Article 4 of the Saudi Shura Council Law
المادة 4 من نظام مجلس الشورى
Article 4 requires a Shura Council member to be a Saudi national by origin and upbringing, of recognized righteousness and competence, and not less than thirty years old.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يشترط في عضو مجلس الشورى ما يلي:
أ - أن يكون سعودي الجنسية بالأصل والمنشأ.
ب - أن يكون من المشهود لهم بالصلاح والكفاية.
ج - ألا يقل عمره عن ثلاثين سنة.
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 4 explained in plain English
This article sets out the conditions that must be met by a member of the Shura Council, three conditions taken together:
- Saudi nationality by origin and upbringing: merely holding the nationality is not enough; the text requires the member to be a Saudi by origin and upbringing.
- Righteousness and competence: being among those recognized for righteousness in conduct and competence in ability and experience.
- Age: not less than 30 years.
These conditions work alongside what Article 3 provides, that the King chooses the members from people of knowledge, experience and specialization. The conditions here are a minimum for eligibility, while the choice itself rests with the King.
The article contains no condition of a particular educational qualification and no maximum age, and does not regulate a way of standing as a candidate, since membership is by the King's choice under Article 3. Article 5 then regulates the case where a member asks to be relieved of membership.
Practical example
Khalid is a Saudi by origin and upbringing, aged 28, working as an economics researcher at a university in Jeddah. Despite his experience, he does not meet the age condition in this article, because he is under thirty years old.
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 4 of the Saudi Shura Council Law
What are the conditions of membership in the Shura Council?
The member must be a Saudi national by origin and upbringing, of recognized righteousness and competence, and not less than thirty years old.
What is the minimum age of a Shura Council member?
Thirty years.
Is it enough for a person to hold Saudi nationality?
The text requires the member to be a Saudi national by origin and upbringing.
More articles on Conditions for Shura Council Membership
- Article 5
Article 5 lets a Shura Council member submit a request to be relieved of membership to the Council's president, who must present it to the King.
لعضو مجلس الشورى أن يقدم طلب إعفائه من عضوية المجلس إلى رئيس المجلس ، وعلى الرئيس أن يعرض ذلك على الملك.
- Article 7
Article 7 provides that if a Shura Council member's seat becomes vacant for any reason, the King chooses who replaces them and a royal order is issued to that effect.
إذا خلا محل أحد أعضاء مجلس الشورى لأي سبب، يختار الملك من يحل محله ويصدر بذلك أمر ملكي.
- Article 11
Article 11 requires the Shura Council's president, members and secretary general to take a set oath before the King before they begin their work in the Council.
يؤدي رئيس مجلس الشورى ، وأعضاء المجلس، والأمين العام، قبل أن يباشروا أعمالهم في المجلس، أمام الملك، القسم التالي: (أقسم بالله العظيم أن أكون مخلصا لديني، ثم لمل
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.