General Principles Regarding the Responsibilities of an Arbitrator Under the Saudi Arbitration Law

This study examines the nature of an arbitrator’s role, distinguishing it from related concepts. Employing both descriptive and inductive methodologies, the study explores the general principles governing arbitrators and the legal protections afforded to them. The research yields several findings and recommendations; notably, it observes that the Saudi legislator has not explicitly addressed the liability of an arbitrator within the Saudi Arbitration Law, limiting the relevant provisions instead to matters of disqualification and removal. The study recommends the formal codification of arbitrator liability; given that an arbitrator’s position—regarding removal and recusal—parallels that of a judge, it is logical that they should also share a similar degree of relative legal protection. Furthermore, the study advocates for strengthening the role of institutional arbitration, particularly in light of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s "Vision 2030," which seeks to attract foreign capital investment. Institutional arbitration serves as an optimal solution in this context, as foreign investors place greater trust in such mechanisms due to their inherent independence and impartiality.