Regulations Governing Mediation of Divorce in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, divorce is primarily governed by the Personal Status Law, a significant codification of family law rooted in Islamic Sharia principles. Saudi Arabia has embarked on a significant legal transformation concerning personal status matters, culminating in the promulgation of the Personal Status Law (PSL) under Royal Decree No. M/73, dated 8/6/1443 AH (corresponding to March 9, 2022). This pivotal legislation, which came into effect in mid-June 2022, represents a comprehensive overhaul of family law, aiming to enhance justice, safeguard the rights of all involved parties—particularly women and children—and mitigate family disputes by establishing a clear, codified legal framework. While deeply rooted in Islamic Sharia principles, the PSL demonstrates a strategic adaptation to contemporary social developments within the Kingdom.

A cornerstone of these reforms is the heightened emphasis on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), specifically conciliation and mediation, for family disputes. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has been instrumental in this shift, notably through the operation of its “Taradhi” platform. This electronic gateway has played a central role in modernizing dispute resolution, having facilitated over 2 million conciliation sessions and issued more than 370,000 enforceable agreements. This robust digital infrastructure has contributed to a reported 22% reduction in divorce cases, underscoring its effectiveness in fostering amicable settlements and reducing judicial caseloads.

The PSL has introduced pivotal changes to traditional divorce procedures, most notably the abolition of “secret divorce” and the imposition of mandatory divorce registration. These measures are designed to ensure transparency and robustly protect women’s financial and legal rights post-divorce. Mediation is frequently a mandatory pre-litigation step, particularly in cases involving children, with all mediated agreements possessing direct legal enforceability, thereby streamlining the overall process and reinforcing the stability of family arrangements.  

II. Introduction to Saudi Personal Status Law (PSL)

Historical Context and Evolution of Family Law in Saudi Arabia

For decades, family law in Saudi Arabia operated largely under uncodified Islamic Sharia principles. This traditional approach, while deeply rooted in religious tenets, inherently allowed for significant judicial discretion in rulings, often leading to inconsistencies in court decisions. The absence of a codified framework meant that outcomes could vary depending on the individual judge’s interpretation of Sharia, creating a degree of legal uncertainty for litigants.  

The introduction of the Personal Status Law (PSL) under Royal Decree No. (M/73) dated 8/6/1443 AH (March 9, 2022), which became effective in mid-June 2022, marked a profound legislative evolution. This codification effort is not an isolated legal reform but an integral component of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 agenda. The government’s strategic move to codify these principles aims to enhance legal certainty and predictability in family matters. By providing “conclusive provisions for various personal status issues in a way that eliminates the need for discretionary reasoning,” the PSL seeks to standardize judicial decisions, ensuring a more consistent application of the law. This represents a fundamental shift in legal philosophy, moving towards a more civil-law-like approach while retaining Sharia as its foundational basis, thereby addressing challenges posed by inconsistent application of principles by individual judges. This strategic effort to modernize the legal system aligns with national development goals, as legal predictability is crucial for public trust and for fostering an environment conducive to economic and social progress.  

Objectives and Scope of the Personal Status Law (Royal Decree M/73 dated 8/6/1443 AH)

The Personal Status Law is a comprehensive legal instrument, comprising 252 articles systematically organized into eight parts and 25 chapters. Its extensive scope covers all critical aspects of family life, including engagement, marriage, divorce, child custody, alimony, lineage, wills, and inheritance.

The primary objectives underpinning the PSL are multi-faceted and reflect a forward-looking approach to family governance. These objectives include achieving justice for all parties, systematically organizing family affairs, clarifying legal rules and procedures, and significantly reinforcing the rights of women and children. A core aim of the PSL is not just to resolve existing disputes but to proactively “reduce family disputes to maintain peace and stability” , thereby strengthening overall family and societal stability. This indicates that the Saudi government views family disputes as a potential societal destabilizer and is leveraging legal codification, including the formalization of mediation, as a tool for social engineering and stability, rather than merely a reactive mechanism for conflict resolution. This proactive stance underscores a commitment to preventative legal measures that foster societal harmony.  

Foundational Principles: Islamic Sharia and Vision 2030 Modernization

The Personal Status Law is fundamentally grounded in Islamic Sharia principles, embodying Islamic and humanitarian values. However, its development also demonstrates a clear responsiveness to ongoing social developments within the Kingdom. This approach signifies a dynamic and evolving interpretation of Islamic Sharia, balancing traditional principles with contemporary societal needs and aligning with international legal benchmarks.  

The PSL explicitly aligns with the broader objectives of Vision 2030, particularly in terms of modernization and the empowerment of women. The consistent linkage of the PSL to Vision 2030 indicates a strategic, top-down effort to modernize the legal system to align with national development goals. These legal reforms are presented as “a major step in the Kingdom’s efforts to protect human rights in line with the latest international judicial standards”. This suggests that legal reforms, including those in family law, are considered crucial for attracting investment, fostering social stability, and improving the Kingdom’s international standing, rather than being solely driven by internal social pressures. This pragmatic approach harmonizes religious principles with modern governance and human rights discourse.  

III. Divorce Provisions under the Personal Status Law

Types of Divorce: Talaq (Unilateral Divorce), Faskh (Judicial Annulment), and Khul’ (Redemptive Divorce)

Historically, the landscape of divorce in Saudi Arabia was characterized by a significant imbalance in rights. Men traditionally held the unilateral power to divorce their wives through talaq (repudiation) without restrictions. In contrast, women had limited avenues to dissolve a marriage, primarily through faskh (judicial annulment) based on specific, limited grounds, or by seeking khul’ (redemptive divorce), which required them to pay a mutually agreed sum of money to the husband in exchange for a final divorce.  

The Personal Status Law (PSL) has introduced a more structured and equitable framework for marital dissolution. It clearly defines various types of divorce, including revocable and irrevocable forms, and outlines the specific provisions governing each, such as the mandatory waiting period (iddah).  

Key Amendments and Enhanced Women’s Rights in Saudi Arabia Divorce

The PSL represents a significant step forward in strengthening women’s rights within divorce proceedings. A major reform is the abolition of “secret divorce,” a problematic practice that previously allowed husbands to divorce their wives without their knowledge or consent, often leaving women in precarious legal and financial positions. The PSL now mandates the registration of divorce and the resumption of marriage within a specified timeframe (Article 90), ensuring transparency and preventing women from unknowingly losing their legal and financial protections. Article 91 further stipulates that if a husband fails to register a divorce, the wife is entitled to claim compensation for any resulting delays, safeguarding her rights and financial security. This emphasis on mandatory registration and the abolition of “secret divorce” are not merely administrative changes; they are fundamental safeguards designed to prevent abuse and ensure women’s access to their full legal and financial rights post-divorce. By making divorce registration compulsory and requiring court appearance, the PSL creates a verifiable public record, directly addressing previous power imbalances and ensuring women are informed and can enforce their rights. This demonstrates a legislative understanding that procedural transparency is crucial for substantive justice, especially for vulnerable parties.  

Furthermore, the practice of instant divorce, or “triple talaq,” has been abolished. Article 83 of the PSL clarifies that multiple declarations of talaq will now be considered a single pronouncement, thereby preventing an automatic dissolution of the marriage based on a single, impulsive act.  

Women’s access to judicial annulment (faskh) has also been expanded. The PSL allows women to request faskh without their claim expiring due to delay in filing the request. Courts are now empowered to grant faskh if a wife cannot fulfill marital obligations and the husband refuses to grant divorce or khul’, provided she returns the dowry. Significantly, if the husband is determined to be at fault for the marriage breakdown, the wife can separate without being required to provide financial compensation. Article 107 specifically grants women the right to request a divorce under certain conditions, such as the husband’s failure to provide financial support. These changes collectively enhance women’s agency in divorce proceedings, shifting from a system heavily skewed towards male unilateral rights to one with more accessible judicial avenues for women. The limitation on khul’ compensation (Article 101) further reduces financial barriers for women seeking to dissolve their marriages. This legislative intent is to empower women by providing clearer, more equitable pathways to marital dissolution, reducing their vulnerability and dependence on male consent.  

Regulations concerning Alimony, Child Custody, and Visitation Rights Post-Divorce

The PSL comprehensively addresses ancillary matters arising from divorce in Saudi Arabia, ensuring the protection of financial rights and the welfare of children. The law explicitly guarantees women’s right to alimony (nafaqah), which includes essential needs such as food, clothing, housing, and other necessities (Article 45). Husbands are obligated to provide alimony to their ex-wives during the waiting period (iddah), and if the wife is pregnant, alimony must continue until childbirth. Mothers are also entitled to alimony for the children under their care.

In child custody (hadhanah) matters, the PSL prioritizes mothers for custody after separation, provided that such an arrangement serves the child’s best interests (Article 127). A significant shift in custody rights grants mothers the right to custody of their children until they reach 15 years of age. Furthermore, children now have the option to choose to remain under their mother’s custody until they turn 18 (Article 135). This represents a notable departure from previous norms, where custody often transferred to the father or his family at earlier ages (typically 7 for daughters and 9 for sons).  

The law also safeguards mothers’ rights concerning paternity. It requires a mother’s consent for DNA tests of a child and reforms the period within which a husband can renounce paternity from 40 days to 15 days after birth. Crucially, the PSL allows mothers and children to establish paternity through DNA evidence even without the husband/father’s consent (Articles 73-75).  

A critical procedural mandate introduced by the Ministry of Justice requires that child custody, visitation, and alimony issues in divorce cases must be resolved prior to the finalization of the divorce. This resolution, whether through mediation or litigation, must occur within a strict timeline of up to 30 days from the initial hearing. The explicit prioritization of the child’s best interests in custody matters and the proactive requirement to resolve ancillary issues before divorce finalization highlight a shift towards a more child-centric approach in family law. This demonstrates a clear legislative intent to minimize disruption for children and ensure their welfare is addressed promptly, rather than being subjected to a protracted post-divorce battle. This focus on expedited resolution is a practical measure to enhance the quality of life for those involved in divorce proceedings, aligning with Vision 2030’s broader goals of improving societal well-being.  

IV. Divorce Mediation Framework and Procedures

The Role of the Saudi Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and the Saudi Mediation Center

The Saudi Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has assumed a central and proactive role in regulating separation cases and vigorously promoting alternative dispute resolution (ADR), particularly mediation, as a preferred method for resolving family disputes. This significant investment in establishing and promoting mediation centers and platforms demonstrates a strong governmental commitment to institutionalizing ADR as a primary method for family dispute resolution, rather than merely a supplementary option.  

The Saudi Mediation Center, an entity directly affiliated with the MoJ, is instrumental in facilitating amicable settlements in family disputes. Its concerted efforts have yielded tangible results, contributing to a notable 22% decrease in divorce certifications within a specific 12-month period, underscoring its effectiveness in fostering reconciliation and reducing the burden on the formal judicial system. The MoJ also plays a crucial role in ensuring professional standards by enabling qualified individuals to become certified mediators, a process that involves stringent academic, experience, and training requirements.  

The Taradhi Platform: An Electronic Gateway for Conciliation

The “Taradhi” (meaning “agreement”) platform stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to digital transformation within its legal services. Launched by the MoJ in 2013, this electronic center is specifically designed to streamline mediation procedures, making them more accessible and efficient. The platform enables remote mediation sessions, allowing parties to resolve their disputes amicably and conveniently from a distance, under the expert guidance of certified conciliators. This digital infrastructure not only improves convenience but also enhances confidentiality, a key advantage of mediation.  

The Taradhi platform has achieved remarkable success, having facilitated over 2 million conciliation sessions and resulting in the issuance of more than 370,000 enforceable agreements across various dispute types, including personal status matters. This sheer volume demonstrates its effectiveness in streamlining dispute resolution and diverting cases from the traditional court system, thereby contributing significantly to overall judicial efficiency. Conciliation documents issued through Taradhi are legally binding and recognized as “enforcement instruments” by the Saudi judiciary. These agreements can be electronically signed via the Absher system, and upon approval by the Mediation Center, an official, enforceable mediation document is issued. In cases of non-compliance, these agreements can be directly implemented without the need for further litigation, providing a robust legal backing for mediated outcomes.  

Beyond family matters, the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA) also offers mediation services, operating under its own rules designed for efficiency, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness in commercial disputes.  

Mandatory Nature of Conciliation in Family Disputes

A crucial aspect of the Saudi legal framework is the mandatory nature of conciliation in certain family disputes, particularly those involving children. An article added to the regulations of the Civil Procedure Law requires the resolution of child custody, visitation, and alimony issues through mediation or litigation before a divorce can be finalized. This process is subject to a strict deadline of up to 30 days from the first hearing.

While courts may refer cases involving children to the Mediation Center when a spouse files for divorce in Saudi Arabia or annulment , conciliation is generally a mandatory procedure in personal status cases falling within the jurisdiction of Sharia Courts. Exceptions are made only for urgent cases or those where conciliation is inherently unsuitable. Unlike voluntary mediation, this mandatory conciliation is court-supported, and the conciliator is a court employee. This strategic policy decision to promote amicable resolution and preserve family ties before resorting to adversarial litigation underscores the state’s priority in sensitive family matters. This tiered approach to dispute resolution aims to filter cases and reduce the judicial load, while still allowing for voluntary mediation in other contexts. The implication is that while ADR is promoted, the state retains a strong hand in guiding family disputes towards resolution, prioritizing reconciliation and stability.

Procedural Timelines for Mediation and Resolution of Ancillary Issues

The Saudi legal system places a clear emphasis on expediting family dispute resolution through defined procedural timelines. If a family case referred to the Mediation Center achieves reconciliation, a directly enforceable mediation record is promptly issued within 20 days. Generally, the conciliation process itself is designed to be swift, typically not exceeding 30 days from its initiation. In the broader context of civil litigation, pre-trial hearings specifically incorporate a phase for discussing the possibility of reconciliation, a stage that usually spans one to two months. This clear policy emphasis on expedited resolution aims to minimize prolonged uncertainty for families, reducing the emotional and financial toll of drawn-out legal battles, particularly for women who might be dependent on alimony and children awaiting custody arrangements. This focus on speed is a practical measure to enhance the quality of life for those involved in divorce proceedings, aligning with Vision 2030’s broader goals of improving societal well-being.  

Table: Taradhi Platform Services and Key Process Steps

The Taradhi platform is a cornerstone of modern divorce mediation in Saudi Arabia. Below is a detailed overview of its services and the key steps involved in the conciliation process:

V. Qualifications, Ethical Guidelines, and Professional Conduct for Mediators

Requirements for Certified Mediators in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi legal system has implemented stringent requirements for individuals seeking to become certified mediators, reflecting a deliberate effort to professionalize Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services. New mediation rules enable qualified individuals to register for mediation practice. Applicants must possess a university degree, maintain a good reputation, and undergo specialized training. The certification process is rigorous, requiring candidates to pass theoretical and practical tests, in addition to successfully completing an interview.  

For those aspiring to join the panel of mediators at the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA), the mandatory conditions are equally demanding. Candidates must demonstrate strong credentials, possess an appropriate level of professional experience (a minimum of three years in business, legal, or judicial fields), hold relevant academic qualifications, and complete specific training in mediation. However, certain exemptions from the training requirement are in place for highly experienced mediators: those who have been appointed in at least three cases administered by the SCCA, or senior experienced international mediators who have served in at least five cases administered by leading international institutions. This comprehensive set of requirements, including academic degrees, specialized training, and rigorous testing, goes beyond mere participation; it establishes mediation as a recognized profession. The emphasis on “good reputation” and “integrity” is crucial for building public trust in the mediation process. This professionalization is vital for the credibility and effectiveness of mediation as a viable alternative to litigation, especially given that mediated agreements are legally enforceable.  

Further developments are underway, with a new draft mediation law, published in December 2023, currently under review for final promulgation. This forthcoming legislation is anticipated to provide even greater clarity and definition regarding mediation and its procedural aspects.  

Core Ethical Principles: Impartiality, Confidentiality, and Party Self-Determination

Mediators operating within Saudi Arabia are bound by a robust framework of ethical guidelines, exemplified by the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration’s (SCCA) Code of Ethics for Mediators. These principles are critical for fostering trust in the mediation process, which is essential for its success in a culturally sensitive domain like family law.  

At the core of these guidelines are principles of impartiality and independence. Mediators must be entirely impartial and independent of the parties involved, ensuring they have no personal interest in the dispute. They are obligated to disclose any circumstances that might raise reasonable doubts about their impartiality or independence. This ensures that the mediator acts as a neutral facilitator, free from bias or external influence.  

Confidentiality is another paramount principle. Mediators are bound by a relationship of trust and confidentiality, which strictly prohibits them from using confidential information acquired during the mediation proceedings for personal gain or to adversely affect the interests of any party. Mediation procedures are inherently confidential, safeguarding the privacy and sensitive information of the companies or individuals involved. The draft mediation law also explicitly emphasizes this crucial aspect of confidentiality. Family disputes often involve deep personal issues and emotional sensitivities; without strong ethical safeguards like strict confidentiality, parties would be hesitant to engage openly and honestly in the process.  

The principle of party self-determination is fundamental to the mediation process. A mediator must conduct the mediation based on the understanding that parties make voluntary, un-coerced, free, and informed choices regarding both the process and the final outcome. While mediators cannot personally ensure that each party has made perfectly informed choices, they are encouraged to advise parties on the importance of consulting other professionals (e.g., legal counsel, financial advisors) to help them make well-considered decisions. Mediators are explicitly prohibited from exerting pressure on any party to settle or from participating in settlement discussions unless specifically requested to do so by all parties involved. This ensures that the outcome is genuinely agreed upon by the parties, making it more sustainable. These ethical tenets are designed to create a safe, neutral space that encourages candid discussion and mutually acceptable solutions, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful reconciliation or amicable separation. This careful balance between flexibility and ethical safeguards is crucial for the developing ADR landscape.  

VI. Enforceability and Legal Standing of Mediated Agreements

Status of Mediation Agreements as Enforceable Instruments

A cornerstone of the robust mediation framework in Saudi Arabia is the strong legal backing provided to agreements reached through this process. Agreements achieved through mediation, once properly documented and signed by the parties, acquire full legal binding force. This direct enforceability provides a powerful incentive for parties to engage meaningfully and in good faith in the mediation process, as the outcome is not merely a non-binding recommendation but a legally binding resolution with immediate consequences for non-compliance. This causal link between robust enforceability and the overall effectiveness of ADR is vital for achieving the goals of reducing court backlogs and actively promoting out-of-court settlements. It fundamentally elevates mediation from a mere informal discussion to a legitimate and robust legal pathway.  

Electronic mediation documents issued via the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) Taradhi platform are explicitly recognized as “enforcement instruments” by the Saudi judiciary. Furthermore, settlement agreements resulting from mediation are enforceable under the Mediation Law. A significant procedural advantage is that upon notarization, such agreements become directly executable deeds before the Court of Execution, eliminating the need to file any further substantive case for their enforcement. In instances of non-compliance, these agreements can be implemented without the necessity of resorting to traditional litigation, thereby saving time and costs for both parties and the judiciary. This policy choice demonstrates a clear commitment to efficient justice delivery and recognizes the value of consensual dispute resolution in reducing court backlogs.  

Alignment with International Standards (e.g., Singapore Convention on Mediation)

Saudi Arabia has actively demonstrated its commitment to integrating its legal system with international best practices in dispute resolution. The Kingdom was an original signatory to the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation (commonly known as the “Singapore Convention”) in August 2019, and subsequently became a party in 2020.  

This early adoption and alignment with a key international mediation convention signals a clear and strategic commitment to adopting global standards. While the Singapore Convention primarily addresses commercial disputes, its underlying principles of enforceability and confidentiality are highly likely to influence and set a precedent for the broader approach to mediation within the Kingdom, including family matters. Further reinforcing this alignment, Saudi Arabia published a draft mediation law in December 2023, which is designed to be consistent with the principles and provisions of the Singapore Convention. This international alignment is a strategic move that not only demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s dedication to modernizing its legal system but also enhances its appeal as a stable, predictable, and trustworthy legal environment for international businesses and individuals. It suggests a forward-looking approach to legal reform that actively considers and integrates global standards, even as it remains firmly rooted in Islamic Sharia principles.  

VII. Challenges and Future Outlook

Impact of Judicial Discretion and Societal Factors

Despite the significant strides made through the codification of the Personal Status Law (PSL) and the explicit aim to reduce judicial discretion, the research indicates that “judicial discretion and societal resistance to change remain key challenges”. While the PSL provides “conclusive provisions for various personal status issues in a way that eliminates the need for discretionary reasoning” , it also acknowledges that the law “still maintains the judges’ authorities to decide on certain issues”. This highlights a fundamental and complex tension: while laws can be codified and reformed on paper, their actual implementation and practical effect are significantly influenced by the judiciary’s interpretation of the codified law and the prevailing societal norms and attitudes.  

The underlying framework of marriage in Saudi Arabia, historically based on male authority (qiwamah) and guardianship (wilayah), continues to present challenges to achieving full gender equality, despite recent reforms. For instance, while the PSL has introduced protections for women, some provisions still reflect traditional structures, such as a wife’s financial support being conditional on her “submit[ting] herself” to her husband. This implies that the full realization of legal rights, particularly for women, will depend not solely on the written text of the law but also on how consistently and progressively judges apply it, and how deeply societal attitudes evolve to embrace these reforms. The practical impact of these reforms on women’s legal autonomy is still subject to ongoing assessment, particularly given the continued reliance on judicial discretion in certain areas. This is a critical nuance that a purely textual legal analysis might overlook, emphasizing the dynamic interplay between law, judiciary, and society.  

Ongoing Legal Reforms and their Practical Implications

The legal reforms in Saudi Arabia are not a static, one-time event but rather an ongoing, iterative process. The Personal Status Law is part of a comprehensive series of legislative reforms, including the Civil Transactions Law, Penal Code for Discretionary Sanctions, and Law of Evidence, all aimed at enhancing judicial transparency and expanding individual rights within the Kingdom. This continuous development of legal frameworks, including a dedicated draft mediation law, signals a sustained commitment to modernizing Saudi Arabia’s dispute resolution landscape beyond the initial PSL codification.  

New implementing regulations for the PSL, published in February 2025, represent further advancements by curtailing male guardianship regulations and strengthening women’s rights in divorce and custody. These include provisions allowing women to request the transfer of guardianship from unjust or negligent guardians and streamlining procedures for marriage even in the absence of a prospective suitor. This iterative approach suggests that the government is actively responsive to the practical challenges, unforeseen consequences, and feedback arising from initial reforms, continually adjusting and expanding the legal framework. This gradual, adaptive approach is particularly crucial in a society that is balancing deeply entrenched traditional Islamic principles with ambitious modernization goals, where changes need to be introduced thoughtfully and assessed for their real-world impact and societal acceptance.  

Furthermore, a new draft mediation law is currently undergoing final review and promulgation, which is expected to provide further clarity and definition regarding mediation procedures. This indicates that the government is continuously evaluating and refining its ADR mechanisms to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, reflecting a proactive approach to legal development rather than a one-off legislative act. This continuous evolution aims to solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading arbitration and dispute resolution hub.  

VIII. Key Articles of the Personal Status Law Relevant to Divorce and Mediation

The Personal Status Law (Royal Decree No. M/73, dated 8/6/1443 AH) provides the foundational legal framework for divorce and mediation in Saudi Arabia. The following table highlights key articles that directly govern these processes, offering a concise overview of the most pertinent legal provisions.

IX. Conclusion

Saudi Arabia has made substantial progress in modernizing its legal framework governing divorce and family matters, with mediation emerging as a central pillar of this transformation. The codification of the Personal Status Law (PSL) under Royal Decree No. M/73 marks a significant departure from previous reliance on uncodified Sharia interpretations, ushering in an era of greater legal certainty, predictability, and enhanced rights protection, particularly for women and children. This shift from discretionary judicial rulings to a codified system is a strategic move, aimed at improving judicial efficiency and aligning with the broader objectives of Vision 2030, which emphasizes human rights and societal development.

The Ministry of Justice’s proactive role in promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is evident in the establishment and success of the Saudi Mediation Center and the innovative Taradhi platform. This digital gateway has revolutionized access to conciliation, enabling remote, confidential, and efficient resolution of family disputes. The impressive volume of mediated settlements facilitated by Taradhi underscores the effectiveness of this digital transformation in reducing court caseloads and fostering amicable outcomes, contributing to a notable decrease in divorce rates. The direct enforceability of mediated agreements, recognized as executive instruments, further strengthens the credibility and utility of this alternative pathway, incentivizing parties to engage meaningfully in the process.

While significant advancements have been achieved, challenges persist. The practical impact of legal reforms on gender equality and women’s full agency in divorce may still be influenced by residual judicial discretion and deeply entrenched societal norms rooted in the male guardianship system. This indicates a potential “implementation gap” where legal text may not immediately translate into full practical equality, necessitating ongoing efforts in consistent application and cultural evolution. Nevertheless, the continuous development of legal frameworks, including new implementing regulations for the PSL and a forthcoming dedicated mediation law, signals an iterative and sustained commitment to refining Saudi Arabia’s dispute resolution landscape. This ongoing modernization, coupled with the Kingdom’s alignment with international standards like the Singapore Convention, positions Saudi Arabia as a dynamic and evolving legal hub, dedicated to balancing traditional principles with modern governance and human rights.Sources used in the report