Decree No. 5/19/1/4288 dated 1 Safar al‑Khair 1373 AH
With the help of God Almighty,
We, Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al‑Faisal Al‑Saud,
King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
Based on the requirements of the public interest, the increasing duties, and the diverse responsibilities placed upon the state, and out of our desire to ensure proper administration, consolidate responsibilities in the best manner, and establish sound foundations that will lead the country to the position it deserves among nations, elevate the standard of living of the people, and guarantee them a prosperous and comfortable life under justice and stability,
We order the following:
Article 1
A Council of Ministers shall be formed under the presidency of our son, Saud, Crown Prince of the Kingdom and Commander‑in‑Chief of the Armed Forces.
The Council shall consist of all state ministers entrusted by royal will with managing the affairs of their respective ministries.
The Council shall consider all matters of the state—external and internal—and decide on what it deems in the best interest of the country, for submission to us.
Article 2
The President of the Council of Ministers shall appoint a deputy to preside in his absence.
Article 3
The Council of Ministers shall hold regular meetings once a month, and in exceptional circumstances, it shall convene upon the call of the President.
Article 4
The Council shall examine matters submitted to it by the President or by the state ministers mentioned above, through a written proposal submitted to the President at least three days before the meeting.
Article 5
Decisions of the Council of Ministers shall be taken unanimously or by majority vote, and shall be implemented after ratification by the President and our approval.
Article 6
Our Crown Prince shall prepare for each ministry a system defining the limits of its powers, duties, and organizational structure. These shall be submitted to the Council of Ministers for review and decision.
Article 7
The President of the Council of Ministers has the right to supervise and oversee all ministerial activities. He may also request any matter from any ministry for review and issue instructions regarding it.
Article 8
No ministry may enter into any contract or agreement with any party whatsoever without obtaining the approval of the President of the Council of Ministers.
Article 9
The Chief Advisor and other advisors shall attend the Council of Ministers as members in their capacity as Ministers of State.
Article 10
The Crown Prince of the Kingdom and Commander‑in‑Chief of the Armed Forces is charged with implementing the provisions of this system.
(Royal Seal)
Royal Court