Comparative Governments of GCC: Oman & Saudi Arabia

Comparative Governments of GCC: Oman & Saudi Arabia

• Oman received independence from the United Kingdom in 1951
• Oman is an absolute monarchy, with the Sultan as head of state and government
• The Sultan appoints a cabinet to assist him, serving in roles like Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Finance
• Article 42 of the Constitution outlines the Sultan's powers, including maintaining citizens' rights, guaranteeing rule of law, and responding to threats to the state's safety
• The Council of Ministers implements general state policies, submits recommendations to the Sultan, enforces laws, and oversees administrative bodies
• The Sultan chairs Council sessions; in his absence, a deputy Prime Minister or other authorized individual chairs
• Oman's legislative branch is bicameral, consisting of the Council of State (Majlis Al-Dawla) and the Consultative Council (Majlis Al-Shura)
• Members of the Council of State are appointed by the Sultan for 4 years, renewable, and help implement overall development strategy and basic law principles
• The Consultative Council's members represent the public, chosen by the Sultan after nominations from local districts, serving 4 year terms, renewable
• The Consultative Council serves as a communication channel between the people and government ministries regarding economic and social legislation, providing recommendations
• The Consultative Council has no authority over foreign affairs, defense, security, or finances
• Oman's judicial system primarily follows Sharia principles, with the Supreme Court in Muscat as the highest court
• Judges are nominated by the Supreme Judicial Council and appointed by the Sultan
• Judicial decisions should comply with the Constitution; failure or delay in executing judgments constitutes a crime

Background - Saudi Arabia

• Saudi Arabia gained independence on September 23, 1932, becoming the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• It's an Islamic state with Arabic as its national language and the Holy Quran as its constitution
• Saudi Arabia is a monarchy based on Islamic principles
• The government is headed by the King, who serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
• The King appoints a Crown Prince to assist with duties, making the Crown Prince second in line to the throne
• The King governs with the help of the Council of Ministers (Cabinet)
• The executive authority is vested in the King, who is advised by the Council of Ministers, responsible for implementing policies and managing various departments
• The Council of Ministers is headquartered in Riyadh, comprising the King, deputies, active ministers, and royal appointees
• All ministers are appointed and dismissed by royal decree, most serving 4-year terms; royal family may also serve
• The Council of Ministers has 22 members
• Ministerial duties are outlined in Article 57 and 58 of the Basic Law of Governance, with Council resolutions becoming final with the King's approval
• Article 24 of the Law of the Council of Ministers defines the Council's executive authority, encompassing tasks such as overseeing regulations and the overall development plan
• The Consultative Council (Majlis Al-Shura) has 150 members appointed by the King, with half needing to be new members every 4 year term
• The King has the power to restructure and dissolve the Council as needed
• The primary function of the Consultative Council is advising the King on domestic/international policy matters and treaties
• If the Consultative Council and the Council of Ministers agree on resolutions, these resolutions are forwarded to the King for approval

Judicial Branch - Saudi Arabia

• The Saudi judicial system is based on Islamic law (Sharia)
• Article 46 of the Basic Law of Governance designates the judiciary as an independent authority; judicial decisions are subject only to Islamic jurisdiction
• The Supreme Council of Justice represents the judiciary and comprises 12 judges, appointed by the King
• The King serves as the final court of appeal and has the power to pardon
• The Supreme Council of Justice handles appointments, promotions, and transfers of judges