The Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA) recently published the internal rules governing the SCCA Court, which will decide key administrative matters for SCCA arbitrations. The SCCA Court, established in 2022 and consisting of 15 international experts from 12 countries, announced these new set of rules in July 2023. Publishing these rules, which govern aspects of the Court’s work, composition, powers, and decision-making process, represents an effort on the SCCA’s part to promote transparency in their arbitration process and consistency in their decisions.
The Court adjudicates issues such as consolidation, appointment of arbitrators, challenges, and review of awards. SCCA states that the Court’s independence and binding decisions will further strengthen its arbitration process. The SCCA Court’s rulings are made by experts encompassing a wide range of backgrounds, including international arbitrators, academics, former leaders of international arbitral institutions, retired appellate judges, and partners in renowned international law firms.
The improved clarity into how the arbitration administrative process functions will ease barriers to entry and operations in the Kingdom for U.S. companies seeking business opportunities in the country. In addition, the Court’s independence ensures that key administrative decisions are made independently and impartially, which can be particularly important in complex international business disputes. Establishing a robust and globally recognized commercial arbitration framework is a key aspect of the Saudi Vision 2030’s goals for improving the business climate and international reach of the Saudi economy.
The SCCA is organizing a seminar on Thursday, November 16 during Dubai Arbitration Week 2023. The seminar, titled “Exploring Legal Frontiers in ADR and KSA,” will focus on recent changes in the Saudi legal landscape, in particular the Saudi Civil Transactions Law coming into effect in December 2023. Click here to view more details and register to attend.
The U.S.-Saudi Business Council previously organized a webinar with Dr. Hamed Merah, CEO of the SCCA on “Managing and Resolving Commercial Disputes” – to learn more about the SCCA and how it can help U.S. companies in the Kingdom, click here.
