The judicial system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the fundamental pillars for achieving justice and protecting rights. It consists of two main branches:
the Public Judiciary, which handles disputes between individuals and private entities, and the Administrative Judiciary, which addresses disputes between individuals and government bodies.
In this article, we explain the key differences between the two systems and when it is preferable to file a lawsuit under each, enabling you to fully understand your rights and the proper legal procedures.
Public Judiciary in Saudi Arabia
The Public Judiciary is responsible for hearing civil, criminal, commercial, real estate, and other disputes that do not fall under the jurisdiction of specialized courts.
Public courts consist of First Instance Courts, Courts of Appeal, and the Supreme Court, which serves as the final authority in the public judicial system.
Key Jurisdictions of the Public Judiciary:
Hearing criminal cases
Resolving civil disputes between individuals
Deciding real estate and commercial cases
Enforcing judicial rulings and issuing enforcement orders
A dispute is brought before the Public Judiciary when it is between private parties (individuals or businesses) and does not involve a decision issued by a government authority.
For example, disputes involving commercial contracts, financial claims, leases, or personal damages fall under the jurisdiction of the public courts.
Administrative Judiciary in Saudi Arabia
The Administrative Judiciary specializes in resolving disputes in which government entities are a party.
This system is represented by the Board of Grievances (Diwan Al-Mazalim), which includes three levels of administrative courts:
the Administrative Court, the Administrative Court of Appeal, and the High Administrative Court.
Jurisdictions of the Administrative Judiciary:
Lawsuits challenging administrative decisions issued by government entities
Claims for compensation due to administrative actions
Disputes related to administrative contracts
Disciplinary cases involving public employees
A dispute is filed before the Administrative Judiciary when the contested decision or action originates from a government body or public authority—such as a rejected application, termination of a public employee, or revocation of an administrative license.
Key Differences Between the Public and Administrative Judiciary
| Criteria | Public Judiciary | Administrative Judiciary |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Dispute | Between individuals or private entities | Between individuals and government bodies |
| Judicial Authority | Public Courts | Board of Grievances and Administrative Courts |
| Main Subjects | Civil, criminal, commercial, and real estate cases | Administrative decisions and government contracts |
| Final Authority | Supreme Court | High Administrative Court |
| Legal Basis | General judicial regulations | Board of Grievances Law and its implementing regulations |
How to Choose the Right Court for Your Case?
Selecting the appropriate judicial authority is a crucial step in the success of any lawsuit. Here are some essential tips:
Identify the nature of the dispute: Is it with a government entity or between private parties?
Verify the type of decision or contract involved.
Consult a specialized attorney to determine the correct jurisdiction before filing the case.
Check the statutory timeframes for filing or appealing a claim.
Use digital judicial platforms such as Najiz and Mu’in for fast and easy submission of requests.
The Role of Soubul Al-Adalah for Advocacy and Legal Consultations
At Soubul Al-Adalah for Advocacy and Legal Consultations, we provide comprehensive legal representation before both the Public Judiciary and Administrative Judiciary—from preparing the claim to the issuance and enforcement of the judgment.
We assist our clients in analyzing cases, determining the competent judicial authority, drafting legal memoranda, and following procedures with utmost accuracy and professionalism.
We ensure that our legal consultations are grounded in a deep understanding of modern Saudi regulations to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between the Public Judiciary and the Administrative Judiciary in Saudi Arabia enables you to determine the correct legal path to protect your rights and expedite your case.
Do not hesitate to seek legal support from specialized experts who can provide precise guidance and effective representation before the appropriate judicial authorities.
📞 Contact us today at Soubul Al-Adalah to receive a tailored legal consultation suited to your case.