The Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA) is the leading authority for resolving commercial disputes in Saudi Arabia. It provides a well-structured, efficient, and legally recognized framework for arbitration, mediation, and emergency dispute resolution.
By offering clear rules and procedures—including expedited, emergency, and online arbitration—SCCA ensures that commercial conflicts are handled swiftly and fairly, whether they involve domestic or international parties. For businesses operating in Saudi Arabia, understanding SCCA’s arbitration rules is essential for safeguarding rights, reducing legal risks, and resolving disputes efficiently.
المحتويات
- 1 What are The Rules of Arbitration According to the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration?
- 2 Commercial arbitration in Saudi Arabia
- 3 Conclusion
- 4 FAQ
- 4.1 What is the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA)?
- 4.2 When and why was SCCA established?
- 4.3 What services does SCCA provide?
- 4.4 How does SCCA ensure its independence and neutrality?
- 4.5 What are SCCA’s arbitration rules and when were they last updated?
- 4.6 How can parties submit a dispute to SCCA?
- 4.7 Does SCCA handle mediation as well as arbitration?
- 4.8 Can foreign parties or non-Saudi companies use SCCA’s services?
What are The Rules of Arbitration According to the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration?
The Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration provides a structured framework to facilitate and expedite dispute resolution under its commercial arbitration system. These rules include the following types:
1. Expedited Procedure Rules (Second Edition)
These rules were adopted by the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration to handle smaller or less complex disputes. Under this framework, a single arbitrator is appointed to hear the case, and the arbitrator must issue a final arbitration award within 30 days of closing the proceedings or 180 days from the date of appointment.
Expedited procedure rules automatically apply to disputes where the amount in dispute does not exceed SAR 4 million. The second edition of these rules has been effective since 11 Shawwal 1444 AH, corresponding to May 1, 2023.
Read also: The New Saudi Companies Law 2025: The Complete Guide
2. Emergency Arbitrator Rules
The Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration allows parties to request urgent interim measures before the arbitration panel is formed, ensuring that rights that cannot wait are protected. Any party may submit an urgent measure request prior to referring the arbitration request to the center, and it must be accompanied by the arbitration request within 10 days.
An emergency arbitrator is appointed within one day of initiating emergency arbitration, and a ruling is issued within 14 days from the referral of the case file.
3. Online Arbitration Rules
The Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration also provides online arbitration procedures to resolve small disputes where the total dispute amount does not exceed SAR 200,000. The arbitrator is appointed, and a decision must be issued within 30 days of the appointment, emphasizing speed and efficiency through electronic procedures.
Commercial arbitration in Saudi Arabia
International commercial arbitration serves as an agreed-upon mechanism for resolving disputes that may arise between companies or commercial entities from different countries, offering an effective alternative to litigation in local courts. This approach provides businesses and individuals with a flexible and efficient way to settle conflicts, overcoming legal and geographical barriers across nations.
In the context of Saudi Arabia, international commercial arbitration refers to the legal and procedural framework that governs the management and resolution of cross-border commercial disputes, which will be discussed in detail in the following sections.
Check out: The New Companies Law Saudi Arabia Regulations in 2025
Conclusion
The Saudi Centre for Commercial Arbitration plays a vital role in Saudi Arabia’s commercial legal system, offering reliable mechanisms for resolving disputes efficiently and fairly. For businesses and investors, partnering with an experienced legal firm like Etqan Law Firm can provide expert guidance on navigating SCCA procedures, ensuring compliance, protecting rights, and achieving timely and effective resolutions in both domestic and international commercial disputes.
The Etqan Al Mutamayza Law Firm is ready to provide the essential support you need. You can reach their team at the following mobile numbers: +96656113776, +966541110440, +966504315333.
Additionally, feel free to visit our branches located at:
- Jeddah: Al-Aziziyah District, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street (Tahlia)
- Riyadh: King Abdulaziz Street, across from the Kingdom Tower
- Dammam: Al-Ashri’a Street, Al-Badeea, Dammam 32415.
FAQ
What is the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA)?
The SCCA is an independent organization in Saudi Arabia that provides arbitration and dispute resolution services for commercial conflicts.
When and why was SCCA established?
SCCA was established in 2016 to offer an efficient, neutral, and legally recognized forum for resolving commercial disputes in Saudi Arabia.
What services does SCCA provide?
SCCA provides arbitration, emergency arbitration, mediation, expert determination, and administrative support for dispute resolution.
How does SCCA ensure its independence and neutrality?
SCCA maintains independence by following strict governance rules, using impartial arbitrators, and adhering to internationally recognized arbitration standards.
What are SCCA’s arbitration rules and when were they last updated?
SCCA’s arbitration rules govern procedures for commercial disputes, including expedited and emergency procedures, and were last updated in 2023.
How can parties submit a dispute to SCCA?
Parties can submit a dispute by filing a request for arbitration through SCCA’s official platform or administrative office, following its procedural requirements.
Does SCCA handle mediation as well as arbitration?
Yes, SCCA offers mediation services in addition to arbitration to help parties reach amicable settlements.
Can foreign parties or non-Saudi companies use SCCA’s services?
Yes, SCCA’s services are available to foreign parties and international companies involved in commercial disputes in or related to Saudi Arabia.