Article 16 of the Saudi Civil Society Associations Law
المادة 16 من نظام الجمعيات والمؤسسات الأهلية
The Article bars the ordinary and extraordinary general assemblies from considering any matters not on their agenda.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
لا يجوز للجمعية العمومية (العادية أو غير العادية) أن تنظر في مسائل غير مدرجة في جدول أعمالها.
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 16 explained in plain English
This is a short Article but an important one in guaranteeing members' rights: the general assembly, whether ordinary or extraordinary, may not consider matters not on its agenda.
Why this provision?
- Because a member decides whether to attend the meeting or delegate someone else based on what he knows from the agenda. If a new, surprise topic could be raised, a group of members could pass decisions in the absence of those who did not expect it to be raised.
- And because it allows members to prepare for discussion and study the topics in advance.
The practical effect: if members want to raise an important topic, they must work to have it put on the agenda before the call is issued, or call for a new meeting that includes it. A decision issued on a matter not on the agenda is contrary to this provision, and the text does not expressly state the effect of the breach.
This Article comes after Article 15 on the powers of the extraordinary general assembly, and before Article 17 on the quorum of meetings and the majority for decisions. Anyone who believes a decision was issued on a matter outside the agenda should consult a lawyer who specializes in non-profit sector law.
Practical example
Members of an association in Buraidah were called to an ordinary meeting whose agenda was approving the financial statements. During the meeting one member proposed a vote to approve a new investment plan. The general assembly may not consider it because it is not on the agenda.
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 16 of the Saudi Civil Society Associations Law
May the general assembly discuss a topic not on the agenda?
No. Neither the ordinary nor the extraordinary general assembly may consider matters not on its agenda.
Does the provision cover an extraordinary meeting?
Yes. It covers both the ordinary and extraordinary general assemblies.
More articles on General Assembly of a Civil Association
- Article 13
The general assembly consists of the founders and members of at least six months' standing, is called 15 days ahead, meets in ordinary session within the first four months of the year, and members may not vote on matters of personal interest.
1- تتكون الجمعية العمومية من الأعضاء المؤسسين والأعضاء الذين مضت على عضويتهم في الجمعية ستة أشهر على الأقل ، بشرط تسديد رسوم العضوية إن وجدت. 2 - تعقد الجمعية ا
- Article 14
The ordinary general assembly approves financial statements and the budget, discusses the board's report, approves the investment plan, elects the board and discharges the previous one, and appoints the auditor.
تختص الجمعية العمومية العادية بالآتي : 1 - دراسة تقرير مراجع الحسابات عن القوائم المالية للسنة المالية المنتهية ، واعتمادها بعد مناقشتها. 2 - إقرار مشروع الميزا
- Article 15
The extraordinary general assembly decides board members' resignation and removal and fills vacancies, cancels board decisions, proposes merger, approves amending the basic regulation and voluntary dissolution.
تختص الجمعية العمومية غير العادية بالنظر في المسائل الآتية : 1 - البت في استقالة أي من أعضاء مجلس الإدارة ، أو إسقاط العضوية عنه ، وانتخاب من يشغل المراكز الشاغ
- Article 17
A general assembly meeting is valid if more than half of the members attend; otherwise it is postponed to a date between one hour and 15 days later. Ordinary assembly decisions pass by a majority of those present, extraordinary ones by two-thirds.
1- يعد اجتماع الجمعية العمومية (العادية أو غير العادية) صحيحاً إذا حضره أكثر من نصف أعضائها ، فإن لم يتحقق ذلك أُجّل الاجتماع إلى موعد آخر يعقد خلال مدة أقلها س
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.