, compensation for harm and ownership, and is the reference for dealings between people. 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: Rakan Jameel Al-DubaisiFounder & CEO of USUS Law FirmLast updated:
About the law
| Name | Saudi Civil Transactions Law |
|---|---|
| Issued by | Royal Decree No. (M/191) dated 29/11/1444H |
| Official text | Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers portal |
| Time limits | Periods and deadlines are counted by the Hijri calendar |
Download the Saudi Civil Transactions 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
- General provisions, persons and property
- Obligations and their sources
- Contracts: formation, effects and termination
- Harm and compensation
- Real rights and ownership
Who needs it
- Anyone signing a contract or claiming compensation
- Merchants and companies where no specific commercial rule applies
- Anyone with a civil dispute before the general courts
Our guides to this law
- The Saudi Civil Transactions Law
- Compensation for Moral Damage in Saudi Arabia
- Commercial Contract Mistakes
- Debt Collection in Saudi Arabia
Frequently asked questions
Can I download the Saudi Civil Transactions 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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