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GOVERNMENT
Saudi Arabia is an Arab and Islamic sovereign monarchy. The Custodian of the
Two Holy Mosques, King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz acts as the Prime Minister overseeing the
ministries and the different departments of state. Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz is
the Deputy Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia and Commander of its National Guard. Prince
Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz is the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and
Aviation, and Inspector General. Other ministers are appointed by the King and are
responsible for implementing governmental policies which relate to their particular
ministry. The Council of Ministers, headed by the King, is responsible for drafting and
overseeing implementation of the internal, external, economic, financial, social,
educational, defense, and other general matters of the state.
In 1992, King Fahd introduced Majlis Al-Shoura (Consultative Council) and the
Provincial System to enhance the basic law of the government’s system. The concept of
consultation with learned and experienced citizens is deeply rooted in Islam. The Council
consists of a chairman and 60 members appointed by the King for a four-year renewable
term. The responsibilities of the Consultative Council include discussing regulations,
domestic and international issues and other matters of public interest. Reports and
recommendations of Majlis Al-Shoura are submitted directly to the King.
To raise the efficiency of administration and promote the continued economic and
social development of the country, King Fahd promulgated new bylaws for provincial system.
The new bylaws divide the Kingdom into thirteen provinces called governorates, each having
its capital and presided over by a Governor, or Emir. The Emir of a province is its chief
administrator, who oversees all its affairs.
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