Commercial papers · Legal glossary
ChequeIn Arabic: الشيك
Promissory note, bill of exchange and chequeDefinition
Cheque on this page is الشيك in Arabic, the negotiable instrument, not the currency الشيكل: an order by the drawer to a bank to pay a sum from the drawer’s account.
How it varies across the GCC
In Saudi Arabia article 91 of the Commercial Papers Law states the particulars, and a cheque is an enforcement instrument under the new Enforcement Law. This page does not state criminal liability. The article that defines a cheque in UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 50 of 2022 is under review, as are the other states.
The rules that apply to a specific matter depend on the state, any free zone involved and the current text of the law, so check the official source before relying on them.
Basis by country
| Country | Basis |
|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | Under review |
| Saudi Arabia | Commercial Papers Law, article 91 (particulars). New Enforcement Law, article 7(1)(e): a cheque is an enforcement instrument. Criminal liability is not stated on this page. |
| Bahrain | Under review |
| Qatar | Under review |
| Kuwait | Under review |
| Oman | Under review |
Sources
Official texts for the points on this page. General information, not legal advice. An article number is cited only where it was verified.
- Saudi Commercial Papers Law, art. 91https://laws.boe.gov.sa/BoeLaws/Laws/LawDetails/4763eb94-047b-46f1-9697-a9a700f1b7ed/1
- Saudi Enforcement Law (Royal Decree M/237 of 1447H), art. 7(1)(e)https://laws.boe.gov.sa/BoeLaws/Laws/LawDetails/67dd54bc-c33a-48c8-8356-b44700a9ab55/1