For businesses
Arbitration & mediation
Many businesses choose arbitration for its confidentiality, its flexibility and the ability to appoint arbitrators with expertise in the subject of the dispute. We represent clients in institutional and ad hoc arbitration under the Arbitration Law, and assist with mediation where a negotiated outcome is achievable.
First consultation free
Call or message us with a short account of what happened.
What we handle
- Drafting arbitration clauses and submission agreements
- Representing claimants or respondents before arbitral tribunals
- Proceedings at the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA)
- Ad hoc arbitration outside institutional rules
- Construction, supply and partnership disputes referred to arbitration
- Bringing and defending actions to annul arbitral awards
- Applications to enforce arbitral awards
- Mediation and negotiated settlement between partners and contracting parties
How we handle the file
We first examine the arbitration clause to establish its scope, the applicable rules and how the tribunal is to be constituted, and then give the client a risk analysis and a cost estimate. We prepare the request for arbitration or the response, take part in selecting the arbitrator, prepare written submissions, evidence and witness statements, and attend the hearings. We work under the Arbitration Law of 1433H and, where the case is administered by the SCCA, under its rules. Once the award is issued we pursue enforcement, or, if it goes against the client, assess whether any of the statutory grounds for annulment apply.
Common questions
Can an arbitral award be challenged?
An award cannot be appealed in the ordinary way, but an action to annul it may be brought on the limited grounds listed in the Arbitration Law, including grounds relating to the validity of the arbitration agreement, the constitution of the tribunal, or conflict with Sharia and public order. The annulment action must be brought within a statutory period.
Our contract has no arbitration clause. Can we still arbitrate?
Yes. The parties can agree to arbitrate after the dispute has arisen through a separate submission agreement that defines the dispute and how the tribunal will be formed. Without the agreement of both parties, arbitration cannot be imposed on either of them.
Is arbitration faster and cheaper than court?
It is often faster, but it can cost more because of arbitrators' fees and institutional charges. The better choice depends on the value and nature of the dispute and the parties' need for confidentiality, which we discuss with the client before starting.
General information only. The answer in your case depends on its facts and documents.
Related services
- Commercial & corporate We represent businesses in commercial disputes and handle company matters from formation to liquidation.
- Contract drafting & review We draft and review contracts before signature so each party knows its rights and obligations.
- Trademarks & IP We register and protect trademarks and handle intellectual property infringement disputes.
- Governance & compliance We prepare governance rules and internal policies and review a business's compliance with current legislation.
The first consultation is free