Saudi Arabia

Shura Council

Political system
Monarchy
Structure of parliament
Unicameral
IPU membership
Yes

Law-making

Data on parliament’s law-making role and activities

Legislative activity

Number of laws adopted by parliament, per year
59
(2023)
Total number of laws adopted by Parliament in the previous legislature
262
(2024-09)
Number of laws adopted in the previous legislature that were initiated by parliament
14
(2024-09)
Number of laws adopted in the previous legislature that were initiated by the government
248
(2024-09)
Percentage of laws initiated by parliament in the previous legislature
5%
(2024-09)
Dates of the previous legislature
20 Oct 2020 to 06 Sep 2024
(2024-09)
Outcome when the two chambers cannot agree on a piece of draft legislation
Not applicable

Executive-legislative relations

Legislation adopted by parliament requires the assent of the Head of State
Yes

Sources:

Constitution
1992 Shura Council Law, art. 17

Number of times the Head of State declined to give assent to legislation, per year
Not applicable
(2022)
Consequences when the Head of State declines to give assent to legislation
The legislation is returned to Parliament for re-examination

Notes: Shura Council resolutions are submitted to the King who decides which ones to refer to the Cabinet. If the Cabinet and Shura Council agree, resolutions are issued with the King's approval. If not, any issues are returned to the Shura Council to deem whatever is appropriate. A new resolution is sent to the King who takes the final decisions.

Sources: 1992 Shura Council Law, art. 17

Final decision when parliament and the Head of State do not agree
Head of State

Existence of a procedure to introduce emergency legislation

There is a procedure for introducing emergency legislation into parliament
No information available

Historical data for IPU membership

Historical data for IPU membership
Year IPU membership
2020-09
List of values for 2020-09
No
2019-04
List of values for 2019-04
No
2018-06
List of values for 2018-06
No