Saudi Center for Real Estate Arbitration

The Saudi Center for Real Estate Arbitration is a specialized center for resolving real estate disputes through mediation and arbitration. We offer a professional and confidential legal avenue designed to ensure the stability of transactions and contracts across the real estate sector.

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Our Values and Principles

Quality

The Center delivers its services in accordance with the highest quality standards, drawing upon its continuous review of the latest global arbitration practices in the real estate sector and adopting what best suits the local environment in the Kingdom.

Responsibility

The Saudi Center for Real Estate Arbitration discharges its duties with a high sense of responsibility, driven by the conviction that the parties to the arbitration have entrusted it with the protection and preservation of their rights.

Privacy

Privacy and confidentiality are among the most prominent features distinguishing alternative dispute resolution from standard litigation.

Trust

Fostering trust in alternative dispute resolution methods.

Impartiality

Arbitrators and conciliators at the Center are firmly committed to non-bias and strict neutrality toward all parties.

E-Services

The Saudi Center for Real Estate Arbitration Services Platform for submitting conciliation and arbitration requests, and tracking proceedings electronically.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Saudi Center for Real Estate Arbitration?

It is a specialized entity for settling real estate disputes arising within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between individuals or entities (provided there is a prior agreement to resort to it). The awards issued by the Center are considered approved enforceable titles (executive writs) that can be...

What is the legal framework the Center relies on in its operations?

In all its operations and procedures, the Center relies on its "Statute" and the approved "Rules of Procedure," in accordance with the Arbitration Law and related judicial regulations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

What is the difference between the "Arbitration" and "Conciliation" services provided by the Center?

Conciliation: A method to bridge differing viewpoints between disputing parties with the help of a certified "Conciliator" from the Center, aiming to reach a mutually satisfactory amicable settlement. Arbitration: A legal track (an alternative to the judiciary) where parties agree to refer their...

How is a claim or arbitration request filed with the Center?

All procedures for submitting arbitration requests and filing claims are conducted entirely and easily online through the Center’s electronic platform. Beneficiaries can submit the request, fill in the required data, attach documents, and track the case status without the need for an in-person...

Is a prior "Arbitration Clause" in the contract necessary to resort to the Center? What is the procedure if it is absent?

Not necessarily. While the general rule is to have a prior "Arbitration Clause" included in the main contract, in its absence, parties can still resort to the Center by concluding a "Submission Agreement" (a subsequent and independent agreement by both parties to refer the dispute to the Center)....

What types of real estate disputes does the Center handle?

The Center handles all real estate disputes provided the parties agree to refer them to it for arbitration. These disputes include (but are not limited to): Sales, purchases, and real estate development contract disputes. Leasing and property management disputes. Real estate brokerage and...

Are there disputes that fall outside the Center's jurisdiction?

Yes, the Center's jurisdiction is limited to real estate disputes of a civil and commercial nature. Any disputes where conciliation is not permissible under the law, primarily criminal disputes, fall outside its jurisdiction.

What are the main advantages of resorting to the Center to resolve disputes?

The Center provides a specialized and effective environment for settling real estate disputes, characterized by: Speed and Efficiency: Prompt resolution and settlement of disputes, saving time and effort for the parties. Strict Confidentiality: Maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of...

Are the arbitration awards issued by the Center binding and enforceable? How are they executed?

Yes, arbitration awards issued by the Center are binding and final, acquiring the status of an "Enforceable Title". They are executed by submitting the award directly to the Enforcement Courts to be enforced by the power of law, in the event the other party does not voluntarily comply with the...

How are arbitrators selected for cases? Do the parties have a role in their selection?

Yes, the parties play a primary role in this. The mechanism is as follows: By Agreement of the Parties: Disputing parties have the right to agree on selecting arbitrators and forming a tribunal of one or more arbitrators (provided the number is odd). In Case of Disagreement: If the parties do...

What are the fees and costs associated with an arbitration or conciliation request?

Costs vary based on the financial value of the disputed amount. As an initial procedure, the claimant (applicant) is obligated to pay the costs, with the right to request that the other party (respondent) bear them. The final decision on this matter is subject to the discretion and award of the...

Are all the Center's procedures conducted electronically?

Yes. To facilitate procedures and save beneficiaries' time and effort, all arbitration and conciliation steps are conducted entirely online. This ranges from filing the claim and attaching documents, to holding virtual sessions, and finally issuing the final awards and decisions, all through the...

When can arbitration be requested?

An arbitration request can be submitted as soon as a real estate dispute arises between the parties and they wish to settle it. This can be based on a previously agreed-upon "Arbitration Clause" in the contract, or by concluding a new "Submission Agreement" where they agree to resort to the Center...

What is the mechanism for executing the Center's awards?

After the lapse of (60 days) from the notification of the award, an order for its execution can be requested via the Najiz portal through the following steps: Access the (Statement of Claim) service and select the main classification corresponding to the type of court where the award is deposited...

How is an arbitration award challenged?

Issued arbitration awards are final and not subject to appeal regarding the subject matter of the dispute. However, the law guarantees parties the right to file an "Action for Annulment" before the competent Court of Appeal within a maximum period of (60) days from the date they are notified of the...

How many members comprise the arbitral tribunal in a single case?

The general rule is that the arbitral tribunal consists of a sole arbitrator if the parties do not agree otherwise. Parties may pre-agree to select more than one arbitrator, provided the number is odd. The Center also reserves the right to increase the number if the nature or financial value of the...

What is the mechanism for submitting a conciliation or arbitration request for a dispute?

All conciliation or arbitration requests are submitted electronically and easily through the Center’s electronic platform. You can log in, choose the appropriate track for your request (conciliation or arbitration), fill in the dispute details, and attach supporting documents to initiate the...

Can an individual unit owner resort to the Center in case of a dispute with the Owners' Association management?

Yes, any real estate unit owner has the right to resort to the Center in the event of a dispute with the Owners' Association they belong to, provided that the disputing parties are members of the Association or there is a contractual relationship between them. The request can be submitted directly...

How can an Owners' Association benefit from the Center's services in resolving disputes between owners?

The Center offers Owners' Associations two main tracks to resolve disputes that may arise between members: Conciliation Service: Aims to end the dispute amicably with the mutual consent of the parties through a certified "Conciliator" who reconciles them according to structured mechanisms,...