Article 3 of the Saudi Implementing Regulations of the Arbitration Law

This article of the Regulations deals with two practical matters in any arbitration: how notice is effected, and when time periods start and end.

First: electronic notice (paragraph 1). Notice is effected by electronic means, subject to what the Arbitration Law provides on notices. Electronic notice is therefore valid, but within the Law's provisions on notice, and the article does not specify any particular electronic means.

Second: calculating time periods (paragraph 2). Where there is no special provision, the following rules apply:

• The periods in the Law and the Regulations start on the day after notice, not on the day of notice itself.
• The two parties to the arbitration may agree otherwise.
• If the last day of the period falls on an official holiday at the place of residence or place of work of the person notified, the period is extended to the first working day after it.
• Otherwise the holiday is counted within the period, so a holiday falling during the period is not added to it.

These are general rules; if the Law or the Regulations contain a special provision for a particular period, that provision applies. "The Law" here means the Arbitration Law, according to Article 1 of the Regulations.

Anyone who receives notice in an arbitration should calculate the period precisely under these rules, and check whether there is an agreement between the parties on another method of calculation. If the deadline is close to expiring or the parties disagree on calculating it, you should consult a lawyer who specializes in arbitration and commercial cases.