JEDDAH: Minister of Justice Waleed Al-Samaani on Monday authorized lawyers from the Gulf states to be allowed to practice law in Saudi Arabia.
The decision included adding an article to the executive regulations of the legal system stating that foreign law firms may not be registered unless each partner is licensed to practice law in the Kingdom.
Conditions for the new decision stipulate that a lawyer should be a citizen of one of the Gulf Cooperation Council states and be licensed to practice law in their country. The Gulf lawyer’s license issued by his country should be valid and being a resident in Saudi Arabia is not required.
This decision comes in accordance with the directives of the Council of Ministers to review the provisions contained in the executive regulations of the legal system regarding the conditions and restrictions of applicants from the GCC in practicing law to apply full equality of treatment.
Dima Al-Shareef, a Saudi legal counsellor told Arab News: “The approval of Gulf lawyers on the Saudi lawyers’ list will, of course, add a healthy diversity to the profession of law in the Kingdom and will facilitate the procedures of litigation to many Gulf companies located in the Kingdom, thus enhancing their investments in the Kingdom.”
Najoud Qassem Supervisor of the Judicial Aid Integration Initiative, told Arab News: “It’s important for citizens of the GCC to have some kind of equality by being able to practice their work here in the Kingdom; practicing law in the Kingdom will offer exchange of experiences between the Saudi and Gulf lawyers, as well as partnerships, and it will provide a wider range for more trainees and those wishing to work in the legal profession.”
Licensed GCC lawyers allowed to practice law in Saudi
Licensed GCC lawyers allowed to practice law in Saudi
Prince Faisal leads Saudi WEF delegation in Davos, highlights need for global cooperation
- Private sector, govt must work together to ensure long-term prosperity, Kingdom’s FM says
- 56th World Economic Forum annual meeting expected to draw 3,000 participants from almost 130 countries
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s participation at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos next week reflects its commitment to strengthening international cooperation to address global economic challenges, while supporting regional stability and sustainable development, the Kingdom’s foreign minister said on Saturday.
In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, Prince Faisal bin Farhan said Saudi Arabia believes close cooperation between governments and the private sector is essential to achieving sustainable development and long-term prosperity.
He added that the Kingdom will continue expanding cooperation with international partners at WEF and beyond to better confront economic and environmental challenges.
Prince Faisal said the Davos forum provided an important platform to enhance collaboration in areas such as institutional and human capacity-building, innovation, technology and scientific research, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
He highlighted the Kingdom’s focus on developing new business models to boost competitiveness and create investment opportunities.
Led by Prince Faisal, a high-level Saudi delegation will attend the forum, which runs from Jan. 19-23 under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue.”
The delegation includes senior ministers responsible for finance, investment, economy and planning, commerce, tourism, industry and mineral resources, and communications and information technology, as well as Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the US, Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud.
Saudi officials will participate in bilateral meetings and public sessions to share the Kingdom’s experience under Vision 2030 and engage with leaders from government, business, and civil society on global stability and prosperity, SPA added.
Saudi House will also return to Davos in 2026 after its debut last year, hosting more than 20 sessions focused on themes including investment, human capability, quality of life, and global collaboration.
The 56th WEF annual meeting is expected to draw around 3,000 participants from nearly 130 countries, including about 60 heads of state and government.
