The evolving jurisdiction of the Shura council in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia prides itself as amongst the top twenty economies in the world. At a regional level, Saudi’s economy is undoubtedly the largest. However, the economy solely relies on oil production and the oil industry, a matter that increases the economy’s vulnerability as a result of severe fluctuations in oil and gas markets. In this context, the Saudi’s 2030 vision has been formulated to reduce the nation's dependence on oil and to expand the base of economic resources. The transformation of a developing country into a prosperous, capitalist system comparable to the developed nations would neither be possible nor beneficial without an efficient organization through a legislative body that functions as part of the distribution of political powers. Namely, this body is the Shura Council. In this respect, this study aims to evaluate the role of the Shura Council in Saudi Arabia's transition into a developed country. The thesis attempts to address the following primary question, and some other relevant questions: How does the evolution of the Shura Council and its involvement in the decision-making process mirror the political system in Saudi Arabia and its evolution? The study argues that the Shura Council can indeed discuss and provide recommendations pertaining to regulations, agreements and treaties. It is to be noted that the Shura Council studies and interprets the laws, development plans and the annual reports of ministries and institutions of the public sector. It also proposes and amends laws. The study states that in the current structure of the Shura Council, it would hardly be possible for it to deliver its objectives and meet people’s expectations. As long as the Shura Council are appointed members, the political, social and economic reforms that Saudi nationals are eagerly seeking will take time to be fully realised . The study recommends adoption of certain constitutional reforms that have the potential to lead to significant improvements in the performance and impact of the Shura Council.