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Electronic Signature

Synonyms: Digital Signature، E-Signature، Nafath Signature

Last updated: 2026-05-06

Short Definition

Legally certified digital signature used to authenticate contracts electronically through Ejar, holding same legal force as traditional signature.

Overview

Electronic signature under Saudi law is digital data binding the signer's identity to a document's content securely, considered legally valid and equivalent to handwritten signature. Since the issuance of the Electronic Transactions Law (Royal Decree M/8 of 1428 AH), the electronic signature has the same legal weight as traditional signature. In the rental sector, electronic signature is the foundation Ejar platform is built upon. Every contract is digitally signed via Nafath unified access, which binds the signer's identity to their national ID number, mobile registered in Absher, and biometric data confirming the signer is the actual person. Parties don't need a physical meeting to sign. Signing stages: first party (lessor) creates the contract, second party (lessee) receives a notification, enters via Nafath, reviews terms, then clicks 'Approve' and the signature is electronically recorded with timestamp and geolocation. The resulting signature is protected by strong encryption and cannot be forged. Relied upon in all procedures: enforcement courts, ZATCA, banks, and government entities.

Legal Basis

Electronic signature is regulated by the Electronic Transactions Law issued by Royal Decree No. (M/8) of 1428 AH and its executive regulation, giving it the same legal weight as handwritten signature. Nafath unified access used by Ejar is supervised by the Ministry of Interior and Digital Government Authority, meeting cybersecurity standards from the National Cybersecurity Authority.

Sources

Practical Example

A real estate office in Riyadh leases an apartment to a tenant residing in Jeddah. Without the electronic signature system, the tenant needed to travel to Riyadh to sign, or send a sharia PoA. Now: the office creates the contract in Ejar, enters tenant's data via national ID. The tenant receives a notification in Tawakkalna app. Opens the app, clicks 'Login via Nafath', uses fingerprint, reviews the contract and signs digitally. Within 5 minutes, the contract is officially documented, valid at all entities. No paper, no travel, no additional costs. The signature itself is stronger than paper because it's linked to biometric identity and recorded with precise timestamp.

Common Mistakes

  • ✗Sharing Nafath credentials with another person to sign on behalf — major violation; the signature binds the ID holder even if they didn't personally sign.
  • ✗Signing without reading the contract fully — electronic signature is fully binding; 'I didn't read' is not a legal excuse.
  • ✗Believing that paper signature then photographing constitutes electronic signature — no, valid electronic signature is done via approved system (Nafath in Ejar).
  • ✗Signing over public Wi-Fi without secure connection — may expose data to breach; private cellular data preferred.
  • ✗Ignoring Ejar notifications for signing — the offered contract may expire and require redoing the whole procedure.

International Differences

In the UAE, 'UAE Pass' is used as parallel to Saudi Nafath. In the EU, eIDAS regulation governs electronic signatures at levels (Simple, Advanced, Qualified). In the US, ESIGN Act grants legal weight. In Turkey, e-Imza is used in government agencies. The Saudi advantage: deep integration with Absher and Nafath, making electronic signature smoother and more secure than most countries.

FAQs

Is electronic signature via Nafath legally valid like handwritten?▾
Yes, completely. The Electronic Transactions Law equates them in legal weight. Electronic signature via Nafath is accepted by all courts and official entities.
How do I verify I signed the correct contract?▾
Ejar displays full contract terms before signing. After signing, you receive a PDF copy authenticated by REGA's digital seal. Verify data before pressing 'Approve'.
Can the signature be denied later?▾
Very difficult. The signature is tied to biometric identity, timestamp, IP address, and geolocation. Denial requires proof of identity theft, a complex criminal case.
What if I lose my phone after signing?▾
Doesn't affect the validity of the signed contract. The signature is done. The phone serves only for later access to contracts — you can recover access via Nafath on a new phone.
Does the signature require witnesses?▾
No, the electronic system replaces witnesses with multiple verification mechanisms (Nafath, biometric, timestamp). An actual advantage that reduces costs and speeds procedures.

In Other Languages

Arabic
التوقيع الإلكتروني

توقيع رقمي معتمد قانونياً يُستخدم لتوثيق العقود إلكترونياً عبر منصة إيجار، له نفس قوة التوقيع التقليدي.

English
Electronic Signature

Legally certified digital signature used to authenticate contracts electronically through Ejar, holding same legal force as traditional signature.

Turkish
Elektronik İmza

Ejar üzerinden sözleşmeleri elektronik onaylamak için yasal olarak sertifikalı dijital imza; geleneksel imza ile aynı yasal güce sahip.

Related Terms

Ejar Platform

A Saudi government platform to regulate the rental market and authenticate lease contracts electronically, mandatory for residential since 2018 and commercial later, operated by Ministry of Housing.

Tawthiq

Official authentication service for lease contracts through Ejar platform, making contract legally valid and providing legal protection.

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