Teach English in Saudi Arabia - The Royal Family and Government

TEACH ENGLISH IN SAUDI ARABIA

The Royal Family and Government

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The storming of Masmak Fortress by Abdul Aziz in 1902 to regain control of Riyadh marks the beginning of modern Saudi history.

The Kingdom and the Monarchy

Saudi Arabia officially came into being in 1932 as a result of the successful efforts of the charismatic King Abdul Aziz, to unify tribes and territory throughout much of the Arabian Peninsula. The Kingdom's name comes from Abdul Aziz's family name, Al-Saud.
Although Saudi Arabia is ruled by a king, the line of succession is different from in the West. All kings up till now have been sons of King Abdul Aziz, rather than the crown passing from father to son to grandson.
The official government emblem is the palm tree and two crossed swords. The former symbolizes vitality, growth, and prosperity, and the latter strength and justice. This emblem is also used by members of the Royal Family, whether or not they hold government positions.
Saudi Arabia's green flag has the Arabic text: "There is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is His messenger" over a single horizontal sword.

Islam and the Government

Islam is an integral part of the Saudi system of government, and the King is both a religious and a secular leader.
This system has produced stability in a region which has a history of political volatility.
The King is also Prime Minister and appoints the Crown Prince who serves as Deputy Prime Minister.

The Council of Ministers

In 1953, the Council of Ministers was formed to cope with the problems of rapid modernization as well as tribal and regional differences.
The Council has both legislative and executive powers and is headed by the King. It includes the Deputy Prime Minister (the Crown Prince) and the heads of each of the 21 ministries, plus ministers without portfolio and specially appointed advisors.
Ministers serve an initial four-year term, but the King can grant four-year extensions by royal decree.
The Council of Ministers is, in effect, the government. Only resolutions passed by a majority vote are binding. In the event of a tie, the King casts the deciding vote.
Ordinary citizens have the right to petition the King and government officials directly and expect that appropriate action will be taken.

The Majlis Al-Shoura (Consultative Council)

A majlis is an assembly of male relatives and associates, a classic Arab tradition, providing advice to the ruling family.
This traditional method of governing was restructured by King Fahd, and the Majlis Al-Shoura was inaugurated in 1993. The Consultative Council's primary purpose is to advise the King. Groups set up by the Council sit regularly to study questions relating to politics, economics, education, etc.
The Council President and 60 members are selected for a four-year period by the King from a cross-section of citizens throughout the country, including businessmen, educators, former government officials and professional people.

Provincial Government

Saudi Arabia is divided into 13 provinces, each of which is administrated by a Governor (Amir) and regional officers.
Local advisory councils with 20 members appointed by the King are headed by a governor and include at least 10 private citizens with special areas of expertise.
There are various subcommittees and reports from provincial councils go to the Ministry of Interior which then passes them to appropriate agencies for action.

Saudi Arabia's Provinces and their Capitals

Government Departments