In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Number: 38
Date: 22 Shawwal 1377 AH
Relying on God,
We, Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud,
King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
In view of the national interest requiring a revision of the Council of Ministers Law, in accordance with our Royal Decree No. 37 dated 2 Ramadan 1377 AH,
and in the interest of consolidating responsibilities, defining authorities, and supporting the progress and development of the country,
and based on Council of Ministers Resolution No. 620, dated 15 / 10 / 1377 AH,
and on the submission presented to us by the Prime Minister,
We hereby decree the following:
General Provisions
Article 1
This Law shall be known as the Council of Ministers Law.
Article 2
The seat of the Council of Ministers shall be in Riyadh, and its sessions may be held in any other region of the Kingdom.
Article 3
Only Saudi nationals may be members of the Council of Ministers.
No person of ill repute or one convicted of a crime involving dishonor or breach of faith may be appointed.
Article 4
Members shall not assume their duties until they take the following oath:
“I swear by Almighty God to be faithful to my religion, then to my King and my country; not to disclose any of the State’s secrets; to safeguard its interests and regulations; and to perform my duties with honesty, integrity, and sincerity.”
Article 5
A member may not hold any other government position unless the Prime Minister deems it necessary.
Article 6
Members may not, during their tenure, purchase or lease any State property directly or indirectly, nor sell or lease their own property to the government, nor engage in commercial or financial activities, nor serve on the board of any company.
Article 7
The Council of Ministers is a statutory body that meets under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister or his deputy and exercises its powers in accordance with this Law and its internal regulations.
Article 8
Each minister is responsible for the affairs of his ministry before the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister is responsible for his own actions and those of the Council before His Majesty the King.
The Prime Minister may request the King to relieve any member of the Council.
The resignation of the Prime Minister entails the resignation of all Council members.
Article 9
The minister is the direct head of his ministry and its final authority, exercising his duties in accordance with this Law and his ministry’s internal regulations.
Article 10
A minister may only be deputized by another minister, through a Royal Order issued upon the Prime Minister’s recommendation.
Formation of the Council
Article 11
The Council of Ministers shall consist of:
- The Prime Minister
- The Deputy Prime Minister, appointed by Royal Order
- Ministers with portfolios, appointed by Royal Order
- Ministers of State, appointed by Royal Order
- Royal Advisors, appointed by Royal Order as members of the Council
Article 12
Attendance at Council sessions is limited to its members and the Secretary‑General.
Experts or officials may attend upon request, without voting rights.
Article 13
Sessions require a quorum of two‑thirds of members.
Decisions are adopted by majority vote; in case of a tie, the Chairman’s vote prevails.
Article 14
No decision concerning a ministry shall be taken without the presence of its minister or his deputy, unless necessity dictates otherwise.
Article 15
Deliberations are confidential; decisions are public unless classified by the Council.
Article 16
Members shall be tried for official violations under a special law defining offenses, procedures, and the composition of the court.
Article 17
The Council may form committees from among its members or others to study matters and submit reports.
Powers of the Council of Ministers
Article 18
The Council defines the domestic, foreign, financial, economic, educational, and defense policies of the State and supervises their implementation.
It holds regulatory, executive, and administrative authority, and is the final reference for financial and administrative matters.
International treaties and agreements are not binding until approved by the Council.
Council decisions are final unless they require a Royal Order or Decree.
Regulatory Affairs
Articles 19–24 outline the Council’s authority over issuing, amending, and approving laws, treaties, agreements, and concessions, including procedures for drafting, voting, and publication.
Executive Affairs
Articles 25–27 define the Council’s executive authority, including oversight of ministries, creation of public agencies, appointment and dismissal of senior officials, and formation of investigative committees.
Administrative Affairs
Articles 26–27 establish the Council as the supreme administrative authority and mandate the issuance of systems governing provinces and municipalities.
Financial Affairs
Articles 28–43 define the Council’s authority over taxation, public revenues, expenditures, loans, concessions, budget approval, financial oversight, and final accounts.
Prime Minister’s Authority
Article 44
The Prime Minister directs State policy, ensures coordination among ministries, signs Council decisions, supervises ministries and public agencies, and oversees implementation of laws and decisions.
Administrative Structure of the Council
Article 45
The Council’s administrative units include:
- The Office of the Prime Minister
- The General Secretariat
- The Experts Committee
Article 46
The Board of Grievances and the General Auditing Bureau report to the Prime Minister in accordance with their respective laws.
Final Provisions
Article 47
The Council shall approve this Law and submit it to His Majesty for ratification.
Article 48
After this Law enters into force, the Council shall prepare the following regulations:
- Internal Regulations of the Council
- Internal Regulations of each Ministry
- Provincial Administration Law
- Municipalities Law
- Law on the Trial of Ministers
- Law on the Sale and Lease of State Property
Article 49
This Law shall enter into force upon issuance and publication in the Official Gazette.
Article 50
This Law repeals the Council of Ministers Law issued on 12 / 7 / 1373 AH and all conflicting provisions.
Umm al‑Qura