In a first, the Saudi government granted three foreign law firms licenses to operate in the Kingdom as it seeks developing the justice sector and anticipates the future of technologies and artificial intelligence in the courts.
This followed Saudi Arabia bringing together several ministers, officials, experts, jurists, and international specialists at the International Conference on Justice in Riyadh on Sunday.
Participants at the conference discussed the importance of digital transformation in accordance with the highest legal guarantees.
Speaking about Saudi Arabia’s digital legal experience, Saudi Justice Minister Walid Al-Samaani revealed that the Kingdom had held more than six million documented video sessions and issued more than two million verdicts from various courts.
Al-Samaani reaffirmed that transparency was ensured in the process.
The minister said that Saudi Arabia had worked under the vision led by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz to develop all sectors--including the justice sector-- by supporting digital innovations and launching development projects that enhance the values of justice and transparency, improve user experience and speed up judicial processes.
Al-Samaani stated that the conference aims to enrich knowledge about the future of technologies in accordance with the highest legal guarantees. It also seeks to build justice partnerships, exchange experiences, and develop justice capabilities around the world.
He added that the Kingdom’s legal sector seeks “to raise efficiency of judicial procedures” while working with international experts.
Al-Samaani added that the sector has great opportunities for developing supportive technologies that enhance judicial guarantees.
“The change in digital transformation is a reality. What is an option now, after five years, will not be an option,” stressed the minister.
However, Al-Samaani explained, technology cannot replace humans or human thinking regardless of its advancement.
Themed “Enhancing Access to Justice through the Use of Digital Technologies,” the two-day conference aims to develop the justice sector, experiences, and the exchange of knowledge to facilitate access to justice.
The conference is presenting valuable insights on the best ways to benefit from technology to improve the performance of courts and justice sectors around the world. It also is discussing challenges and finding solutions that improve the quality of services.
Al-Samaani affirmed that digital transformation will become a reality in all sectors. Stressing that the transformation is an opportunity rather than a challenge, the minister said that it will facilitate access to justice and contribute to achieving better results.
