In addition to its human toll, the current conflict involving Iran creates immediate commercial and legal challenges for companies operating in the Middle East. It directly affects contract performance, payment flows, shipping, energy supply and dispute resolution. In sectors such as energy, infrastructure, commodities and maritime transport, these impacts are already tangible, appearing in delayed […]
International Arbitration in Saudi Arabia: A Rising Hub in the Middle East
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a leading jurisdiction in the Middle East for international arbitration. Driven by its Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda, the Kingdom has undertaken significant legal and institutional reforms aimed at fostering an arbitration-friendly environment aligned with global best practices. This article provides an overview of the legal framework, […]
Claiming Interest in Arbitrations in the Middle East
Sharia law shapes the legal frameworks in the Middle East. Traditionally, it was the primary uncodified source of law in the region. However, throughout the 20th century, many Middle Eastern countries developed their own Civil Codes, which continue to be rooted in Sharia principles. One of the key areas where Sharia law exerts substantial influence […]
The 2023 SCCA Arbitration Rules
The Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (the “SCCA”) is an arbitration institution established in Saudi Arabia in 2014 with the aim of providing a platform for resolving commercial disputes through arbitration in accordance with international standards. In 2023, in line with its vision to become a “preferred ADR choice in the region by 2030”,[1] the […]
International Construction Arbitration in the Middle East
The construction industry is a leading economic sector in the Middle East, where a large number of infrastructure projects worth billions of dollars are commenced each year. Construction disputes are inevitable due to activity in the construction industry and arbitration is the preferred dispute resolution mechanism for such disputes, especially for foreign parties. Construction disputes […]




