What is Al-Maarifa?
“Al-Maarifa” is the Arabic term for “The Knowledge” and it is also the name of our microsite that is exclusively dedicated to our Saudi Arabian practice. Al-Maarifa is a way for us to share our market-leading legal knowledge of the Kingdom with our clients in a unique and innovative way that demonstrates our commitment to always putting our clients first.
Who are we?
With a greater footprint in the Kingdom than any other international law firm, we are uniquely aligned with our domestic clients and our foreign clients looking to do business in the Kingdom. The combination of our history of advising both domestic and foreign clients on their largest and most significant deals in the region for over 40 years and our on-the-ground presence in Riyadh through our association with The Law Firm of Dr. Sultan Almasoud, provides our clients with access to an integrated team that has an intimate understanding of both the cultural and legal landscape of the Kingdom.
We have extensive experience across a broad range of practice areas, including project development and finance, mergers & acquisitions, foreign and domestic joint ventures, privatizations, private equity and Saudi corporate advisory, capital markets, dispute resolution and litigation in Saudi courts.
Who are we?
-
The New KSA Civil Code: Construction Contracts
10/18/2023
In our first two articles in this series, we introduced the new Civil Transactions Law of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (referred to as the “KSA Civil Code”) and provided analysis of its key provisions relevant to forming contracts.
In this article, we consider the impact of the KSA Civil Code’s key provisions of particular interest to parties engaging in construction contracts in Saudi Arabia. These include both general contractual principles, as well as specific provisions related to contracts for service, known as Muqawala contracts.
-
The New KSA Civil Code: Forming a Contract
10/16/2023In our initial article in this series, we introduced the new Civil Code of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (referred to as the “KSA Civil Code”). This significant legislative milestone codifies the law governing the forming of a contract and related contractual principles within the Kingdom.
In this article, we examine the general provisions of the new KSA Civil Code relevant to the formation of a contract and highlight the key considerations to keep in mind. -
Introducing the New KSA Civil Code
10/12/2023On 19 June 2023, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enacted the Civil Transactions Law in Cabinet Decision No. 820/1444 (the “KSA Civil Code” or the “Code”) by Royal Decree M/191/1444. The Code, which enters into force on 16 December 2023 (Jumada II 3, 1445 AH), marks a significant step forward in Saudi Arabia’s legal landscape as it seeks to integrate Islamic principles into modern legal concepts, aiming to streamline transactions and promote economic growth. The KSA Civil Code covers a range of topics, from contracts and property rights to financial transactions and dispute resolution.
-
Introduction to the Legal System of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
03/11/2020This article sets out a brief overview of the legal system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
-
A Brief on the New Saudi Franchise Law
03/10/2020
The new Franchise Law of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was promulgated by Royal Decree M/22 dated 09/02/1441 Hijri (corresponding to 8 October 2019) and will come into effect in April 2020. The Ministry of Commerce and Investment, the ministry in charge of administration and implementation of the Franchise Law, has been tasked with issuing the Implementing Regulations of the Franchise Law by the time the Franchise Law becomes effective. This article provides a brief overview of some of the key provisions of the Franchise Law.
CATEGORY : General -
A Brief on the New Saudi Competition Law and its Implementing Regulations
02/12/2020The new Competition Law (the “Competition Law”) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (the “Kingdom”) was enacted by Royal Decree M/75 on 29/06/1440 Hijri (corresponding to 6 March 2019) and came into force on 24/01/1441 Hijri (corresponding to 23 September 2019). The Implementing Regulations of the Competition Law (the “Implementing Regulations”) were issued by the Board of Directors (the “GAC Board”) of the General Authority for Competition (“GAC”) and came into force on 25/01/1441 Hijri (corresponding to 24 September 2019). The Competition Law replaced the previous Competition Law enacted by Royal Decree M/25 dated 4/05/1425 Hijri (corresponding to 22 June 2004). This article provides a brief overview of some of the key provisions of the Competition Law and the Implementing Regulations.CATEGORY : General
-
Understanding the Key Government Institutions and Ministries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
12/05/2019As a result of the new economic realities brought about by reduced global oil prices and the resultant reduction in the oil export revenues of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for so long the country’s economic lifeblood, there are many significant changes taking place in the Kingdom. In response to these new economic realities, “Saudi Vision 2030”, a wide-ranging privatization and economic reform program, was released in early 2016 and sets out a vision for repositioning the Kingdom’s economy away from its dependence on oil export revenues and Government spending.
Certain Ministries and government entities have been allocated key roles in the implementation of Saudi Vision 2030, and as part of the implementation of the Vision, the Government has undergone a major restructure (largely through down-sizing and consolidation of Ministries) with the aim of allocating resources more efficiently and streamlining decision-making.
This article sets out a brief description of some of the key Ministries and Government entities in the Kingdom.CATEGORY : General -
Understanding Employment Law in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
11/16/2016Understanding employment law in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is important for any business operating in, or seeking to enter, the Saudi market. The legal regime regulating employment in the Kingdom may be seen as relatively employee-friendly and, in some key aspects, such as termination of employment, regulation of working hours and employment of women, differs markedly from what is considered standard practice in other jurisdictions. Establishing and implementing human resources policies that ensure compliance with, and minimise the risks associated with, the intricacies of the employment legislation in the Kingdom will assist any prospective business when employing staff in the Kingdom.CATEGORY : General
-
Doing Business in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
09/30/2016As the third largest recipient of foreign direct investment in the region, not to mention its standing as the region’s largest economy, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is of significant interest to foreign investors, particularly in light of recent Government initiatives.CATEGORY : General
-
Transforming Saudi Arabia: National Transformation Program 2020 Approved
07/11/2016On 6 June 2016, the “National Transformation Program 2020” was approved by the Saudi Cabinet. This caps a frenetic few months of activity in the Kingdom that began with the approval of “Saudi Vision 2030” at the end of April, saw Ministerial changes and questions as to the role that Saudi Aramco and the Public Investment Fund (“PIF”) would play in the country’s plans to reduce its dependency on oil and diversify its economy by encouraging greater private sector participation, reducing public spending and promoting newly-established industries that would create new opportunities for the people of the Kingdom. Below we take an initial look at the National Transformation Program 2020 and the opportunities that may result in the Kingdom.CATEGORY : General