Article 165 of the Saudi Civil Transactions Law
المادة 165 من نظام المعاملات المدنية · الفصل الأول: التنفيذ العيني
The article provides that a right to a thing specified by kind attaches to a particular item only once it is set apart, and lets the creditor, on non-performance, obtain a like item at the debtor's expense.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
1- إذا تعلق الحق بشيء معين بالنوع لا بالذات، فإنه لا يختص بشيء بذاته من ذلك النوع إلا بإفرازه.
2- إذا لم يقم المدين بتنفيذ التزامه جاز للدائن أن يحصل على شيء من هذا النوع على نفقة المدين بعد إذن المحكمة أو دون إذنها في حال الاستعجال، وذلك دون إخلال بحق الدائن في التعويض.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 165 explained in plain English
The law distinguishes between a thing specified individually (such as a particular car identified by its chassis number) and a thing specified by kind (such as a number of bags of rice of a certain variety). Article 165 deals with the second type in two paragraphs:
Paragraph 1 (setting apart): If the right relates to a thing specified by kind and not individually, it does not attach to a particular item of that kind except by setting it apart, that is, separating it and distinguishing it from others. Before it is set apart, the creditor's right relates to the kind in general, not to a specific piece of it.
Paragraph 2 (obtaining a replacement): If the debtor does not perform his obligation, the creditor may obtain an item of this kind at the debtor's expense, either:
- As a rule, after the court's permission.
- Or without its permission in a case of urgency.
This is without prejudice to the creditor's right to compensation; obtaining a replacement does not prevent him from claiming compensation.
This article applies the performance in kind provided for in Article 164, since the creditor obtains the very subject of the obligation, even if from another source. To assess whether a case of urgency exists or to calculate the expenses, you may consult a lawyer specializing in civil and compensation cases.
Practical example
A contractor in Riyadh bought 200 bags of a specified type of cement from a supplier and paid the price, but the supplier did not deliver them on time. With the court's permission, the contractor may buy 200 bags of the same type from another supplier at the first supplier's expense, and even without the court's permission if the matter is urgent, while keeping his right to compensation.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 165 of the Saudi Civil Transactions Law
When does my right attach to specific goods?
If the right relates to a thing specified by kind, it attaches to a particular item only once it is set apart.
Can I buy a replacement at the expense of the late supplier?
Yes. The creditor may obtain an item of the same kind at the debtor's expense after the court's permission, or without it in a case of urgency.
Do I lose my right to compensation if I buy the replacement?
No. Paragraph 2 provides that this is without prejudice to the creditor's right to compensation.
More articles on Performance of Obligations and Agreed Compensation
- Article 107
The article lets a party to a bilateral contract, after warning the defaulting party, demand performance or termination, with compensation if warranted, in either case.
في العقود الملزمة للجانبين، إذا لم يوف أحد المتعاقدين بالتزامه، فللمتعاقد الآخر بعد إعذاره المتعاقد المخل أن يطلب تنفيذ العقد أو فسخه، مع التعويض في الحالتين إن
- Article 161
The article requires the debtor to perform his obligation when it falls due and allows it to be enforced against him by compulsion if he refuses, once the conditions for compulsory enforcement under the law are met.
يجب على المدين تنفيذ التزامه عند استحقاقه، فإذا امتنع نفذ عليه جبرًا متى استوفى التنفيذ الجبري شروطه النظامية.
- Article 162
The article provides that an obligation that does not meet the conditions for compulsory enforcement remains owed on a moral basis (diyanah); if the debtor performs it voluntarily, the performance is valid and is neither a gift nor an undue payment.
إذا لم يستوف الالتزام الشروط النظامية لتنفيذه جبرًا يبقى قائمًا في ذمة المدين ديانةً، فإذا وفاه مختارًا كان وفاؤه صحيحًا ولا يُعدُّ تبرعًا ولا دفعًا لغير المستح
- Article 163
The article provides that an obligation owed on a moral basis (diyanah) is a valid foundation on which the debtor may build a legal obligation.
الالتزام القائم ديانةً يُعدُّ أساسًا صالحًا لأن يبني عليه المدين التزامًا نظاميًّا.
- Article 164
The article compels the debtor, after formal notice, to perform in kind where possible, and lets the court, at his request, limit the creditor to compensation if performance is burdensome and causes the creditor no serious harm.
1- يُجبَر المدين بعد إعذاره على تنفيذ التزامه تنفيذًا عينيًّا متى كان ذلك ممكنًا. 2- إذا كان في التنفيذ العيني إرهاقٌ للمدين جاز للمحكمة بناءً على طلبه أن تقصر
- Article 166
The article places the risk of destruction or damage on the debtor who failed to deliver, in two cases: transfer of a real right and an obligation to perform work involving delivery, each on different conditions.
1- الالتزام بنقل حق عيني يتضمن الالتزام بتسليم الشيء والمحافظة عليه حتى تسليمه، فإذا لم يقم المدين بتسليمه حتى هلك أو تلف كانت تبعة ذلك عليه. 2- إذا كان محل الا
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.