What is the arbitration body in Saudi Arabia

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The question “What is the arbitration body in Saudi Arabia?” is frequently raised by companies, investors, and foreign partners when drafting contracts or anticipating commercial disputes.
The accurate answer is not limited to naming a single institution. It requires understanding Saudi Arabia’s arbitration framework, the available institutional and non-institutional options, and—most importantly—how to select the right arbitration clause, arbitration body, and arbitrator for the transaction at hand.

This guide provides a clear, practical overview designed for decision-makers who want arbitration to work efficiently and enforceably.

What will you learn in this article?

What does “arbitration body” mean under Saudi law?
Is there one arbitration body or multiple options in Saudi Arabia?
Which institution is considered the leading arbitration body—and why?
What other arbitration centers exist in Riyadh?
How international enforceability and digital arbitration affect your choice
How to select the correct arbitration clause, institution, and arbitrator

About the Author

Mohammed Almuzayen is a lawyer and arbitrator with more than fifteen years of experience, specializing in construction disputes, commercial litigation, government contracts, and franchise agreements. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from King Saud University (Riyadh, 2009) and has advised major national companies, including Al-Majdouie Group, Binzagr Company, United Mining Investments Company, Al-Mawarid Listed Company, and Golden Petroleum Investment Company.

What does “arbitration body” mean in Saudi Arabia?

An arbitration body in Saudi Arabia is not a court. Arbitration is a contractual dispute resolution mechanism governed by the Saudi Arbitration Law (2012).
An arbitration body typically:

Administers arbitration proceedings
Applies procedural rules
Facilitates the appointment of arbitrators
Organizes hearings and submissions

The arbitral tribunal issues the award, while Saudi courts perform supportive and enforcement functions only, provided the arbitration agreement is valid.

Infographic explaining arbitration bodies in Saudi Arabia, including SCCA, Riyadh Chamber arbitration, online arbitration (ODR), and arbitration clause essentials

Arbitration Bodies in Saudi Arabia – SCCA & Riyadh Overview (Infographic)

Is there only one arbitration body in Saudi Arabia?

Legally, no.
Saudi law permits:

Institutional arbitration
Ad hoc arbitration
The selection of foreign arbitration institutions, subject to enforceability rules

Practically, however, there is one leading national arbitration institution for commercial disputes, alongside other local and sector-specific centers with narrower scopes.

The Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA)

The Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA) is widely regarded as the leading institutional arbitration body in Saudi Arabia for commercial and construction disputes.

Key features include:

Full institutional administration of proceedings
Clear, modern arbitration rules
Strong enforceability track record before Saudi courts
Regular publication of activity and performance indicators

Based on publicly available data for 2024:

120 new cases were registered
The aggregate value of disputes exceeded SAR 1.1 billion
The average duration of proceedings was under six months

These indicators reflect the maturity and scale of institutional arbitration in the Kingdom.

Digital Arbitration and Online Procedures (SCCA)

Saudi arbitration has also embraced digitization. The SCCA provides fully electronic arbitration procedures, enabling parties to:

File cases online
Exchange submissions electronically
Manage proceedings through a dedicated digital platform

The SCCA’s Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) framework supports streamlined proceedings—particularly effective for smaller or time-sensitive disputes—without compromising due process. This digital capability is a practical advantage for both local and international parties.

Riyadh Chamber Arbitration and Mediation Center

Alongside the SCCA, Saudi Arabia includes local arbitration and dispute resolution bodies such as the Riyadh Chamber Arbitration and Mediation Center.

Officially published figures from the first quarter of 2015 indicate:

8 arbitration cases with a total value exceeding SAR 65 million
60 settlement cases valued at approximately SAR 5 million

These figures confirm institutional activity during that period. They are historical data and not part of ongoing annual reporting, but they demonstrate the center’s role within the local commercial dispute resolution landscape.

Specialized arbitration centers in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia—particularly Riyadh—also hosts sector-specific arbitration and dispute resolution mechanisms, including:

Sports arbitration
Engineering arbitration
Real estate arbitration

These frameworks are generally used for disputes tied to their respective sectors and are not substitutes for general commercial arbitration. Public numerical data regarding their caseloads remains limited.

International Enforceability: The New York Convention

Saudi Arabia is a party to the 1958 New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards.
This has significant practical implications for investors and cross-border transactions:

Arbitral awards connected to Saudi Arabia may be recognized and enforced in more than 160 Convention jurisdictions, subject to local requirements.
Foreign arbitral awards may likewise be enforced in Saudi Arabia under the Convention framework.

This international enforceability is a key reason arbitration is often preferred in contracts involving foreign parties, international projects, or assets located outside the Kingdom.

How should you choose the right arbitration clause?

The decisive factor is not merely the name of the arbitration body, but how the arbitration clause is drafted.
A professionally drafted clause typically specifies:

The arbitration institution or rules
The seat of arbitration
The number of arbitrators
The language of arbitration
The method of appointing arbitrators

Defects in drafting can lead to procedural disputes, delays, or challenges at the enforcement stage.

Why we are your first destination in Riyadh

Our role extends beyond explanation. We provide practical, outcome-driven legal support by:

Evaluating your contract and business activity
Recommending the most suitable arbitration structure
Drafting clear, enforceable arbitration clauses
Nominating a sole arbitrator, tribunal member, or chairperson based on dispute type and complexity

Our objective is to ensure that arbitration protects your position rather than becoming an additional risk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is arbitration recognized and enforceable in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Arbitration awards are enforceable under the Saudi Enforcement Law once legal requirements are met.

Is the SCCA the only arbitration institution in Saudi Arabia?
No. It is the leading commercial arbitration institution, but other local and specialized bodies also exist.

Can parties appoint a sole arbitrator?
Yes, depending on the nature and value of the dispute.

Is arbitration suitable for every dispute?
Not always. Suitability depends on the contract, the parties, and the dispute itself.

Conclusion

The correct answer to “What is the arbitration body in Saudi Arabia?” is that the Kingdom offers multiple arbitration options within a clear legal framework. While the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration stands as the leading institutional body for commercial disputes, other local and specialized centers also operate within defined scopes.
Ultimately, the decisive factor is choosing the correct arbitration clause, institution, and arbitrator from the outset, supported by international enforceability and modern digital procedures.

Contact Us

If you are based in Riyadh and need guidance on selecting the appropriate arbitration clause, arbitration body, or arbitrator, we are ready to assist you.
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