Article 22 of the Saudi Basic Law of Governance
المادة 22 من النظام الأساسي للحكم · الباب الرابع: المبادئ الاقتصادية
The Article provides that economic and social development is achieved according to a fair, scientific plan.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يتم تحقيق التنمية الاقتصادية والاجتماعية، وفق خطة علمية عادلة.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 22 explained in plain English
This Article sets out how development is achieved in the Kingdom. The text covers two kinds of development:
- Economic development.
- Social development.
It requires that both be achieved according to a plan, and it describes that plan with two attributes:
- Scientific: that is, based on scientific foundations.
- Fair: that is, based on justice.
The Article thus makes planning the basis of development and requires that this planning be both scientific and fair. It does not specify the body that prepares the plan, its duration, its content, or the procedures for preparing or approving it. It is a general principle without details.
This Article appears in Chapter Four, on economic principles, and is linked to Article 21, which provides that zakat is collected and spent on its lawful recipients; both are economic principles established by the Law. It is also linked to Article 23, which provides that the State protects the Islamic faith, applies its Sharia, commands what is right and forbids what is wrong, and carries out the duty of calling to God.
This Article matters to researchers in economics and development, to planning authorities, and to anyone who wants to know the basis on which development in the Kingdom rests under the Basic Law of Governance.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
How we write and review contentA question about Article 22 of Basic Law of Governance?
Describe what happened and specialist lawyers answer. You can write in English.
- Completely free
- Lawyers from the directory answer
- Your name stays hidden
Ask a specialist lawyer about your case
Describe your situation briefly and we'll suggest a lawyer who specialises in this law
Frequently asked questions about Article 22 of the Saudi Basic Law of Governance
How is development achieved in Saudi Arabia under the Basic Law of Governance?
Article 22 provides that economic and social development is achieved according to a fair, scientific plan.
Does Article 22 specify who prepares the development plan?
No. The Article requires the plan to be scientific and fair, and does not specify the body that prepares it or its duration.
More articles on Economic Principles and Public Wealth
- Article 14
The article provides that all wealth beneath the earth and on its surface, in territorial waters, and in the land and maritime domain of the state belongs to the state, as the Law sets out.
جميع الثروات التي أودعها الله في باطن الأرض، أو في ظاهرها، أو في المياه الإقليمية أو في النطاق البري والبحري الذي يمتد إليه اختصاص الدولة، وجميع موارد تلك الثرو
- Article 15
The article provides that no concession or exploitation of any of the country's public resources may be granted except under a law.
لا يجوز منح امتياز أو استثمار مورد من موارد البلاد العامة إلا بموجب نظام.
- Article 16
The article provides that public funds are inviolable, that the state must protect them, and that citizens and residents must preserve them.
للأموال العامة حرمتها، وعلى الدولة حمايتها، وعلى المواطنين والمقيمين المحافظة عليها.
- Article 17
The article provides that ownership, capital and work are basic components of the Kingdom's economic and social entity, and are private rights that perform a social function according to Sharia.
الملكية، ورأس المال، والعمل، مقومات أساسية في الكيان الاقتصادي والاجتماعي للمملكة. وهي حقوق خاصة تؤدي وظيفة اجتماعية، وفق الشريعة الإسلامية.
- Article 20
The article provides that taxes and fees are imposed only when needed and on the basis of justice, and may be imposed, amended, abolished or exempted only under the Law.
لا تفرض الضرائب والرسوم إلا عند الحاجة، وعلى أساس من العدل، ولا يجوز فرضها، أو تعديلها، أو إلغاؤها، أو الإعفاء منها إلا بموجب النظام.
- Article 21
The Article provides that zakat is collected and spent on its lawful (Sharia) recipients.
تجبى الزكاة وتنفق في مصارفها الشرعية.
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.