Setting Aside an Arbitral Award in Saudi Arabia

Grounds, deadline and competent court for annulment under the Saudi Arbitration Law of 2012.

The legal framework

Arbitration in the Kingdom is governed by the Arbitration Law issued by Royal Decree No. M/34 of 1433H (2012), which is based on the UNCITRAL Model Law, read subject to Sharia.

Deadline

An action to set aside must be filed within 60 days from the date the award is notified to the party. Awards cannot be appealed; annulment is the only route of challenge.

Grounds (Article 50)

The court may annul an award only if, for example:
1. there is no arbitration agreement, or it is void or has expired;
2. a party lacked capacity;
3. a party was not properly notified or could not present its case;
4. the tribunal excluded the law the parties agreed to apply;
5. the tribunal was composed contrary to the agreement or the law;
6. the award decided matters outside the agreement.

The court must also annul, on its own motion, an award that contravenes Sharia or public policy.

Competent court and enforcement

The action is heard by the competent Court of Appeal. Once final, the award is enforced through the Enforcement Courts under the Enforcement Law. Saudi Arabia is a party to the New York Convention.

How LexArab helps

Upload an award and LexArab will map it against the Article 50 grounds. General information, not legal advice.