Article 29 of the Saudi Basic Law of Governance
المادة 29 من النظام الأساسي للحكم · الباب الخامس: الحقوق والواجبات
The Article provides that the State cares for sciences, arts and culture, encourages scientific research, preserves the Islamic and Arab heritage, and contributes to Arab, Islamic and human civilization.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
ترعى الدولة العلوم والآداب والثقافة، وتعنى بتشجيع البحث العلمي، وتصون التراث الإسلامي والعربي، وتسهم في الحضارة العربية والإسلامية والإنسانية.
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 29 explained in plain English
This Article sets out what the State does in the field of science and culture, and mentions four things:
- Caring for sciences, arts and culture.
- Attending to the encouragement of scientific research.
- Preserving the Islamic and Arab heritage, that is, safeguarding and protecting it.
- Contributing to Arab, Islamic and human civilization.
Note that the fourth point is not limited to Arab and Islamic civilization but also covers human civilization, as stated in the text.
The Article sets a general orientation for the State. It does not specify the competent bodies, the programs or forms of support, or the provisions on protecting heritage or violations relating to it. These details do not appear in this text, and anyone who needs them refers to the laws specific to each field.
This Article is linked to Article 28, which provides that the State facilitates work opportunities for everyone able to work and enacts laws that protect the worker and the employer, and to Article 30, which provides that the State provides general education and is committed to eradicating illiteracy. Articles 29 and 30 complement each other in the field of science and knowledge.
This Article matters to researchers, intellectuals, writers, and scientific and cultural institutions, and to anyone who wants to know the basis of the State's interest in science, culture and heritage in 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.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 29 of the Saudi Basic Law of Governance
Does the Basic Law of Governance support scientific research?
Yes. Article 29 provides that the State attends to the encouragement of scientific research.
What is the Basic Law's position on heritage?
Article 29 provides that the State preserves the Islamic and Arab heritage.
Does Article 29 specify particular support programs?
No. The Article sets a general orientation for the State and does not specify programs or bodies.
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تحرص الدولة على توثيق أواصر الأسرة، والحفاظ على قيمها العربية والإسلامية، ورعاية جميع أفرادها، وتوفير الظروف المناسبة لتنمية ملكاتهم وقدراتهم.
- Article 11
The article provides that Saudi society is based on its members holding fast to the rope of God, cooperating in righteousness and piety, supporting one another, and not dividing.
يقوم المجتمع السعودي على أساس من اعتصام أفراده بحبل الله، وتعاونهم على البر والتقوى، والتكافل فيما بينهم، وعدم تفرقهم.
- Article 12
The article provides that strengthening national unity is a duty, and that the state prevents everything that leads to disunity, sedition and division.
تعزيز الوحدة الوطنية واجب، وتمنع الدولة كل ما يؤدي للفرقة و الفتنة والانقسام.
- Article 13
The article sets the aims of education: instilling the Islamic faith in the young, giving them knowledge and skills, and preparing them to be useful members who love their homeland and are proud of its history.
يهدف التعليم إلى غرس العقيدة الإسلامية في نفوس النشء، وإكسابهم المعارف والمهارات، وتهيئتهم ليكونوا أعضاء نافعين في بناء مجتمعهم، محبين لوطنهم، معتزين بتاريخه.
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The Article provides that the State provides general education and is committed to eradicating illiteracy.
توفر الدولة التعليم العام، وتلتزم بمكافحة الأمية.
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.