Under the Saudi Civil Transactions Law, all periods and deadlines are calculated according to the Hijri (Islamic lunar) calendar (Article 2). This applies to statutory time limits set out in the law itself — such as deadlines for filing claims, exercising rights, or meeting legal obligations defined within the Civil Transactions framework.
For expats, this creates a practical consideration: the Hijri year is approximately 354 days long, roughly 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year. Over time, this difference accumulates. A deadline that appears to be one year away on the Gregorian calendar may in fact expire slightly sooner when counted in Hijri months. If you are tracking a legal deadline — such as a limitation period for a contract dispute — you should confirm the Hijri-equivalent date rather than relying solely on a Gregorian count.
In private contracts between parties, it is common practice in Saudi Arabia to specify dates in both Hijri and Gregorian formats to avoid ambiguity. If your contract only states a Gregorian date, it is worth seeking clarification from a legal professional on how courts would interpret that deadline if a dispute arises. When in doubt, always calculate conservatively and act before the earlier of the two possible deadline dates.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Saudi Arabia.