The International Monetary Fund has noted that the outlook for the Saudi economy, which grew at 7.1 percent in 2011, remains buoyant. On current trends, real GDP was projected to grow by 6 percent in 2012. The private sector is again expected to lead the way, reflecting the increased role of the private sector in the economy, a clear break from the past.1 In this context, Saudi Arabia remains an enticing market for foreign investment.

Doing business in Saudi Arabia, however, carries particular challenges, many of which derive from Saudi Arabia’s unique legal system. In this article, we will provide a brief and general overview of five particular factors to keep in mind when doing business in Saudi Arabia.

Islamic Law