Saudi Shura Council Approves Studying Proposals on Amending National Citizenship Law

Journalists is being shown the auditorium of the Saudi Arabia's Shura Council headquarters. (Image: Reuters)
Journalists is being shown the auditorium of the Saudi Arabia's Shura Council headquarters. (Image: Reuters)
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Saudi Shura Council Approves Studying Proposals on Amending National Citizenship Law

Journalists is being shown the auditorium of the Saudi Arabia's Shura Council headquarters. (Image: Reuters)
Journalists is being shown the auditorium of the Saudi Arabia's Shura Council headquarters. (Image: Reuters)

The Saudi Shura Council, Consultative Assembly, approved on Tuesday studying two proposals, submitted by a number of former and current council members, for introducing amendments to the Saudi Citizenship Law.

The Council adopted its decision to review the proposals during an ordinary session headed by Shura Council Chairman Dr. Abdullah ibn Muhammad Al ash-Sheikh after having heard a commission's report on the two proposals.

Based on the board's decision to examine the amendments in detail, it will then prepare a comprehensive report for the Council to discuss various aspects and thereon to take the appropriate decision.

For his part, Ata al-Sibiti, head of the security committee in the Shura Council in Saudi Arabia, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the feasibility of studying the proposal is important and that the committee worked silently until it passed this stage.

"Due to the importance of this subject, the committee took time to study it in depth," he said, praising the efforts of former members who submitted the proposals on the subject.

The member of the Shura Council said that the appropriateness of the study of this proposal represents a real beginning to issue a final decision in this regard, revealing meetings with the security authorities during the coming period to take their views and opinion.

"We hope that these views will be reflected in the final decision, and we hope that these measures will not be prolonged. Any amendments should take some time. We may need to hold a roundtable within the Council to discuss the suitability of this study.”



Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council Holds 1st Meeting, Riyadh Designated as Permanent HQ

Officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states who attended the meeting in Riyadh. SPA
Officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states who attended the meeting in Riyadh. SPA
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Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council Holds 1st Meeting, Riyadh Designated as Permanent HQ

Officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states who attended the meeting in Riyadh. SPA
Officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states who attended the meeting in Riyadh. SPA

Saudi Arabia has signed a headquarters agreement with the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, under which the council will designate the city of Riyadh as its permanent headquarters.

The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the first regular session of the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, which was held on Monday in the Saudi capital, also includes the council’s affiliated bodies, including the general secretariat and the executive office.

Saudi Arabia, represented by the Governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority, Eng. Majed bin Mohammed Al-Mazyed, chaired the first regular session of the council.

The session was attended by officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states and the Secretary-General of the organization, Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

In his opening statement, Al-Mazyed affirmed that the Kingdom's initiative to propose the establishment of the Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council stems from its firm and fundamental principle of preserving Arab collective security.

The council was established based on a proposal put forward by Saudi Arabia to comprise Arab ministers responsible for cyber security affairs. It falls within the scope of the Arab League and operates under the umbrella of the league’s council. The council’s tasks include formulating general policies, developing strategies, and setting priorities to enhance joint Arab cybersecurity work.
The council also addresses all cybersecurity issues and developments related to security, economic, developmental, and legislative aspects. It is responsible for approving joint Arab cybersecurity plans for implementing the endorsed policies and strategies.

The Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers also approved Monday the appointment of Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al-Furaih as the council's secretary-general for a five-year term.