MEDIATION IN SAUDI ARABIA: AN EMPIRICAL INQUIRY INTO AWARENESS, EFFECTIVENESS AND REFORM

This article presents the findings of one of the first large-scale empirical studies on reconciliation and mediation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Based on survey data from 384 participants across diverse professional, academic, and social backgrounds, it examines levels of awareness, patterns of utilisation, perceived effectiveness, and key obstacles to mediation within the Kingdom. While mediation enjoys high levels of recognition and is widely regarded as effective compared to litigation, its actual adoption remains uneven, reflecting structural, cultural, and institutional barriers. The study highlights gaps in awareness, trust, and regulatory frameworks, while also identifying the qualities and competencies required of mediators to foster credibility. Comparative insights—particularly from Singapore’s mature mediation ecosystem and global findings from the SIDRA Survey—are used to frame recommendations for reform. The article situates mediation within the broader Vision 2030 agenda, arguing that institutionalisation and innovation, including AI integration, are pivotal for mediation’s future in Saudi Arabia.