Crown Prince to Deliver Annual Address at Shura Council

On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will deliver the annual royal address on Wednesday to inaugurate the first year of the ninth session of the Shura Council. The address, announced by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), will outline the Kingdom’s domestic and foreign policies and its positions on regional and international issues, in accordance with Article 14 of the Shura Council’s bylaws.

During the ceremony, Shura Council Speaker Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh and the council members appointed by the Royal Decree for the ninth session will take the oath of office before the Crown Prince, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to its consultative governance framework and the leadership’s continued guidance of national affairs.

Context and Background

The Shura Council, Saudi Arabia’s formal advisory body, plays a central role in reviewing and proposing legislation, and its annual royal address serves as a key moment for setting the national agenda. The ninth session commences under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Crown Prince, reflecting the continuity and stability of Saudi governance. The council’s work is guided by the royal address each year, aligning its discussions and decisions with the Kingdom’s strategic direction.

In a statement, Speaker Dr. Al Al-Sheikh expressed the council’s honor at hearing the annual royal address delivered on behalf of the King, noting it will cover Saudi Arabia’s domestic and foreign policies as stipulated in the bylaws. He also thanked the King and the Crown Prince for issuing the Royal Decree forming the ninth session, and voiced the council’s eagerness to contribute to the comprehensive development of the country and its citizens.

Key Details

Dr. Al Al-Sheikh highlighted the successes and achievements at all levels and the sustainable development renaissance the Kingdom is witnessing under the leadership of King Salman and the Crown Prince, in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030. He affirmed that the Shura Council is guided by the contents of the royal address every year in its work, discussions, and decisions.

The council’s decisions during the past four years of the eighth session reached 1,510 decisions over 191 regular sessions. In the fourth year of that session, the Shura Council held 44 meetings that resulted in 493 decisions. These figures reflect the council’s active engagement in legislative and oversight functions, supporting the Kingdom’s reform agenda and the objectives of Vision 2030.

At the end of his statement, Speaker Dr. Al Al-Sheikh prayed to Allah Almighty to grant success to the Saudi leadership in what is good and righteous, to perpetuate the blessings of security and faith upon the country, and to protect it from all harm.

Implications and Impact

The annual royal address sets the tone for the Shura Council’s upcoming term and signals the Kingdom’s priorities on both domestic and international fronts. It provides clarity on Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy positions and its approach to regional issues, offering insight to international observers, investors, and partners. The address also reinforces the council’s role as a platform for deliberation and consensus-building, which is essential for the effective implementation of national strategies.

For the international community, the address serves as a key indicator of Saudi Arabia’s continued engagement on global matters, including economic cooperation, security, and sustainable development. The Kingdom’s consistent adherence to its consultative processes highlights its commitment to institutional stability and transparent governance, which are foundational to its global partnerships and investment climate.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The royal address and the Shura Council’s work are deeply intertwined with Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious blueprint for economic diversification and social progress. By aligning the council’s agenda with the vision’s goals, Saudi Arabia continues to advance comprehensive reforms that enhance the quality of life for its citizens and strengthen its global standing. The ninth session’s inauguration marks another step in this transformative journey, as the Kingdom leverages its institutional strengths to achieve sustainable development and maintain its leadership role in the region and beyond.

20 Questions

Q1. Who will deliver the annual royal address to the Shura Council?

A1. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, will deliver the annual royal address on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Q2. What is the purpose of the annual royal address?

A2. The address inaugurates the first year of the ninth session of the Shura Council and outlines the Kingdom’s domestic and foreign policies, as well as its positions on regional and international issues, according to the council’s bylaws.

Q3. When will the royal address take place?

A3. The royal address will be delivered on Wednesday, as announced by the Saudi Press Agency, marking the opening of the ninth session of the Shura Council.

Q4. Who is the Speaker of the Shura Council?

A4. Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh is the Speaker of the Shura Council. He expressed the council’s honor at hearing the royal address and thanked the leadership for the Royal Decree forming the new session.

Q5. What happens during the ceremony besides the address?

A5. The Speaker and the council members appointed by the Royal Decree for the ninth session will take the oath of office before the Crown Prince, formalizing their roles in the new session.

Q6. How many decisions did the Shura Council issue in the eighth session?

A6. Over the past four years of the eighth session, the Shura Council issued 1,510 decisions across 191 regular sessions, demonstrating its active legislative and oversight role.

Q7. How many meetings were held in the fourth year of the eighth session?

A7. The Shura Council held 44 meetings in the fourth year of the eighth session, resulting in 493 decisions during that period.

Q8. What does the Shura Council Speaker say about the royal address?

A8. He affirmed that the council is guided by the contents of the royal address each year in its work, discussions, and decisions, and looks forward to achieving the aspirations of the wise leadership.

Q9. What is the role of the Shura Council in Saudi Arabia?

A9. The Shura Council is Saudi Arabia’s formal advisory body, responsible for reviewing and proposing legislation, and providing counsel on national policies, thereby contributing to the Kingdom’s comprehensive development.

Q10. How does the royal address relate to Saudi Vision 2030?

A10. The address highlights the sustainable development renaissance under Vision 2030, and the Shura Council aligns its work with the vision’s goals to support economic diversification and social progress.

Q11. What does Article 14 of the Shura Council’s bylaws stipulate?

A11. Article 14 stipulates that the annual royal address covers the Kingdom’s domestic and foreign policies and its positions on regional and international issues, guiding the council’s agenda.

Q12. Who appointed the Shura Council members for the ninth session?

A12. The members were appointed by a Royal Decree issued by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, reflecting the leadership’s direction for the new term.

Q13. What did the Speaker pray for at the end of his statement?

A13. He prayed to Allah Almighty to grant success to the Saudi leadership, to perpetuate security and faith upon the country, and to protect it from all harm.

Q14. How does the royal address impact international observers?

A14. It provides clarity on Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy and regional positions, offering valuable insights for international partners, investors, and observers regarding the Kingdom’s strategic priorities.

Q15. What is the significance of the oath-taking ceremony?

A15. The oath-taking formalizes the members’ commitment to their duties and underscores the Kingdom’s adherence to its consultative governance framework and institutional processes.

Q16. How many regular sessions were held in the eighth session?

A16. The eighth session included 191 regular sessions over four years, during which the council issued a total of 1,510 decisions, reflecting its consistent legislative activity.

Q17. What themes are expected in the royal address?

A17. The address is expected to cover domestic and foreign policies, regional and international issues, and the Kingdom’s ongoing development renaissance under Vision 2030, as per the council’s bylaws.

Q18. Who is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques?

A18. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The Crown Prince will deliver the address on his behalf, continuing the tradition of royal guidance to the Shura Council.

Q19. What did the Speaker say about the Kingdom’s achievements?

A19. He highlighted the successes and sustainable development renaissance the Kingdom is witnessing under the leadership of King Salman and the Crown Prince, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Q20. How does the Shura Council contribute to Saudi Arabia’s development?

A20. Through its legislative reviews, proposals, and discussions, the council supports the Kingdom’s comprehensive development, helping to implement Vision 2030 and address the needs of citizens effectively.

---