The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has traditionally been a strong market for international contractors and consultants. Within its 2011 budget the Kingdom has continued its focus on internal infrastructure development and the diversification of the economy having allocated SR580 billion (US$155 billion) to this sector.
Chinese contractors are already an influential player, and have made solid in-roads, in the construction market within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, it is clear that substantial opportunities exist over coming years for those operating in the construction sector and it is anticipated that the competitive edge displayed by Chinese contractors will see its share of this important market grow considerably. Against this background the following is discussed:
1. A general overview of the KSA legal system.
2. KSA laws as they apply to the construction industry; and
3. An overview of dispute resolution within the construction industry in KSA.