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In Antitrust / Competition

Practical Insights on the New Economic Concentration Review Guidelines in Saudi Arabia

by and 2 Mins Read

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming webinar on the recently issued 5th edition of the Economic Concentration Review Guidelines by the General Authority for Competition (GAC) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This critical update, published on 8 April 2025, brings significant refinements and clarity to the KSA merger control regime.

Key Topics to be Covered:
• Main changes introduced at a glance
• Clarification of the notification thresholds
• Update on the concept of Change of Control
• New Exemptions to Notification
• Validity Period for Clearance Decisions
• Q&As

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In Antitrust / Competition

Saudi Arabia: The General Authority for Competition’s report on economic concentration applications in Q1 2025

by , and 3 Mins Read

The General Authority for Competition in Saudi Arabia has recently published its quarterly report on economic concentration applications for Q1 2025. This alert summarizes the key highlights of the report published by the authority, with particular focus on the issuance of the first conditional approvals of the year.

In Antitrust / Competition

Saudi Arabia: GAC’s updated Economic Concentration Review Guidelines

by , and 2 Mins Read

On 8 April 2025, the General Authority for Competition (GAC) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) published the 5th edition of its Economic Concentration Review Guidelines (formerly known as the Merger Review Guidelines).
This critical update, following the GAC’s public consultation on its proposed amendments to the Guidelines of 1 July 2024, provides essential refinements and clarity on the KSA merger control regime.

In Cybersecurity, Data and Tech

Saudi Arabia: New guidelines on personal data transfer risk assessment published

by , , and 5 Mins Read

On 25 February 2025, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority published a new set of comprehensive guidelines aimed at ensuring the protection of personal data when transferred or disclosed to entities outside the Kingdom. These guidelines, which are intended for reference purposes and are not binding, provide a systematic approach for organizations to assess and mitigate potential risks associated with such data transfers, ensuring compliance with the Saudi Personal Data Protection Law and its Regulations.

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In Cybersecurity, Data and Tech

Saudi Arabia updates Data Transfer Regulations and introduces the first set of Standard Contractual Clauses

by , , and 5 Mins Read

On 1 September 2024, the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) published the Regulation on Personal Data Transfer Outside the Kingdom (“Data Transfer Regulations”), which amended the previous Transfer Regulations under the Personal Data Protection Law issued by Royal Decree No. (M/19) dated 9/2/1443 AH and amended by Royal Decree No. (M/148) dated 5/9/1444 AH (“PDPL”). SDAIA also published additional information on Standard Contractual Clauses and Binding Common Rules, two of the appropriate safeguards for transferring data outside of the Kingdom, as well as a number of PDPL-related rules and guidelines. A summary of our initial takeaways can be found below.

In Antitrust / Competition

Key Antitrust Developments and Competition Trends in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt 2024

by , , , , and 2 Mins Read

Over the past year, antitrust regulators in the Middle East have implemented significant changes to the local competition law regimes, with a new competition law coming into effect in the United Arab Emirates and substantial changes being made to the applicable merger control regimes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Egypt. Competition law enforcement has also continued to intensify in the KSA and Egypt, as well as in other key emerging markets in the GCC. During this 2-hour seminar, we will provide an update on the latest key competition law developments and what to expect on the horizon as well as compliance tips and pointers.

In Antitrust / Competition

Saudi Arabia: New guidelines to promote competition in the supply and sale of school uniforms and related items

by , and 5 Mins Read

The General Authority for Competition in Saudi Arabia has recently issued new guidelines aimed at promoting competition in the supply and sale of school uniforms and related items. The guidelines cover all relevant equipment, including school uniforms, desks, and chairs, among other necessary supplies. These guidelines are part of the Authority’s continued effort to enhance consumer protection in the Saudi market and Competition Law in Saudi Arabia.

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In Employment

Saudi Arabia: Amendments to the Saudi Labor Law

by and 1 Min Read

On 6 August 2024, the Council of Ministers approved amendments to the Saudi Labor Law (the “Amendments”) which will come into force 180 days from publication of the Royal Decree in Umm Al Qura (the Official Gazette) which we expect within a fortnight.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development circulated proposed amendments to these provisions for public consultation in 2020, and again in 2021. With wide labor market input, and extensive benchmarking studies of other countries’ labor laws and global practices, the Amendments aim to further align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by creating a more attractive work environment for employees; enhancing job security; protecting both parties’ rights; developing human capital; and promoting training opportunities, among others.

In Antitrust / Competition

Saudi Arabia: An insight into the activities of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Competition – highlights of its 2023 annual report

by , , and 6 Mins Read

The General Authority for Competition (“Authority”) recently published its annual report for 2023. This latest annual report indicates an unprecedented level of activity by the Authority and confirms the magnitude of the enforcement actions taken by the Authority to ensure compliance of the Competition Law in Saudi Arabia.

In Cybersecurity, Data and Tech

Saudi Arabia: Next steps for compliance with Personal Data Protection Law as one-Hijri-year grace period expiry approaches

by , and 2 Mins Read

On 14 September 2023, the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) promulgated by Royal Decree No. M/19, dated 09/02/1443H, amended pursuant to Royal Decree No. M/148, dated 05/09/1444H, officially entered into force in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. While the PDPL came into force on 14 September 2023, organizations were afforded a further 12 Hijri months’ period from the date of entry into force to bring themselves into compliance with the PDPL (i.e., on or around 2 September 2024). There should have been no enforcement action during the intervening period.

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