Saudi Real Estate Arbitration Center

The Saudi Real Estate Arbitration Center (the “Center”) is a specialized center for settling real estate disputes through conciliation and arbitration. It provides a professional and confidential dispute-resolution framework that supports the stability of transactions and contracts in 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 Center?

It is a specialized entity for settling real estate disputes arising within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between individuals or entities, provided that there is a prior agreement to resort to the Center. The judgments issued by the Center are considered enforceable instruments that are directly...

What legal framework does the Center rely on in its operations?

The Center relies on all its operations and procedures on the “Statute of the Center” in addition to the approved “Procedural Rules,” in accordance with the Arbitration Law and other relevant judicial regulations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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

Conciliation: An amicable settlement process through which the parties agree to resolve the dispute with the assistance of a conciliator at the Center. Arbitration: An agreement between parties (whether through an arbitration clause included in a previously concluded contract or through a...

What is the mechanism for filing a case or arbitration request with the Center?

All procedures for submitting arbitration requests and filing cases are carried out entirely electronically through the Center’s electronic platform with ease and convenience. Beneficiaries can submit requests, complete the required information, upload supporting documents, and track the status of...

Is it necessary to have a prior “Arbitration Clause” in the contract to resort to the Center? What is the procedure if such clause does not exist?

Not necessarily. The general principle is that a prior arbitration clause is included in the main contract between the parties. However, if no such clause exists, the parties may resort to the Center by entering into what is known as an “Arbitration Submission Agreement,” which is a subsequent...

What types of real estate disputes fall within the Center’s jurisdiction?

The Center has jurisdiction over real estate disputes referred to it pursuant to an arbitration agreement, whether through:An arbitration clause is incorporated into the contract upon execution.A standalone arbitration submission agreement entered into by the parties.Examples include, without...

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

Yes, criminal disputes.

What are the key advantages of resorting to the Center for dispute resolution?

Speed and Efficiency: Prompt adjudication and resolution of disputes while saving time and effort for the parties.Complete Confidentiality: Maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of hearings, deliberations, and all details related to the dispute.High Flexibility: Flexible and streamlined...

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

Yes. Arbitration awards are binding on all parties and carry the force of an enforceable instrument. Once the award is issued, the beneficiary can officially apply for its enforcement through the (Enforcement Courts) to take the necessary regulatory measures.

How are arbitrators selected in cases? Do the parties have a role in selecting them?

Yes. The rules grant the disputing parties the right to agree on the appointment of one or more arbitrators, provided that the number of arbitrators is odd. If the parties fail to agree on the number of arbitrators, the Center shall appoint a sole arbitrator unless the nature, complexity, or...

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

The cost of arbitration varies depending on the amount in dispute. The Claimant (the party filing the claim) is generally responsible for paying the costs. However, the Claimant may request that the respondent bear such costs, and the arbitral tribunal shall decide on the matter.

Are all Center procedures conducted electronically?

Yes. In order to facilitate procedures and save beneficiaries’ time and effort, all arbitration and conciliation procedures are conducted entirely electronically, starting from filing the case and uploading documents, through conducting remote hearings, and ending with the issuance of final awards...

When can arbitration be requested?

An arbitration request may be submitted immediately upon the occurrence of a real estate dispute between the parties and their desire to settle it, whether based on a pre-agreed "Arbitration Clause" included in the contract or through the execution of a new "arbitration submission agreement" after...

What is the mechanism for enforcing awards through the Najiz platform?

After 60 days have elapsed from the date of notification of the award, an enforcement request may be submitted through the “Statement of Claim” service on the Najiz platform. This is done by selecting the classification of the court where the award was deposited, then selecting “Appeal” as the...

How can an award be challenged?

This may only be done by filing what is known as an “Annulment Action” before the competent Court of Appeal, provided that the action is filed within a period not exceeding sixty (60) days from the date of issuance and notification of the award to the parties to the dispute.

How many members does the arbitral tribunal consist of in a single case?

The arbitral tribunal may consist of either a sole arbitrator or multiple arbitrators, provided that the number is odd, based on the agreement of the parties. If the parties fail to agree, the default is the appointment of a sole arbitrator unless the nature of the case requires the Center to form a...

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

Yes. A unit owner may submit a request through the Center’s platform in the event of a dispute with the Owners Association, provided that the parties to the dispute are members of the association. The Center has jurisdiction to resolve such real estate disputes efficiently and promptly.

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

The Center provides Owners Associations with two primary channels for resolving disputes that may arise among members:Conciliation Service: This service aims to resolve disputes amicably through mutual agreement between the parties with the assistance of a certified conciliator, in accordance with...