Article 16 of the Saudi Chambers of Commerce Law

This article explains who may be a member of the Chamber's board of directors, whether by standing or by appointment; the conditions are the same for both:

1. Experience: Not less than 10 years, or 5 years for someone holding a bachelor's degree or the equivalent. The Implementing Regulations specify the controls for the experience required.
2. Commercial register and subscription: His entry in the commercial register must have been valid for at least the last three years before his candidacy or appointment, and he must have paid his annual subscription.
3. Good conduct: He must not have been sentenced for an offense involving dishonor or breach of trust, unless he has been rehabilitated.
4. No dual membership: He must not be a member of the board of directors of another chamber.
5. Relatives: None of his relatives may be among the candidates. The Implementing Regulations specify the degree of kinship meant and the mechanism for setting priority among relatives who stand.
6. Declaration: He must submit a declaration of commitment to the objectives and purposes of membership, not to commit offenses or legal violations that undermine his eligibility, not to put his personal interest ahead of the public interest, and not to raise problems that obstruct the board's institutional work.

The importance of these conditions is not limited to the time of candidacy: Article 17 makes losing any of them a cause of losing membership, and bars someone who lost membership because of violating paragraph 6 (the declaration) from standing for the board of any chamber for 8 years from the date he lost membership. Article 15 also provides that the first deputy takes the president's place when he is absent or loses membership.

Anyone in doubt whether a condition applies to them, such as the experience controls or the degree of kinship, should refer to the Implementing Regulations for the details, and may consult a lawyer specializing in commercial and company cases.