Saudi legal reforms ‘to speed access to justice’

Short Url
Updated 08 February 2021
Follow

Saudi legal reforms ‘to speed access to justice’

  • Crown Prince says previous discrepancies in court rulings hurt many — especially women
  • Sweeping reforms will bring clarity and consistency to legal process

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia is to implement sweeping reforms to the legal system to eliminate inconsistency, speed up verdicts and make the Kingdom’s judicial institutions more efficient.

At the heart of the reforms are four new draft laws — a Personal Status Law, a Civil Transactions Law, a Penal Code for Discretionary Sanctions, and a Law of Evidence.

The new laws would eliminate discrepancies and ensure consistency in court rulings, improve the reliability of oversight mechanisms, and clarify accountability, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said.

The crown prince said discrepancies in court rulings had led to a lack of clarity, which had hurt many people, mostly women. “The absence of applicable legislation has led to discrepancies in decisions and a lack of clarity in the principles governing facts and practices,” he said.

“That resulted in prolonged litigation not based on legal texts. In addition, the absence of a clear legal framework for private and business sectors has led to ambiguity with respect to obligations.

“This was painful for many individuals and families, especially women. It also permitted some people to evade their responsibilities. This will not take place again.”

A previous draft Code of Judicial Decisions was insufficient to meet society’s needs and expectations, the crown prince said. The new draft laws will be submitted to the Council of Ministers for review before being sent to the Shoura Council, and are expected to be finalized this year.

The crown prince said the Kingdom had taken major steps in recent years to develop its legislative environment.  The aim was to preserve rights, entrench the principles of justice and transparency, protect human rights and achieve sustainable development.

The new laws adopt international judicial practices and standards in a manner that does not contradict Sharia principles, the crown prince said.

Saudi Justice Minister Dr. Walid bin Mohammed Al-Samaani, president of the Supreme Judicial Council, said the new penal code would enhance the application of justice in criminal cases.

It was based on strong legal principles and modern legal practice, he said, classifying crimes into different categories according to their nature, magnitude and consequences, and the penalties applicable in each case.

Saudi lawyer Dimah Al-Sharif told Arab News the reforms would “contribute to an unprecedented standardization of the system of rulings,” particularly in relation to family law. “We will bid farewell to the wide and indefinite scope of discretion that a judge enjoys,” she said.

At the moment, she said, there were often wide discrepancies in judicial rulings on different cases in which the facts and circumstances were essentially the same. The reforms, she said, “will play a huge role in empowering not only women, but the whole of society.”


’Ramadan Lights’: Saudi Arabia launches new phase of its global tourism campaign

Updated 5 sec ago
Follow

’Ramadan Lights’: Saudi Arabia launches new phase of its global tourism campaign

  • While Ramadan days are peaceful and relaxing, the nights come alive with bustling markets, festive stalls, and extended shopping hours in the Kingdom
  • People can explore districts like Jeddah, Al Balad, and Diriyah, visit awe-inspiring mosques, and discover traditional souks filled with unique finds

KARACHI: Saudi Arabia has announced the next phase of its global tourism campaign and named it “Ramadan Lights,” the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) said on Monday, sharing a range of offerings in the Kingdom.
During Ramadan, Saudi transforms into a vibrant hub where tradition meets celebration. While the days are peaceful and relaxing, the nights come alive with bustling markets, festive stalls, and extended shopping hours, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture.
People can explore districts like Historic Jeddah, Al Balad, and Diriyah, visit awe-inspiring mosques, and discover traditional souks filled with unique finds. With a lively atmosphere and special Ramadan events, it’s the perfect time to experience the warm, welcoming spirit of Saudi.
“From the crystalline waters of the Saudi Red Sea, lively coastal city of Jeddah, to the heritage-soaked AlUla, and the vibrant capital of Riyadh, visitors venturing to Saudi can experience a land of firsts, and create memories for a lifetime,” the STA said in a statement shared by its Pakistani PR partner firm. 
“From wellness retreats, stargazing, beach horse riding, paddleboarding and kitesurfing there is somethings for every type of interest. History and heritage come to life in Diriyah, near Riyadh, walking through the ancient rock carved tombs near AlUla, or wending your way through the alleys of Historic Jeddah.”
Ramadan is traditionally a time for family and reflection, and the Kingdom truly comes alive as the sun sets.
In Jeddah, visitors are treated to a diverse selection of Ramadan delicacies to suit every taste, or vibrant Ramadan tents filled with surprises and exciting events. For those wanting to celebrate, the Al Falah Square Bazaar offers a distinctive cultural experience that revitalizes authentic Ramadan traditions whilst offering shoppers a different experience through a range of shops and products.
AlUla is the place where Ramadan’s serene ambiance blends harmoniously with the tranquil surroundings, creating the perfect setting for reflection and relaxation while enjoying nature’s beauty. A visit to Bukhoor Road for shopping and tasting coffee is a must or enjoying wonderful Ramadan events at Al-Manishiyah Square.
Riyadh City offers a unique Ramadan ambiance, where iftar and suhoor gatherings bring families together, and special Ramadan events create a distinct atmosphere. Visitors can wonder through the Souk Al Zal, an exceptional market for incense, traditional artifacts and textiles, combining Saudi heritage with a Ramadan atmosphere, or watch the Ghabga, a Ramadan event that offers a unique experience, mixing traditional and modern atmosphere and featuring a range of entertainment and cultural events to enhance the Ramadan experience.
Saudi Arabia is currently boosting its public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation and tourism as part of the Vision 2030 framework, which aims to cut the Kingdom’s reliance on oil.
The Ramadan Lights season is part of the Kingdom’s global tourism campaign, “Saudi, Welcome to Arabia,” a vibrant consumer brand dedicated to sharing Saudi Arabia with the world and welcoming travelers to explore all the country has to offer.
It aims to drive forward the country’s tourism industry through awareness-raising campaigns and to provide a comprehensive array of information and resources for travelers to plan and enjoy unforgettable journeys.


KSA, Amazon launch cloud skills accelerator

Updated 17 March 2025
Follow

KSA, Amazon launch cloud skills accelerator

  • Participants will work on real-world cloud computing projects, to gain practical experience and earn accredited certifications

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, in partnership with Amazon Web Services, has launched the AWS Builder Accelerator program to develop national expertise in cloud computing and equip participants with advanced AWS skills. 

The initiative offers an intensive four-week training program at the AWS’ headquarters in Virginia, US, combining theoretical learning with hands-on projects under the guidance of AWS experts, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. 

Participants will work on real-world cloud computing projects, to gain practical experience and earn accredited certifications.

These skills will help meet market demands and enhance the readiness of national talent to adapt to technological advancements, the SPA reported.

The program targets graduates in technical fields, particularly those in computer science and IT, with two to three years of experience, to boost their competitiveness in the cloud computing sector. 

Set to begin on June 16, the program requires applicants to be Saudi Arabia citizens employed in the private sector. A letter of employer approval is needed upon final acceptance, according to the ministry’s website. 

For registration or more details, visit futureskills.mcit.gov.sa/ar/form/aws.


KSrelief food parcels aid vulnerable communities

Updated 51 min 7 sec ago
Follow

KSrelief food parcels aid vulnerable communities

Riyadh: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food parcels to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

In South Africa, 400 packages were given to families in need as part of the Etaam Ramadan food distribution project.

In Somalia, 1,390 parcels were handed out across multiple governorates, while in Nigeria, 613 parcels were provided in Adamawa state, benefiting 3,678 people.

In Djibouti, 700 parcels helped 4,200 people in Balbala, while 250 were given out in Bangladesh’s Bagerhat district.

In northern Montenegro, 300 packages were given to help 1,500 vulnerable people that included widows and orphans.

In Romania, 530 parcels were distributed in Bucharest and Constanta, with 379 baskets given to Syrian refugees in the Miniyeh district of Lebanon.

Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute 390,109 food parcels across 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of over SR67 million ($17.8 million).


Program assists female visitors at Grand Mosque

Updated 17 March 2025
Follow

Program assists female visitors at Grand Mosque

MAKKAH: The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, through the Women’s Affairs Agency, has launched a program to answer visitors’ questions about rituals during Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The “Answering and Guiding Female Inquirers” program at the Grand Mosque in Makkah was introduced to accommodate the expected rise in attendance during the last 10 days of the holy month.

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency, emphasized the agency’s commitment to the initiative, highlighting its role in providing guidance to female visitors.

The program aims to enrich their experience by promoting authentic Islamic knowledge, offering reliable religious guidance and fostering greater awareness in a supportive environment, the SPA reported.

To facilitate inquiries, two dedicated locations have been designated: Women’s Prayer Area 74 on the ground floor and Women’s Prayer Area 84 on the first floor.


King Salman reserve records Nubian ibex birth

Updated 17 March 2025
Follow

King Salman reserve records Nubian ibex birth

  • The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve is the largest terrestrial nature reserve in the Middle East

RIYADH: The field team at the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve recorded the birth of a Nubian ibex in March, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The reserve’s development authority said that over time, more than 81 mountain ibexes have been reintroduced across various areas of the reserve.

This effort aligns with its commitment to protecting wildlife, including endangered species, and providing a thriving environment for their growth and reproduction, the SPA reported.

The authority added that the reproduction of animals within the reserve reflects the quality and suitability of its natural habitats for wildlife.

The reserve has recorded over 120 mammal births, including the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, Nubian ibex, and Arabian gazelle, across its designated areas.

As the largest terrestrial nature reserve in the Middle East, the reserve spans 130,700 sq. km across four administrative regions: Jouf, Hail, Northern Borders, and Tabuk. The reserve features diverse habitats, terrains, and unique geographic formations.