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Saudi Arabia: Government

Key Figures

Chief of State:
King Salman bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud
Head of Government:
Crown Prince and Prime Minister Muhammad Bin Salman bin Abd Al-Aziz Al Saud

Overview

Government Name:
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Constitution:
As Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy, the country does not possess a legally-binding written constitution. However, the Basic Law of Saudi Arabia was adopted by royal decree in 1992. The Basic Law overviews the responsibilites and processes of the growing institutions, but is insufficiently specific enough to be considered an actual constitution. It also states that the Qu'ran and the Sunna are the country's constitution.
Government Type:
Monarchy
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Flag
Coat of Arms of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Index of Economic Freedom

Grades each country on a scale of 0 to 100, based on ten freedoms, with 100 representing the greatest amount of economic autonomy from government intervention. Source: Heritage Foundation (2023)

Country Risk Rating

B
Political and economic uncertainties and an occasionally difficult business environment can affect corporate payment behavior. Corporate default probability is appreciable. Source: Coface (2022)

Government Branches

Main Powers Election Process Election Cycle 1
Executive

The royal family dominates the political sphere in Saudi Arabia. The family’s vast numbers (hundreds in the main family alone) have allowed the family to control most of the kingdom’s important posts.

Hereditary.

Hereditary
Judicial

High Court has jurisdiction over cases involving major punishments.

Appointed by royal decree.

Until dismissal by monarch
Legislative

Council of Ministers is responsible for drafting legislation to be presented to the king.

Appointed by royal decree.

Until dismissal by monarch

Regional Trade Blocs
Arab League
GCC

International Organization Participation [2]

Environmental Agreements [3]

Tax Information [2]

Tax Authority:
Information not available
Tax Name:
Information not available

Sources:

  1. ElectionGuide http://www.electionguide.org/
  2. EY, http://www.ey.com
  3. CIA World Factbook, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
  4. U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/