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Council of Ministers System Bios and Related
Information
     

The Council of Ministers, also called the Cabinet, advises the King and facilitates the country’s development. It represents 22 different government ministries and is presided over each week by the King or his deputy.

The Cabinet is responsible for drafting and overseeing implementation of the internal, external, financial, economic, education and defense policies as well as the general affairs of the State.

 
 

The Cabinet consists of the Prime Minister (the King), the Deputy Prime Minister (the Crown Prince, who currently is also a Minister with portfolio), 21 other ministers with portfolio and seven ministers of state. 

It is the final authority for financial, executive and administrative matters.  Its resolutions are non-binding unless agreed upon by a majority vote.  In case of a tie, the prime minister casts the tie-breaking vote.  It functions in accordance with the Basic System of Governance and is advised by the Majlis Al-Shura (Consultative Council).

Established in 1953 by King Saud, the Cabinet was restructured by King Fahd in 1993.


 

 

Related Information: Government

RecentNews:
 
05/09/2008   Term renewed for Assistant Minister of Interior for Security Affairs
05/08/2008   Kingdom to build major dockyard at the Islamic Port of Jeddah
05/08/2008   Term renewed for deputy governor of the Eastern Province
05/06/2008   Euromoney Saudi Arabia Conference begins in Riyadh



Other Documents:

biographies:

Bio of King Abdullah

Bio of Crown Prince Sultan

Bio of Ambassador Al-Jubeir

general information:
Council of Ministers
Consult ative Council

full text of laws of government:

Basic Law of Governance

Law of the Council of Ministers

Law of the Consultative Council ( Majlis Al-Shura )

Law of the Provinces


 

Government
The revitalization of Saudi Arabia's political system reflects the nation's adaptability to modern development without compromising its religious and cultural values.

Basic System of Government
The Basic System of Government identifies the nature of the state, its goals and responsibilities, as well as the relationship between the ruler and citizens.
Majlis Al-Shura (Consultative Council)
The primary function of Majlis Al-Shura is to advise the King on issues of importance to the nation.

Provincial System
To further raise the efficiency of administration and to promote the continued development of the county's provinces and their extensive social services programs, King Fahd promulgated new bylaws for the Provincial System in 1992.
Legal and Judicial Structure
In addition to these systems, Saudi Arabia has an extensive legal structure. The judicial system is based on the Shari'ah.



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