MEI is a non-partisan organization that does not take policy positions. Official Sites of Saudi Arabia The Saudi Consultative Assembly, or Shura Council, is the formal advisory body of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “The King’s speech in the Shoura Council lays the road map to achieving Vision 2030,” said Lina Almaeena, one of its 30 female members. Image: Shura council The political system of Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy and an Islamic theocracy. If members agree to the referral, each article is discussed thoroughly, studies are conducted on the aspects of the proposal, and after completing all the necessary checks, it reaches the second stage. Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah appoints women to a fifth of the seats in the previously all-male consultative Shura Council. The missiles targeted Jazan in south-west Saudi Arabia, about 50 kilometers from the Yemen border. (File/Aramco), Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar speaks at an event. This study of Saudi Arabia's Consultative Council focuses on the evolution and formalization of the Saudi consultative process and the social background characteristics of the 90 members of the 1997 Majlis. Home Member Parliments APA Member Parliaments Saudi Arabia Majlis Ash-Shura (Consultative Council) Majlis Ash-Shura (Consultative Council) Print It was really satisfying.”. “Go above and beyond the call of duty, and give 110 percent.”. The update comes hours after the coalition said it has intercepted a total of 10 explosive-laden drones that it said where aimed at civilian targets. “None of this would have been possible without Vision 2030. Ironically, her family’s concerns about her spending all her time at a hospital did come true. Women’s accomplishments as part of Vision 2030 have set the stage for the further success and achievement of young female leaders in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Saturday appointed seven new members in his country's Shura (consultative) Council. Although excited at the prospect of a medical career in her early years, Al-Harbi was dissuaded from becoming a doctor by her family. RIYADH: The Arab coalition conducted air strikes on the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Sunday after it said it had destroyed drones launched by the Iran-backed Houthi militants, including at least five fired towards Saudi Arabia. The doors to the council have always been and will always be open to all.”. “It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Known as Majlis Al-Shoura inside the Kingdom, its basic function is to draft and issue laws approved by the King, as the cabinet cannot pass or enforce laws, a power reserved for the King to this day. (Supplied), The five historic sites inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List tell a story of universal importance. “What does it really mean?” she asked. Dr. Maliha Hashmi, executive director for the health and wellbeing sector of the NEOM megacity project, is a young female health leader in the region. “They feared the long nightshifts at the hospital and essentially giving up my life,” she said. Select a purchase There are now female diplomats in the GCC. The council has also discussed a recommendation for women to hold leadership positions in Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic missions abroad, from a report by the council’s Foreign Affairs Committee. The Majlis al-Shura, or Consultative Council, is a legislative body that advises the King on issues that are important to Saudi Arabia. There are no political parties or national elections. A – The root cause of the scandal came in in November 2013, when the UN’s General Assembly elected Saudi Arabia to be one of the 47 members of the Human Rights Council, by an overwhelming majority of 140 votes — meaning, more than two-thirds of the UNGA supported the misgonystic theocracy. “More high-tech startups can now be owned by women. In addition to publishing The Middle East Journal, MEI organizes regular programs and conferences; offers language training in Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, and Turkish; provides an intellectual home for a group of regional experts, whose writing and media appearances help to provide a balanced outlook on the region; houses the Oman Library, one of the largest Middle East collections outside of the Library of Congress; and publishes a wide variety of online-only publications on its website, http://www.mei.edu. Vision 2030’s initiatives and reforms have not only affected the careers of women, but also their social lives — amplifying voices that were not always able to be heard. The Cabinet, chaired by King Salman, backed the legislation, which required a royal decree to become law. The attacks sparked calls for action against the Iran-backed militias. She also puts great weight on being authentic and true to oneself. “Through Vision 2030, social acceptance, and most of all, the continuous support of the government, we’ll see a balanced leadership, in both the private and public sectors, represented by both men and women. It is no exaggeration to say that when Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was appointed in his position in 2017, promises were made and delivered. JEDDAH: When King Salman gives his annual speech that will open the third year of the Shoura Council’s seventh session today, it will set the tone for what lies ahead for the Kingdom, laying the groundwork for the consultative assembly to help to move the country forward. Shortly after getting her MBA, she was approached by GE Healthcare and “jumped” at the opportunity. of Contents. There are no elections for the Consultative Council since the King personally appoints its members for a 4-year term. The Shoura can be defined as an exchange of opinions, and so another of its functions is to express views on matters of public interest and investigate these issues with people of authority and expertise, hence the 14 specialized committees that cover several aspects of social and governmental entities. The analysis reveals that the Saudi The reforms also created equal opportunity in science, and pushed women scientists into the limelight, such as Nouf Al-Numair, a “DNA decoder” who researches the early detection of emerging diseases through gene mutation. • In July 2020, under a royal decree by King Salman, 13 women were appointed to serve on the Saudi Human Rights Commission. “Find a vision you truly believe in, and contribute your skills and gifts to help advance that vision.”, Lastly, “don’t take no for an answer,” she said. The Consultative Assembly of Saudi Arabia, also known as Majlis as-Shura or Shura Council, is the formal advisory body of Saudi Arabia, which is an absolute monarchy.The Consultative Assembly has limited powers in government, including the power to propose laws to the King and cabinet, but it cannot pass or enforce laws, which is a power reserved for the King. They affect the security of petroleum exports, freedom of world trade, and maritime traffic.” Published quarterly since 1947, the peer-reviewed Journal provides objective research and analysis on the region, on the area from Morocco to Pakistan and including Central Asia. JSTOR®, the JSTOR logo, JPASS®, Artstor®, Reveal Digital™ and ITHAKA® are registered trademarks of ITHAKA. The 30 women members make up 20 percent of the Shoura. A “petroleum tank farm” at Ras Tanura Port, one of the largest oil shipping ports in the world, was attacked with a drone in the morning, the energy ministry said. The Middle East Institute (MEI) is a non-profit organization founded in 1946 by Middle East scholar George Camp Keiser and former Secretary of State Christian Herter. She enjoyed her job so much she did not want to leave it behind, so as an efficient multitasker, she continued working while studying part-time, earning her MBA from Prince Sultan University. ToC { Adopted on: 20 Aug 1993 } { ICL Document Status: Oct 1993 } Article 1 The financial year of the Consultative Council shall be the financial year of the state. The Consultative Assembly of Saudi Arabia, also known as Majlis as-Shura or Shura Council, is the formal advisory body of Saudi Arabia, which is an absolute monarchy.The Consultative … I hope this passion within me for this amazing project is contagious and is an encouragement for other young women to join, and that I can serve as a great role model for them.” “I’m grateful for the opportunities that GE has provided for both my professional and personal growth — from project management to presales, from purely analytical roles all the way to the commercial world.”. The Saudi foreign minister is in Qatar to meet with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Rahman Al-Thani. Under it, perpetrators may face a jail sentence of up to five years and a SR 300,000 fine. It has 150 members that are appointed by the king, six of them are women, and is headed by Abdullah ibn Mohammed Al-Shaikh.. All requested documents and data in possession of government ministries and agencies must go through a request process from the Speaker to facilitate the Shoura Council committees’ work. “I practically lived there, from morning to late at night. While the world knows and talks about women drivers on Saudi roads, there’s more to this socio-economic and cultural change than meets the eye,” Hashmi, a Harvard doctorate degree holder, told Arab News. The attacks come after the Arab coalition said it had launched airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen after a wave of drone attacks. Women make up of 20 percent of the council, the same percentage of women who now hold seats in the US Congress. No one was injured and no property damaged in either attack. Annual reports forwarded by ministries and governmental institutes, international treaties and concessions are also within the council members’ remit, to discuss and make suggestions that are deemed appropriate. The Institute is located in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to "promote knowledge of the Middle East in America and strengthen understanding of the United States by the people and governments of the region." A/91 Date: 27 Shaaban 1412 AH With the help of God Ahnighty: We, Fahd bin Abdul Aziz: Monarch of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; In line with the word of God Almighty: "Consult them on matters"; and "Their affairs will be decided through consultations … The Consultative Assembly of Saudi Arabia, also known as Majlis ash-Shura or Shura Council, is the formal advisory body of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is an absolute monarchy. • Women are now able to enter judicial departments independently without the past restriction of having a guardian present. After graduation, Al-Harbi worked briefly at a local bank, providing IT treasury back-office support. THE ANNOUNCEMENT at the weekend that King Fahd had formed a 60-man consultative council is the first tentative step towards reforms in Saudi Arabia for so long promised and so often deferred. “I worked in the treasury department, which was a core section of the bank. It is a modern version of a traditional Islamic concept – an accessible leader consulting with learned and experienced citizens – which has always been practiced by Saudi … In 2013, two royal decrees reconstituted the council, mandating that women should always hold at least a fifth of its 150 seats and appointed the first group of 30 female Shoura members. An alimony fund was created to support women and their children during court proceedings, and women are now able to enter judicial departments independently without the past restriction of having a guardian present. “Such acts of sabotage do not only target the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but also the security and stability of energy supplies to the world, and therefore, the global economy. A new law consisting of 24 articles, which included the permanent appointment of a vice-president by the King, was issued to facilitate the council’s work. They may not appear in the headlines, but they are a vital part of Saudi society. “I remember the first day after I got the job, I thought yes, this is me, I belong here,” she said. Women from the Kingdom are now seen traveling around the world and exploring new cultures without the obligatory presence of a male guardian, due to a decree allowing women to obtain their own passports and travel over the age of 21 without a male guardian. Request Permissions. Saudi Arabia > Consultative Council Statute. While at GE Digital, she has supported the Saudi Health Ministry’s major electronic medical records digital transformation project, as well as its highly regarded Mawid patient appointments app. “We take operational measures to protect civilians and civilian objects in accordance with international humanitarian law,” the statement said. Its current format consists of a Speaker and 150 council members, among them scholars, educators, specialists and prominent members of society with expertise in their respective fields, chosen by the King and serving a four-year term. The new goals set on the horizon are leadership, direction and making an impact on the future of the Kingdom, whether through financial growth, social reform, or paving the way for new generations of women to succeed. He said the ministry would take all measures to safeguard the nation’s assets “in a manner that preserves the security of global energy, puts an end to these acts of terrorism, guarantees the security and stability of oil supplies, protects security of petroleum exports and safeguards freedom of shipping and international trade.” The Consultative Council, or Majlis Al-Shoura (established by Royal Decree No. Their voices are now heard wide and clear across the world. Each project is like a jigsaw puzzle that needs to be solved,” she said. For terms and use, please refer to our Terms and Conditions ToC { Adopted on: 20 Aug 1993 } { ICL Document Status: Oct 1993 } Chapter 1 Competence of the Chairman, His Deputy and the General Secretary Article 1 Go to Table It is simply no longer the aim of Saudi women to hope for inclusivity in society and the workplace. You could see the impact of our work on the people — the patients whom we served. This means she is well-versed in understanding customers’ needs and pain points, and is well-equipped to design solutions that deliver optimal business results. This initiative has been implemented in ministry hospitals across the Kingdom, and is considered the standard that needs to be followed. Her sister and her brother-in-law helped her, but she soon realized she had to support both herself and her daughter financially. Notably, she created a patient journey blueprint for ministry hospitals called the “Golden Package.”. Present yourself as you really are,” she said. Both countries also said they stood by the Kingdom against any threats to its security and the security of its people. I am also honored to represent NEOM as one of its leading female executives. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has condemned on Sunday the Houthi drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, calling the international community to take a “decisive stance” against â€œrepetitive” attacks by the militia group. I met people from diverse nationalities, mixed with the opposite gender and quickly learned English on the job — something I never dreamed of.” Today, Al-Harbi is a senior solution architect with GE Digital, responsible for the business aspects of customer solutions. “But I could tell that working in finance — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in a cubicle, with only the computer to keep me company — wasn’t for me. وكالة الانباء السعودية . While it was a very challenging experience, I was still able to prove myself,” she said. The Iran-backed militia had fired 12 explosives laden drones and two missiles. The end of the Gulf War on Feb. 28, 1991 saw the eviction of Iraq from Kuwait but paved the way for decades of conflict, Saudi Arabia said the attacks attempted to target Ras Tanura port and Aramco facilities in Dhahran. Access supplemental materials and multimedia. JSTOR is part of ITHAKA, a not-for-profit organization helping the academic community use digital technologies to preserve the scholarly record and to advance research and teaching in sustainable ways. Understanding Shoura: how the Saudi consultative ‘parliament’ works, Saudi foreign minister meets Qatari counterpart in Doha, Arab coalition launches airstrikes after Houthis cross 'red line' with civilian drone attacks in Saudi Arabia, Saudi oil port and Aramco residential area targeted by drone, missile, Raheeq Al-Harbi: A female IT pioneer in Saudi healthcare, Vision 2030 puts Saudi women in the driver’s seat, Saudi Arabia announces 4 more COVID-19 deaths, UAE confirms 2,613 new coronavirus cases, 12 deaths in last 24 hours, Israel in final phase of easing of lockdown, Russia reports 10,595 new COVID-19 cases, 368 deaths, Philippine carrier offers $82 flights from Dubai to Manila, Saudi Telecom launches largest digital operations center in the Middle East, Beirut stars in Lebanese author’s comical coming-of-age debut, UAE’s ENOC saves $23.7m in employee-centric innovation program, Taylor Swift, BTS, Cardi B and more to perform at Grammys, Turkey ready to normalize ties with Egypt, Gulf countries following years of tension, Bella Hadid stuns on Givenchy Fall 2021 runway, Peace, security and economy top agenda of Saudi Shoura session, Saudi Shoura passes law to protect informants, witnesses, victims, Saudi Shoura Council chairman approves plan to improve parliamentary diplomacy, Saudi Shoura Council calls for special bus routes, Arab coalition intercepts, destroys Houthi drones targeting Saudi Arabia’s Jazan, Khamis Mushait, Houthi strikes spark calls for action against Yemen militias, Fighting in Yemen’s Marib kills 90 in 24 hours: government military source, The hatred and hostility underpinning Yemeni Houthis’ political ideology, Saudi women’s sport grows by leaps and bounds, Saudi Culture Ministry achieves gender balance with women in key roles, Italy identifies Algerian suspect in 2015 Paris terror attacks, Social media influencers must pay VAT: UAE tax authority, UN official rebukes UK over Yemen aid cut, Amnesty slams ‘dangerous’ Swiss veil ban, Pope Francis’ visit brings Iraqi Kurdistan’s safe-haven status into sharp focus, Christians of Iraq’s Qaraqosh count on Pope Francis’ visit for moral support, The Shoura Council that the King is addressing today has a vital role to play in government, Female Shoura Council members have played a major role in raising their voices over many issues concerning social development in Saudi Arabia, Attacks spark calls for action against the Iran-backed militias, Energy ministry says Ras Tanura Port was targeted by a drone coming from the sea, Shrapnel from a ballistic missile fell near Saudi Aramco’s residential area in Dhahran, The new goals set on the horizon are leadership, direction and making an impact on the future. “Under the visionary leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has taken a giant step forward in empowering its women. Three female members of Saudi Arabia's Shura Consultative Council filed a recommendation on Tuesday that a ban on women driving in the … The council has also asked the General Sports Authority to speed up the development of sports cities and to diversify its functions in different parts of the Kingdom to help the organizational level of women’s sports become an independent agency affiliated to the GSA chairman. RIYADH: Raheeq Al-Harbi received nearly perfect grades in her secondary school exams. Then it destroyed five others that were launched towards Saudi Arabia. For the second year in a row, the “Women, Business and the Law 2021” report by the World Bank Group listed Saudi Arabia as one of the top countries for economic inclusion and women’s reform. “The Shoura Council’s doors are always open, although not many know this,” she said. Over the next few years, Al-Harbi won a number of awards, including the Saudi Healthcare Innovation Award at KFMC for designing patient pathways to reduce crowding in different departments. Bahrain and Jordan also strongly condemned and denounced the continued attacks, saying they constituted a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, and contradicted international efforts aimed at resolving the conflict and achieving security, stability, growth and prosperity for the Yemeni people. Almaeena pointed out that Shoura Council members are the ears of society, playing an important role in relaying the public’s message to the designated committees. Five years on, female Shoura Council members have played a major role in raising their voices over many issues concerning social development in Saudi Arabia. The King and Council of Ministers represent the executive branch. ... IBM Saudi Arabia. “It’s a golden age for Saudis and, as women, we’ve come a long way,” said Almaeena. The Middle East Journal explores the region's political and economic development, cultural and literary heritage, and ethnic and religious diversity. The coalition said in a statement quoted by Al Arabiya TV that “targeting civilians and civilian facilities in Saudi Arabia is a red line.”. While only midway through its seventh session, the roots of the Shoura Council date back to before Saudi Arabia’s founding. The Consultative Assembly is based in the Al-Yamamh Palace, Riyadh. In 1928, amendments were made as public interest grew. She said that Vision 2030 has created the opportunity for women to build new roles and transform older expectations in a positive way. The king's official title is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. She fell in love with analytics and software engineering the day she attended her first lecture. The Journal's articles and book reviews come from renowned scholars and foreign policy analysts, and present some of the most respected voices in the field of Middle Eastern studies. There are many women like Al-Dossary who have succeeded in their own right. It is evident that the fast changes led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have also had a global impact. Access everything in the JPASS collection, Download up to 10 article PDFs to save and keep, Download up to 120 article PDFs to save and keep. In July 2020, under a royal decree by King Salman, 13 women were appointed to serve on the Saudi Human Rights Commission, making half of the commission female. The council has also discussed a recommendation for women to hold leadership positions in Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic missions abroad, from a report by the council’s Foreign Affairs Committee. “This is the beauty of our work — no two days are ever the same. The modernization of the Consultative Assembly of Saudi Arabia or Majlis … Major achievements were chalked up in this term’s second year. SAUDI ARABIA'S CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL R. Hrair Dekmejian This study of Saudi Arabia's Consultative Council focuses on the evolution and formalization of the Saudi consultative process and the social background charac-teristics of the 90 members of the 1997 Majlis. Having reviewed Decision of Majlis Al-Shura (Consultative Council) No. Similar statements were issued by the Arab Parliament and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation against the Houthi drone attacks. The goals of Saudi women are no longer equality or equal opportunity, but rather surpassing their counterparts in ideology, accomplishments and innovation across all sectors. ‘Wings to fly’ “The Kingdom condemns and criminalizes such repeated acts of sabotage and hostility,” a ministry spokesman said. The defense ministry said both the drone and the missile were intercepted and destroyed. “Many positive changes have taken place in the past few years, and the Shoura Council’s role has always put social developments first and foremost,” said Dr. Sami Zaidan, a council member of two terms. The Journal provides the background necessary for an understanding and appreciation of the region's political and economic development, cultural heritage, and ethnic and religious diversity. In doing so, they have paved the way for a young and determined generation of future female leaders. This decision gave women a louder voice and a foundation through which to make an impact in the Kingdom. Read your article online and download the PDF from your email or your account. On Saturday, the coalition intercepted seven Houthi drones that were launched towards southwest Saudi Arabia. “The appointment of women diversified and expanded the discussions and has added value.” At that point, she was faced with another dilemma as her work had earned her a scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in the US. • An alimony fund was created to support women and their children during court proceedings. (705) dated 30/11/1438 H.; Do hereby order as follows: First: Approval of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia joining the Multilateral Competent Authority The United States and the United Nations have stepped up diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, which is largely seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. option. In 1953, the council’s jurisdictions were distributed between the Council of Ministers and other government entities, reducing the Shoura Council’s power, although it continued to hold sessions until its mandate was once again broadened this century. E-ISSN: 1573-0255 Print ISSN: 0268-0556 Publisher: Brill Search. “What I love about my work is that I’m constantly on the lookout for new ideas finding solutions to problems. “Be real. سمو ولي العهد يعزي رئيس النيجر في وفاة الرئيس الأسبق Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Doha on Monday on an officical visit, the Foreign Ministry reported. These innovative accomplishments are all due to the stepping stones laid out by Vision 2030’s extensive social reforms for women. “With social media platforms nowadays and everything being remote and virtual, we sometimes crave authenticity and care.”, That even extends to one’s job title. Al-Dossary’s workplace enrolled her in courses to not only further her career, but also her character. “I’m able to financially support my family, have insurance and benefits, and I bought a home,” said Al-Dossary. BonelliErede: two new of counsel to boost the firm's presence in Africa and the Middle East. Orphaned at a young age and divorced with one daughter, Al-Dossary was in a predicament. 52 SAUDI ARABIA-THE CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL- THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA In the name of God: the Merciful; the Compassionate: No. She was attentive to detail, eager to learn and grateful for the opportunity. From education, to foreign affairs, members assigned to committees review proposed draft laws prior to submitting them to the King, as they are able to exercise power within its jurisdiction and seek expertise from non-Majlis members. “Despite all the sleepless nights, however, I was happy and passionate about working together with my team on something tangible. Female members are a fairly recent phenomenon. Saudi Arabia-the Consultative Council-the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Arab Law Quarterly. • Saudi women are now ambassadors, general managers, directors of private entities, government spokespersons and more. Legal reforms have been amended by Vision 2030 to ensure the rights of divorced women. This is only a glimpse into the world of achievements female leaders in Saudi Arabia have created as a result of empowerment in the Kingdom. The Consultative Council was inaugurated by King Fahd himself in December, 1993. One woman who has benefited from the changes is Noura Al-Dossary. The Consultative Assembly of Saudi Arabia also known as Majlis as-Shura or Shura Council is the legislature of the country. In the evening, shrapnel from a ballistic missile fell near Saudi Aramco’s residential area in Dhahran where thousands of the company’s local and international employees and their families live. In Saudi Arabia, that usually means a career in medicine.