Saudi Arabia began implementing its new Enforcement Law and accompanying regulations on Thursday to accelerate the enforcement of financial rights and improve judicial efficiency. Justice Minister Walid Al-Samaani described the legislation as a major step in developing the enforcement system, citing the support of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the continued backing of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for judicial reform. The law aims to strengthen confidence in financial transactions and establish balanced responsibilities between creditors and debtors, with enforcement directed at assets rather than individuals. It introduces improved mechanisms for disclosing and tracing assets and enforcing claims against them, while preserving legal safeguards and taking into account the humanitarian and social circumstances of debtors and their families. The legislation also regulates the enforcement of court rulings on alimony, child custody and visitation rights. Al-Samaani explained that the law promotes preventive justice by clarifying financial obligations, regulating enforceable legal instruments and strengthening their reliability. It also seeks to improve governance, institutional maturity and the speed of enforcement procedures. The reforms are part of the Justice Ministry’s efforts to improve the experience of those using judicial services, strengthen coordination across the justice system, and expand the use of data and modern technologies, including artificial intelligence. The minister stressed that these measures would enhance operational efficiency and the quality of judicial outcomes, protect rights and advance the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. 54 Articles Regulating Enforcement Al-Samaani recently approved the implementing regulations, comprising 54 articles governing enforcement procedures, deadlines and safeguards for creditors and debtors. The regulations are intended to improve the efficiency of enforcing legal rights while preserving the protections afforded to both parties. They also establish procedures for enforcing alimony, custody and visitation rulings, along with requirements for registering bills of exchange and promissory notes on approved electronic platforms. The regulations further specify which orders and decisions may be challenged through formal objections.
