Article 35 of the Saudi Privatization Law
المادة 35 من نظام التخصيص
Arabic is the language of privatization tender documents and of concluding contracts and subsidiary contracts, and another language may be used after the competent authority's approval.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
تكون اللغة العربية هي اللغة التي تصدر بها وثائق الطرح ويُبرم بها العقد -أو العقد التابع- ويجوز إصدار وثائق الطرح وإبرام العقد -أو العقد التابع- بلغة أخرى بعد موافقة الجهة المختصة.
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 35 explained in plain English
This article sets the language of privatization projects:
- The rule: Arabic is the language in which the tender documents are issued and in which the contract or subsidiary contract is concluded.
- The exception: the tender documents may be issued, and the contract or subsidiary contract concluded, in another language after the competent authority's approval.
This matters in practice, especially for foreign investors and international lenders who may prefer another language such as English. The Law allows it, but only after obtaining the competent authority's approval in advance; the parties' agreement alone is not enough.
The text does not address the case where two versions in two languages differ, nor which version prevails in a conflict; this is a matter best dealt with in the contract itself. Nor does it limit the other language to a particular language.
This article links to Article 36, which places the foreign investor on an equal footing with the local one in tendering and award, and to Article 34, which allows arbitration and a choice of applicable law with the competent authority's approval; together these provisions make it easier for foreign investors to take part. Anyone negotiating a contract in two languages should consult a lawyer who specializes in commercial matters or foreign investment.
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 35 of the Saudi Privatization Law
What is the language of privatization contracts in Saudi Arabia?
Arabic is the language of the tender documents, the contract and the subsidiary contract.
Can a privatization contract be concluded in English?
The tender documents may be issued and the contract concluded in another language after the competent authority's approval.
More articles on Tendering and Awarding Privatization Projects
- Article 5
The article leaves it to the Implementing Regulations to specify the privatization methods available for public-private partnerships or asset ownership transfers, and the conditions and controls for each method.
تحدد اللائحة التنفيذية أساليب التخصيص الممكن اتباعها والمتعلقة بالشراكة بين القطاعين العام والخاص، أو بنقل ملكية الأصول، والشروط والضوابط اللازمة لكل أسلوب من ه
- Article 12
Privatization projects are generally offered through public competition, and may be offered through limited competition, direct contracting or other means suited to the project; the regulations set the rules for each means.
1- يتم طرح مشروع التخصيص من خلال منافسة عامة، ويمكن طرحه عن طريق منافسة محدودة، أو بالتعاقد المباشر، أو غير ذلك من وسائل الطرح المناسبة بحسب طبيعة المشروع. 2- ي
- Article 13
The executing entity may cancel the offering of a privatization project at any time before signing the contract, with the competent authority's approval, in the public interest. Competitors are not entitled to compensation unless the Center's board of directors decides otherwise.
للجهة التنفيذية في أي وقت قبل توقيع العقد إلغاء طرح مشروع التخصيص، بعد موافقة الجهة المختصة متى رأت في ذلك تحقيقًا للمصلحة العامة. وفي هذه الحالة؛ لا يستحق أي م
- Article 32
The Center's Board sets the rules for tenders and procurement in privatization contracts and for State leasing and vacating of real estate in coordination with the State Properties Authority, and the general laws apply where there is no special provision.
1- يضع مجلس إدارة المركز الأحكام المنظمة للمنافسات والمشتريات لجميع التعاقدات اللازمة لتنفيذ عمليات التخصيص. 2- يضع مجلس إدارة المركز -بالتنسيق مع الهيئة العامة
- Article 36
This article applies to foreign investors the same criteria and procedures as local ones in tendering and awarding privatization projects, and gives them the same treatment in everything arising from the Law or the contract.
دون الإخلال بأحكام الأنظمة، وبأي التزام للمملكة بموجب الاتفاقيات الدولية أو الإقليمية التي تكون المملكة طرفًا فيها، تُطبَّق على المستثمر الأجنبي المعايير والضوا
- Article 40
The Implementing Regulations set the rules for implementing the Privatization Law, including the project document, project priorities, selecting consultants, monitoring contracts, the effect of emergencies, and criteria for treating a project as privatization.
1- تحدد اللائحة التنفيذية الأحكام اللازمة لتنفيذ النظام بما في ذلك ما يأتي: أ- الأحكام المتعلقة بوثيقة مشروع التخصيص، وآلية التواصل بالقطاع الخاص. ب- الأسس اللا
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.