Enforcement of Competition Rules in the Middle East

Abstract

In this piece we address how different the Competition authorities are in the Middle East and highlight those authorities upping their game in enforcement of the competition laws looking at practically how serious the penalties they impose. The Competition Laws in the Middle East are relatively new. As such, with the enactment of these laws over the past two decades, authorities overseeing competition compliance took some time to find its way whether require capacity building and knowledge or training of government staff. Some of these authorities found through practice the need to cooperate with other governmental institutions to improve enforcement while other identified the need to a stronger regulation adding teeth to its enforcement and enabling its officers with greater power. Saudi Arabia having the most sophisticated and impressive enforcement record with Egypt not too far from Saudi Arabia and its clamping down on certain sectors was felt and heard by other sectors. Other countries still struggling to find their way during competition infancy, not really due to lack of powers affirmed under the law, but its strategy, structure, and capabilities may not have been as aggressive as the laws permit. Whether be it legislation review, staff training, or organizational structure, it is important to understand the factors needed to transform the authorities in countries of the Middle East region to adopting more proactive approach.