Saudi Arabia, with its extensive coastline along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, is known for its flourishing maritime industry and on 12 December 2018, the Saudi Arabian legislator enacted Saudi Arabia Royal Decree No. M33/1440 On the Approval of the Commercial Maritime Law (Saudi Arabia Cabinet Decision No. 197/1440 Approving the Commercial Maritime Law). As the Kingdom is aware of the significance of maritime law in driving economic growth, this progressive step aims to strengthen the legal framework for civil transactions within the maritime sector.

Saudi Arabia Royal Decree No. M33/1440 (Saudi Arabia Cabinet Decision No. 197/1440) entered into force 180 days following its publication in the official gazette. It supersedes the second chapter of Saudi Arabia Royal Decree No. M32/1350 Approving the Commercial Court Law, and Saudi Arabia Royal Decree No. M27/1394 Related to Saudi Arabia Cabinet Decision No. 934/1394 Approving the Draft Law for Maritime Ports, Harbours and Lighthouses (Saudi Arabia Cabinet Decision No. 934/1394 On the Approval of the Draft Law for Maritime Ports, Harbours and Lighthouses) as well as any other provisions that contradict it.