Saudi Arabia

The General Authority for Competition (GAC) is the independent competition regulator with full investigation and enforcement powers.

Horizontal agreements restricting competition are prohibited, including price-fixing, output restriction, market division, and bid-rigging.

Vertical restraints are prohibited where they restrict competition, including resale price maintenance and territorial restrictions.

Dominant undertakings are prohibited from abusing their position through exploitative or exclusionary practices.

Mandatory pre-merger notification required where combined turnover exceeds SAR 200 million or market share thresholds are met.

GAC operates a leniency programme offering full or partial immunity from fines for cartel participants who self-report and cooperate.

GAC may accept commitments from parties under investigation, but the framework is not fully formalised in published guidelines.

Fines of up to 10% of annual revenue. Repeat offenders face doubled penalties. Individuals may face imprisonment.

No dedicated digital markets regulation. GAC applies general competition rules to digital platforms.

The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) and the Electricity and Cogeneration Regulatory Authority have sector-specific competition mandates.

GAC has full dawn raid powers including the ability to enter premises, seize documents, and inspect electronic records.

Private parties may bring damages claims before the competent courts, though private enforcement remains rare.

GAC has signed cooperation agreements with competition authorities in the EU, Egypt, and other jurisdictions. Active participant in ICN.

GAC has issued significant fines in telecoms and retail sectors, conducted multiple merger reviews, and launched sector studies in digital markets.