Introduction Franchising has become a powerful business model globally, enabling established brands to expand rapidly while providing entrepreneurs with opportunities to operate proven businesses. In Saudi Arabia, the introduction of the Saudi Franchise Law (Royal Decree No. M/22, 2019) has been a turning point, establishing a robust franchising legal framework to ensure transparency, protect rights, and foster a competitive market. This article delves into key aspects of the Saudi Franchise Law, its purpose, benefits, and challenges while touching on the Saudi Franchise Expo 2025 as a related event that highlights the growing business opportunities in Saudi Arabia. What is a Franchise Agreement? The franchise agreement is the document that outlines the terms and conditions between the franchisor and the franchisee. In Saudi

As the digital economy expands, Saudi e-commerce compliance has become an important aspect of running an online business. Navigating the landscape of online business regulations in Saudi Arabia is essential not only to avoid legal risks but also to build consumer trust and ensure long lasting success. This guide outlines key compliance areas for online businesses, focusing on the Saudi Arabian e-commerce Law and regulatory requirements. Understanding the Legal Frameworks Before launching an online business, it is vital to understand Saudi business legal requirements which govern e-commerce operations. Businesses must comply with a combination of domestic laws and international regulations. E-Commerce Law:The Saudi Arabian e-commerce law governs online transactions, ensuring fair practices for consumers and businesses alike. Key aspects include

Saudi Arabia’s new investment law, effective February 6, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the kingdom’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). The law streamlines the investment process across various sectors, including trade, industry, agriculture, mining, real estate, and services. By simplifying the procedures for establishing companies, increasing capital, and acquiring existing entities, it opens new avenues for global investors looking to tap into one of the fastest-growing economies in the region. With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 driving reform and growth, the new investment law is part of a broader effort to create a business-friendly environment that fosters innovation and international collaboration. Whether you’re considering establishing a greenfield project, engaging in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), or exploring IPO options,

Introduction Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cybersecurity is integral to its Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and develop public service sectors. The Kingdom has established significant legal and regulatory measures to protect its cyberspace from threats and ensure the security of its digital transformation. Regulatory Authorities National Cybersecurity Authority Saudi Arabia (NCA) Established in 2017, the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) is the central authority responsible for cybersecurity related issues in Saudi Arabia. Directly linked to the Royal Court, the NCA’s mandate includes developing policies, frameworks, and standards to enhance the Kingdom’s cybersecurity posture. Data Protection Authority (DPA) The DPA is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Saudi Data Protection Law. It has the power to investigate data breaches, impose

The world has witnessed remarkable development in recent years thanks to the emergence of technology-based solutions designed to improve efficiency, accessibility, and transparency. This transformation has led to the coining of two key terms in the industry: LegalTech vs LawTech. While they may seem the same, they have major differences and serve different purposes. Understanding these differences is essential for law firms, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where legal reforms and digital transformation in Saudi legal industry initiatives under Vision 2030 drive innovation. LegalTech: Tools for Legal Professionals LegalTech refers to technology solutions specifically designed to assist legal professionals and provide digital tools for lawyers, paralegals, and administrators. These tools encompass a wide range of software and platforms tailored to automate,

Like many countries, Saudi Arabia has issued a separate emergency law to address and manage unforeseen crises. This new law aims to handle contemporary challenges, enhance national security, and streamline emergency response protocols. In this article, we will explore the key provisions, implications, and the broader Saudi Emergency Law impact. Earlier Regulatory Regime Before examining the new law, it’s crucial to understand the context of emergency related issues in Saudi Arabia; Emergency regulatory systems have been invoked at different times to address specific crises, such as natural disasters or public health emergencies. These diverse and separate directives often granted authorities special powers to take swift and decisive action to protect public safety and order related to particular events. However, with

Saudi Arabia  has embarked on a transformative phase in its legal landscape and one of the aspects of this is phase is the drive for codification of laws. This monumental step is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to modernize its legal system, enhance judicial transparency, and attract foreign investments. The codification proces’s first steps in the codification process of Saudi Arabia’s laws involve creating comprehensive written statutes that provide clear and accessible legal guidelines for various aspects of governance, commerce, and day to day affairs. Historical Context Historically, Saudi Arabia has relied on Islamic law, or Sharia, as the primary source of legislation. While Sharia remains the foundation of the Kingdom’s legal system, the codification of laws

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has recently introduced significant legislative reforms aimed at enhancing product safety and quality standards. On July 30, 2024, the Council of Ministers approved two pivotal laws: the Product Safety Law and the Standards and Quality Law. These laws represent a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to ensure product safety and quality, protect consumer rights, and foster a robust regulatory framework. The scope of both laws extends to the sale of all products including those sold through online channels. A Unified System for Product Safety and Quality Standards The primary objective of these laws is to establish a comprehensive and unified system for regulating product safety and quality standards. They apply to a wide range of products,

Introduction The transition to remote work models in the post-pandemic era has significantly increased exposure to cybersecurity threats and data privacy breaches, compelling enterprises to adopt measures to mitigate such risks. Mobile working involves accessing work networks from external channels, expanding the range of cyber-attacks, data leakage, data storage, and system operations outside corporate infrastructure. Subsequently, data breaches and infringements can result in severe legal and commercial consequences. This report aims to identify the common cyber threats commercial enterprises encounter and propose systematic solutions to mitigate these risks. Potential Threats to Security Data Breaches Data breaches occur when secure, confidential, or protected information is accessed, disclosed, or stolen without authorization (1). This can happen through various means such as hacking,

CORPORATE COMPLIANCE IN SAUDI ARABIA Corporate compliance in Saudi Arabia ensures businesses adhere to legal and regulatory requirements. Under Vision 2030, the Saudi government passed the New Companies Law in January 2023, mandating all companies to amend their Articles of Association (AoA) or Memorandum of Association (MoA) by January 2025. This amendment is essential for any changes to commercial registration, shareholding structure, or corporate activities. The Saudi Business Centre facilitates these processes, offering unified services. The new law, enhancing flexibility while maintaining stakeholder safeguards, requires companies to update their governance documents to comply with new regulations and benefit from the law’s flexibility. Corporate Compliance in Saudi Arabia is a critical aspect of ensuring that businesses operate in accordance with the law