Saudi Arabia’s judicial system is undergoing a significant overhaul, resulting in dramatically reduced litigation times and increased clarity in court rulings. Minister of Justice Dr. Walid Al-Samaani announced Sunday that improvements in efficiency now exceed 70% thanks to recently implemented specialized legislation. The announcements were made during a press conference held in Riyadh, outlining progress toward the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
According to the ministry, these changes stem from the introduction of comprehensive new laws impacting core areas of legal practice. These include the Civil Transactions Law, the Personal Status Law, and the Evidence Law, all aimed at modernizing the Kingdom’s legal framework and bolstering its economic competitiveness. Work is also underway on the final regulatory procedures for the new Penal Code.
Modernizing the Saudi Arabian Judicial System
The introduction of specialized legislation represents a core component of Saudi Arabia’s broader economic and social reforms under Vision 2030. The initiative aims to attract foreign investment and strengthen the rule of law, key elements for sustainable development. This legislative transformation intends to diminish ambiguity within the legal process, leading to more predictable outcomes for businesses and individuals alike.
Reduced Discretion and Increased Satisfaction
A significant effect of the new laws has been a reduction in the level of judicial discretion. This change, the ministry reported, has directly contributed to improved quality of judicial outcomes. Furthermore, figures released showed beneficiary satisfaction with the judicial process has risen from 78% in 2022 to 92% in the current year, demonstrating a positive public response to the reforms.
To support the rollout of these new laws, the Ministry of Justice has heavily invested in training programs for legal professionals. More than 2,000 judges have received specialized instruction across various disciplines, and over 11,000 individuals have participated in legal and advocacy training programs. This emphasis on education ensures consistent and effective application of the revised legal standards.
Enhanced Court Infrastructure and Digitalization
Alongside legislative changes, the Ministry has established new support centers within the judicial system to improve efficiency. These include a Claim Review Center and a Claim Preparation Center, which collectively employ over 700 Saudi legal researchers. The Claim Review Center is specifically focused on improving the quality of electronically submitted claims, and it has processed over 5 million e-claims since its inception.
Digitalization is a major theme of these reforms. The ministry revealed that more than 200 million real estate documents have been digitized, with a current processing capacity of up to 300,000 documents per day. This shift to electronic records drastically reduces processing times and improves accessibility. Real estate transfers can now be completed instantly, according to the announcement.
The adoption of verified electronic contracts also marks a significant step forward. The ministry highlighted the widespread use of a unified employment contract, with over 140,000 contracts now authenticated electronically. This move promises to standardize employment agreements and minimize disputes related to contract interpretation.
Virtual Courts and Enforcement Efficiency
The launch of a virtual enforcement court is another innovation aimed at accelerating legal processes. This court handles enforcement requests entirely online, eliminating the need for traditional human intervention. The result has been a dramatic reduction in processing time, down to just five days, and over 400,000 enforcement requests have been successfully completed this year.
These initiatives representing substantial progress in modernizing the judicial system reflect a proactive approach to improving efficiency and transparency. The deployment of technology and streamlined processes are key components of this strategic transformation. The focus on digital processes is also in line with broader Saudi government efforts to advance a digital economy.
While previously complex and protracted, legal proceedings in Saudi Arabia are becoming increasingly streamlined and predictable, aided by these focused reforms concerning legal certainty. This shift benefits both Saudi citizens and foreign investors, diminishing risks and fostering confidence in the court system. These positive changes also impact areas like commercial dispute resolution.
The Ministry of Justice indicates that the completion of the regulatory procedures for the Penal Code is the next major milestone. The timeline for finalizing the Penal Code remains unconfirmed, and observers will be keen to see how it integrates with the existing framework of new laws. Further details about the specific provisions of the Penal Code, and potential challenges in its implementation, will be crucial to assess the full impact of these ongoing judicial reforms.
