In brief
Recognises the binding force and enforceability of electronic transactions, records and signatures, and governs electronic contracting, electronic signatures, certification and its providers, and violations.
Summary of the law
Key points
- Electronic transactions, records and signatures are binding, and their validity or enforcement may not be denied merely because they were made electronically (Article 5).
- Emails, platform messages and e-signed contracts can serve as evidence if their source and integrity can be verified, so keep them in their original format.
Penalties
- Acts listed in Article 23, including providing certification services without a licence, forging an electronic record or signature, and accessing another person's signature system without authorisation: a fine of up to SAR 5 million or imprisonment, or both, under Article 24 as amended by Royal Decree M/57 of 1436H; the court may publish a summary of the judgment.
A plain-language summary prepared by Al-Bayan Al-Wadih Law Firm, focused on the violations and problems that come up most in daily life. It is not a substitute for the official text or for legal advice.
What it covers
- Legal effect of electronic transactions
- Electronic contracting
- E-signatures and certification
- Violations and penalties
Timeline
- Issued: Royal Decree M/18 · 8/3/1428H
- Amendments: Royal Decree M/57 · 1/8/1436H. Amendment to some articles (shown on the law's page at the Bureau of Experts)
Full record of amendments and regulations at the official source
Official text at the Bureau of Experts
The authoritative text is in Arabic; the Bureau of Experts publishes English translations for some laws.
Full official text
The full official text is in Arabic and is reproduced on the Arabic version of this page, as published by the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers. Read the full Arabic text
Library content is simplified general information for awareness only. It is not legal advice and does not replace the official text. Laws change: always check the official source and consult a lawyer before acting. Library data last reviewed: .