Commercial papers · Legal glossary
Promissory noteIn Arabic: السند لأمر
Promissory note, bill of exchange and chequeDefinition
A promissory note is السند لأمر in Arabic: a written undertaking by the maker to pay a set sum on a set date, or on demand, to a named person or to that person’s order.
How it varies across the GCC
In Saudi Arabia, articles 87 and 88 of the Commercial Papers Law state the particulars and the effect of a missing particular. Under the new Enforcement Law the note is an enforcement instrument only if it is registered on the national e-platforms. In the UAE, article 622 of Federal Decree-Law No. 50 of 2022 states the particulars. The other states are marked under review in the table.
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 | Federal Decree-Law No. 50 of 2022, article 622 (particulars). |
| Saudi Arabia | Commercial Papers Law, articles 87 (particulars) and 88 (missing particulars). New Enforcement Law, article 7(1)(d): an enforcement instrument only if registered on the national e-platforms. In force 180 days after publication on 1 May 2026. The working count is 28 October 2026. The exact day is under review. |
| 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. 87, 88https://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)(d)https://laws.boe.gov.sa/BoeLaws/Laws/LawDetails/67dd54bc-c33a-48c8-8356-b44700a9ab55/1
- UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 50 of 2022, art. 622https://uaelegislation.gov.ae/en/legislations/1610