The Minister of Justice inaugurates the central model for developing public courts
Introduction: A new beginning towards effective justice
In a strategic move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to modernizing its judicial system, His Excellency the Minister of Justice, Dr. Walid bin Mohammed Al-Samaani, today launched the 'Central Model for Developing the Work of General Courts'. This significant announcement came during an inspection visit by His Excellency to the General Court in Riyadh, thus establishing a new phase of institutional judicial work that aligns with global best practices in the justice sector.
Leadership support and the Kingdom's Vision 2030
This achievement cannot be separated from the broader context of the major transformations taking place in the Kingdom. The Minister of Justice affirmed that this pioneering project comes as a result of the generous support and wise guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the diligent and continuous follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister – may God protect them both. This step falls within the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which places great importance on developing the judicial system, enhancing its efficiency, and facilitating the provision of services to beneficiaries, thus positively impacting the quality of life and the investment climate in the Kingdom.
Objectives of the central model for developing public courts
This project is a natural extension of the comprehensive judicial development process led by the Ministry. The central model for developing public courts aims to enhance institutional maturity within the courts and solidify the quality of judicial outcomes. It also seeks to increase procedural reliability and operational efficiency by establishing an institutional judicial model based primarily on the principles of good governance, specialized expertise, and the standardization of judicial procedures to ensure consistency across different courts.
Leveraging artificial intelligence and digital transformation
A key feature of this development is the optimal utilization of digital capabilities and artificial intelligence technologies. The Saudi Ministry of Justice has demonstrated its regional leadership in digitizing judicial services. In this context, artificial intelligence will be employed in analyzing complex cases and supporting the preparation of legal studies that underpin judicial proceedings. This technological approach not only expedites procedures but also ensures greater accuracy in judicial outcomes and enhances the efficiency of institutional operations within the public courts.
Initiatives to support reducing the duration of litigation
During his visit, Dr. Al-Samaani reviewed a range of initiatives and development projects related to the central model. These initiatives included modern mechanisms for developing and preparing cases before they are presented to the judge, activating written pleadings, and holding preparatory hearings. Emphasis was also placed on strengthening the role of judicial support centers, a crucial step that directly contributes to reducing litigation time, improving overall performance, and ensuring the issuance of sound and high-quality judicial rulings.
Expected impact at the local and regional levels
Domestically, citizens, residents, and investors will experience a tangible improvement in the speed and transparency of judicial transactions, enhancing confidence in the justice system and supporting the economic environment. Regionally, Saudi Arabia's continued adoption of advanced, technology-integrated judicial models solidifies its position as a leading example in the Middle East in the field of digital justice. The Minister of Justice concluded his remarks by emphasizing that developing the work of the general courts is a fundamental pillar for establishing the principles of institutional justice and keeping pace with the legislative and regulatory developments taking place in the country, ultimately achieving the goal of "swift justice.".
