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Majlis Al-Shura (Consultative Council)
   

The Majlis al-Shura, or Consultative Council, is a legislative body that advises the King on issues that are important to Saudi Arabia.

It is a modern version of a traditional Islamic concept – an accessible leader consulting with learned and experienced citizens – which has always been practiced by Saudi rulers.

The Consultative Council currently consists of 150 members appointed by the King for a four-year renewable term. Based on their experience, members are assigned to committees.  There are 12 committees that deal 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.

 

 

Originally restricted to discussion of regulations and issues of national and public interest, the mandate of Majlis Al-Shura was broadened in 2004 to include proposing new legislation and amending existing laws without prior submission to the King.  It has always been able to request that government officials participate in key meetings and apply for access to government documents.


On April 7, 2003 the Majlis Al-Shura became a full membership of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.


 

 

Related Information: Government


RecentNews:
 
07/21/2008   Cabinet welcomes the results of the World Conference on Dialogue
07/20/2008   Shura Council welcomes World Conference on Dialogue
07/07/2008   Cabinet welcomes agreements with Qatar
07/04/2008   Minister of Islamic Affairs praises efforts to combat terrorism



Other Documents:

biographies:

King Abdullah bio
Crown Prince Sultan bio
Ambassador Al-Jubeir bio

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.


Council of Ministers System
In 1953, King Saud bin Abdulaziz established the Council of Ministers to facilitate the Kingdom's development.


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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