Article 67 of the Saudi Law of Evidence
المادة 67 من نظام الإثبات · الفصل الأول: محل الشهادة
The Article sets out three cases in which proof by witnesses is barred even if the value of the transaction does not exceed SAR 100,000.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
لا يجوز الإثبات بشهادة الشهود ولو لم تزد قيمة التصرف على (مائة ألف ريال أو ما يعادلها) في الحالات الآتية:
1- فيما اشترط النظام لصحته أو إثباته أن يكون مكتوباً.
2- إذا كان المطلوب هو الباقي أو جزء من حق لا يجوز إثباته إلا بالكتابة.
3- فيما يخالف أو يجاوز ما اشتمل عليه دليل كتابي.
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 67 explained in plain English
Article 66 set a monetary threshold for proof in writing, and this Article makes clear that proof by testimony may be barred even if the value of the transaction does not exceed (SAR 100,000 or its equivalent), in three cases:
- What the Law requires to be in writing for its validity or proof: If the Law requires writing for the validity of a transaction or for its proof, testimony is not enough, whatever its value.
- The remainder or part of a right that may be proven only in writing: If the original right is one that must be proven in writing, one may not circumvent this by claiming the remainder or a part of it and proving it by witnesses.
- What contradicts or goes beyond the content of written evidence: If there is written evidence, testimony is not accepted to prove what contradicts its content or adds to it.
The aim of these cases is to protect the strength of written evidence, and to prevent circumventing the rule in Article 66 by splitting claims or by proving the contrary of what is written through witnesses.
But the bar is not absolute in the Law, since Article 68 sets out cases in which proof by testimony is permitted for what must be proven in writing, namely: the existence of a beginning of written proof, or the existence of a physical or moral obstacle preventing the obtaining of written evidence, or proof that the claimant lost his written evidence for a reason beyond his control.
A person who has a written contract and wants to prove an agreement different from it is advised to consult a lawyer specializing in civil and commercial litigation.
Practical example
Majed rented a shop in Jeddah under a written contract that sets the rent, and then claimed that the lessor verbally promised him, in front of two witnesses, to reduce the rent. Majed may not prove this reduction through the testimony of the two witnesses because it contradicts the content of written evidence, even if the amount is less than SAR 100,000.
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 67 of the Saudi Law of Evidence
Can something that contradicts a written contract be proven by witnesses?
Proof by witness testimony is not permitted for what contradicts or goes beyond the content of written evidence, even if the value does not exceed SAR 100,000.
If the amount is less than SAR 100,000, is proof by witnesses always permitted?
No. There are cases where it is barred, such as where the Law requires writing for the validity or proof of the transaction, or where what is claimed is the remainder of a right that may be proven only in writing.
Are there exceptions that allow witnesses even though writing is required?
Yes. Article 68 sets out cases in which proof by testimony is permitted for what must be proven in writing, including a beginning of written proof or a physical or moral obstacle.
More articles on Testimony and Witnesses
- Article 11
Admission, interrogation, testimony and the oath take place before the court, which may move or assign a judge if that is not possible, and delegates the court of the place of residence if evidence cannot be taken electronically.
1- تكون إجراءات الإثبات من إقرار أو استجواب أو أداء للشهادة أو اليمين أمام المحكمة، فإن تعذر فللمحكمة أن تنتقل أو تكلف أحد قضاتها بذلك. 2- إذا كان المقر أو المس
- Article 12
A mute person's admission, interrogation, testimony and oath, and the directing, refusing and returning of it, are done in writing, or if he cannot write, by his customary gestures.
يكون إقرار الأخرس ومن في حكمه واستجوابه وأداؤه للشهادة واليمين وتوجيهها والنكول عنها وردها بالكتابة، فإن لم يكن يعرف الكتابة فبإشارته المعهودة.
- Article 19
A non-judicial admission is proved in accordance with the provisions of the Law of Evidence, and may not be proved by testimony except in cases where proof by testimony is permitted.
يكون إثبات الإقرار غير القضائي وفق الأحكام المقررة في هذا النظام، بما في ذلك عدم جواز إثباته بالشهادة إلا في الأحوال التي يجوز فيها الإثبات بالشهادة.
- Article 65
The Article provides that the rule is that proof by witness testimony is permitted, unless a provision states otherwise.
يجوز الإثبات بشهادة الشهود؛ ما لم يرد نص يقضي بغير ذلك.
- Article 66
The Article requires every transaction worth more than SAR 100,000, or of unspecified value, to be proven in writing, bars proof by witnesses unless agreed or provided, and explains how value is assessed.
1- يجب أن يثبت بالكتابة كل تصرف تزيد قيمته على (مائة ألف ريال أو ما يعادلها) أو كان غير محدد القيمة. 2- لا تقبل شهادة الشهود في إثبات وجود أو انقضاء التصرفات ال
- Article 68
The Article permits proof by testimony of what must be proven in writing in three cases: a beginning of written proof, a physical or moral obstacle, and loss of written evidence for a reason beyond the claimant's control.
يجوز الإثبات بشهادة الشهود فيما كان يجب إثباته بالكتابة في الأحوال الآتية: 1- إذا وجد مبدأ الثبوت بالكتابة. 2- إذا وجد مانع مادي أو أدبي يحول دون الحصول على دلي
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.