This Law, consisting of 83 articles organized into Nine Chapters, represents the Basic Law of Governance of Saudi Arabia. The main chapters concern (i) General Principles, establishes Saudi Arabia as a sovereign Arab Islamic state, with Islam as its religion and the Qur’an and the Sunna as its constitution; (ii) Law of Governance, declaring the monarchy as the ruling system, with leadership drawn from the descendants of King Abdulaziz. Governance is founded on justice, consultation (shura), and equality under Islamic Sharia; (iii) Values of Saudi Society highlight the family as the core unit of society, raised on Islamic beliefs. The state supports family cohesion, promotes Arab-Islamic values, and fosters national unity; (iv) Economic Principles asserting that natural resources belong to the state and that public funds are safeguarded. While private ownership is protected, economic development must align with equitable planning; (v) Rights and Duties, emphasize the state's commitment to protecting human rights under Sharia, ensuring social security, expanding employment opportunities, and providing education, healthcare, and environmental protection; (vi) Authorities of the State, describing the structure of the state as comprising judicial, executive, and regulatory branches, with the King as the supreme authority. The judiciary is independent, and all legislation derives from the Qur’an and the Sunna. Ownership, capital, and labor form the foundational pillars of the Kingdom’s economic and social structure. Article 28 affirms the state's responsibility to create job opportunities for every capable individual and to establish legislation that safeguards the rights of both workers and employers.
In particular, the management of natural resources is outlined under the Economic Principles chapter of the Law, focusing on the following key points (i) the state ownership, so all natural resources within the Kingdom, including oil, minerals, and other valuable resources, are considered state property. This means the government has control over their exploration, extraction, and utilization; (ii) the protection of public funds, with the state ensuring that public funds, which include revenues from natural resources, are protected and used responsibly. This is to prevent misuse and ensure that the wealth generated benefits the nation; (iii) the private ownership of property and businesses is guaranteed. This allows private enterprises to operate within the framework set by the state, contributing to economic development; (iv) the economic development plan is followed by the state fairly and balanced. This plan aims to utilize natural resources efficiently and sustainably, ensuring long-term economic growth and stability.