Untangling Legal Challenges: A Legal Analysis of Obstacles in Investing in Saudi Arabian Special Economic Zones

Abstract

Despite the prevalent use of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) worldwide, the formation of a SEZ is not a guarantee that it will be successful in promoting commerce and investment. Legal challenges continue to become an obstacle for investors to invest in SEZ. The laws on special economic zones are outdated, immature or non-existent in some countries. Investors are led into a turbulent investment environment where the laws are uncertain. Governments must create an effective legal and regulatory framework to facilitate the development of SEZ programs.

This dissertation will study the Saudi SEZ legal obstacles that could hinder the attractiveness of foreign investors and will look at the lessons learnt from the experience of other SEZs in the world.