Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration Launches Package to Support Business Sector

Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration Launches Package to Support Business Sector

The Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA) will launch on Tuesday a package of enhancements to make its range of services more accessible and support the business sector and the investment environment.

The Center announced in a statement that the services include a reduction in arbitrator fees of up to 30 percent, a 50 percent reduction in initial costs for starting most arbitration proceedings, and the flexibility for parties to now agree to a new alternative fee arrangement based on arbitrators’ hourly rates.

The step is a result of the SCCA Board of Directors’ approval of several amendments to Appendix I of the Center’s Arbitration Rules. The Board aims to extend SCCA’s range of institutional arbitration services to a broader range of various sectors, sizes, and nationalities.

The amendments to Appendix 1 of the SCCA Arbitration Rules will enter into effect on September 1.

The process will require a filing party to advance a flat rate registration fee of SAR5,000 that will later be credited towards its share in administrative expenses. It reduces the initial cost in starting the arbitration proceeding by 50 percent for claims above SAR400,000.

The administrative fees start at a SAR2,000 flat rate for proceedings under the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR)