POLITICS and GOVERNANCE of SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Arabia is an Absolute Monarchy the country does not possess a legally-
binding written constitution.
The Basic Law sets out the system of governance, rights of citizens, power and
duties of the government and it provides that Koran and Sunna serve as the
country’s constitution.
The government bases its legitimacy on its interpretation of Sharia (Islamic Law)
and the 1992 Basic Law, which specifies that the rulers of the country shall be male
descendants of the founder King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud.

MONARCHIAL SYSTEM of SAUDI ARABIA

The King is the Head of State, the Prime Minister and the Supreme Commander.
He combines legislative, executive and judicial functions.
Royal decrees have the power to overrule any judicial or administrative decisions.
The Royal family dominates the government, and the most of the key positions in
the country are occupied by members of the family.

THE EXECUTIVE
The Council of Ministers acts as the official executive branch of the government.
All Ministers are appointed and dismissed by Royal decree, appointed every
four years and include many members of the Royal family. Currently, there are
22 government ministers.
The Law of the Council of Ministers was enacted by the late King Fahd bin
Abdulaziz in 1992. The Law identifies the Council of Ministers as the regulatory
authority and the King as the Prime Minister.

ROYAL COURT
The Royal Court (al-Diwan al Maliki) is the King’s office under which important
legislative matters submitted or initiated by Royal decrees are negotiated.
The key people affecting legislation and decision-making are influential members
of the Royal Family, ministers, some advisors, members of the higher council of
religious scholars and Tribal leaders.
Citizens can appeal to the Royal Court regarding matters in which they need King’s
assistance.

THE LEGISLATIVE
The unicameral legislature is called the Majlis al-Shura (Consultative Council),
which has 150 members and chairman, all appointed by the Monarch/King for
four-year terms.
 The primary function of the Majlis al-Shura is to advise the King on policy
matters, whether Domestic or International, and or treaties.
There are 12 committees in the Majlis al-Shura, which deals with human rights,
education, culture, information health and social affairs, services and public
utilities, foreign affairs, security, administration, Islamic affairs, economy and
industry, and finance.
The King has the power to dissolve the Majlis as he deems appropriate.

THE JUDICIARY
The Judicial system in Saudi Arabia is based on Sharia Law (Islamic Law). Article
46 of the Basic Law of Governance identifies the Judiciary as an independent
authority.
The decisions of the judges are not subject to any authority other than Islamic
jurisdiction.
The King has the power to intervene and affect any judicial proceedings through
Royal decrees.
The Supreme Council of Justice represents Judiciary branch of the government and
consists of 12 judges, all of whom are appointed by the King, according to
recommendations from the Council members.

The SAUDI COURT SYSTEM consists of LEVELS of COURTS

Sharia Courts which hear most cases in the legal system.
General Court which rule on criminal cases, tort actions, personal and family-
law matters, and real estate.
Civil claims which often filed with the governorates’ offices in an attempt to
solve disputes via arbitration.
The Court of Appeal which review verdicts issued by courts of first instance,
that are subject to appeal, within their respective jurisdiction.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Saudi Arabia is divided into 13 Provinces, each further divided into
governorates, which, in turn, are divided into municipalities.
A Royal decree in 1992 enacted the Law of the Provinces. Each province is
administered by a governor and a deputy, who are appointed by Royal decree
upon the recommendation of the Interior Minister.
Most of the governors and their deputies are members of the Royal Family.