Article 27 of the Saudi Civil Society Associations Law

This article opens the door to partnership between public benefit associations and other bodies:

• Who may contract: any government or private body.
• With whom: specifically a public benefit association; the text does not cover other associations.
• Subject of the contract:
  • Running an institution belonging to the body; or
  • Carrying out some of its projects, programs or services that fall within its competence.
• Regulation: the Regulations set the framework of the contractual relationship between the two parties.

In practical terms, a government body might assign a public benefit association the running of a rehabilitation center, or a private company might contract with it to carry out a social responsibility program. This draws on the associations' expertise and flexibility, and at the same time gives them resources to fund their activities.

The text does not detail the contract's terms, duration or method of payment; these are determined by the framework in the Regulations and by the contract itself. It is preceded by Article 26, on protecting the funds of public benefit associations from attachment except by court judgment, and followed by Article 28, which applies the provisions on associations to public benefit associations where there is no special provision. Anyone drafting a contract of this kind should consult a lawyer who specializes in contracts and administrative cases.