Article 87 of the Saudi Commercial Papers Law

This Article sets out the particulars that a promissory note must contain:

1. The order clause, or the words "promissory note" written in the body of the note and in the language in which it is written.
2. An unconditional promise to pay a fixed sum of money.
3. The maturity date.
4. The place of payment.
5. The name of the person to whom, or to whose order, payment is to be made.
6. The date and place of issue of the note.
7. The signature of the person who issued the note (the maker).

The second particular shows that a promissory note rests on a promise by the maker himself to pay, and that this promise must be unconditional and for a fixed sum of money.

The effect of a note lacking one of these particulars is set out in Article 88: a note lacking any of them is not considered a promissory note except in three cases. If it lacks a maturity date, it is considered payable at sight. If it lacks a place of payment or the maker's domicile, the place of issue is considered the place of payment and the maker's place. If it lacks a place of issue, it is considered issued in the place stated beside the maker's name.

When drafting a promissory note in a significant transaction, it is advisable to have a lawyer who specializes in commercial matters and commercial papers review it to ensure the particulars are complete.