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Saudi Shura Agrees to E-Commerce System

Saudi Shura Council in session (Saudi Shura Council)
Saudi Shura Council in session (Saudi Shura Council)
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Saudi Shura Agrees to E-Commerce System

Saudi Shura Council in session (Saudi Shura Council)
Saudi Shura Council in session (Saudi Shura Council)

Saudi Shura Council had discussed with the Electricity and Cogeneration Regulatory Authority (ECRA) reports of several media outlets on several subscribers issues on bills issuance, according to the head of Shura’s Economy and Energy Committee.

The Council’s meeting called on ECRA to pave the way for the private sector to invest in the electricity and water industry for better efficiency and cost rationalization. This will allow to control security and safety measures and improve their levels to reduce the number of incidents in the electrical industry.

During a session chaired by Vice-President Abdullah al-Maatani, the Council asked ECRA to ensure that Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) commits to the deadlines for implementing the plan to develop the structure of the electricity and to work on the implementation of the company's restructuring program in accordance with the agreed timetable.

The council stressed the importance of the Commission's commitment to its plans in light with Vision 2030 goals.

The Shura Council also discussed the need to provide the Saudi Railways Organization (SRO) with the necessary number of assistant train drivers and assistant supervisors to ensure the quality of service provided to passengers. This came after the council was briefed by the Committee on Transport, Communications and Information Technology on the members’ comments on the annual report of the SRO.

It is necessary to provide the Organization with needed funds to go through with the institution's projects, especially those linked to security and safety aspects, service development, and enhance the economic efficiency of railway projects by attracting international investments.

The council agreed on the e-commerce project after listening to the Economy and Energy Committee’s views on the draft system. In its decision, the Council called on the Ministry of Trade and Investment to coordinate with the General Authority for Customs to establish a mechanism to regulate requests to clear personal shipments sent from foreign suppliers directly to consumers, in a manner that meets requirements set by the authorities and consumer protection and without harming local investors.

The bill consists of 28 articles and aims to regulate e-commerce issues, both for service providers and consumers and for its personal electronic data, as well as provisions on e-contracts, electronic shops and their documentation.

The meeting also discussed the report of the Committee on Islamic and Judicial Affairs on the annual report of the General Presidency for the Holy Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque.

Also, the Council approved a draft memorandum of understanding, which was signed in Riyadh on January 18, in the field of customs cooperation between the Ministry of Finance in Saudi Arabia and the Iraqi Ministry of Finance.

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Saudi Arabia Boosts US Ties to Promote Middle East Stability

US President and Saudi Crown Prince at a 2019 meeting (AFP)
US President and Saudi Crown Prince at a 2019 meeting (AFP)
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Saudi Arabia Boosts US Ties to Promote Middle East Stability

US President and Saudi Crown Prince at a 2019 meeting (AFP)
US President and Saudi Crown Prince at a 2019 meeting (AFP)

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday in the first call from an Arab leader since Trump took office. They discussed boosting cooperation to support peace, security, and economic ties.

The Crown Prince expressed Saudi Arabia’s desire to expand investment partnerships with the United States. He revealed plans for Saudi investments totaling $600 billion over the next four years, with the potential for further increases should additional opportunities arise.

Moreover, the Crown Prince spoke with Trump about boosting ties in various fields. He voiced confidence in Trump’s ability to drive major economic reforms in the US.

The White House said Thursday that the two leaders discussed Saudi Arabia’s global economic goals, trade, and other opportunities. They also talked about efforts to stabilize the Middle East, improve security, and fight terrorism.

The Saudi Crown also received a phone call on Thursday from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, areas of mutual cooperation, and ways to strengthen their partnership. They also addressed regional and global developments and several issues of shared concern.

Rubio expressed his eagerness to advance shared interests in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and other areas, emphasizing the threats posed by Iran and its proxies, according to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

“They also discussed the benefits of the US-Saudi economic partnership and the opportunities to grow their economies in a variety of fields including AI. The Secretary expressed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s partnership and efforts to promote regional peace and stability,” said Bruce.

Saudi Arabia’s plans to expand investments in the US reflect the deep economic and strategic partnership between the two nations, analysts told Asharq Al-Awsat.

These investments, they said, build on promising opportunities and underscore the importance of bilateral efforts to bolster global peace and security.

Dr. Fawaz Al-Alami, an international trade expert, said the strategic alliance between Saudi Arabia and the US, which spans eight decades, is set to grow further. Saudi Arabia aims to expand its partnerships in key sectors, including technology transfer, defense industries, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and nuclear energy development.

“Saudi Arabia is capitalizing on its rapid economic growth—the fastest among G20 nations—by strengthening its trade and investment ties with the US,” Al-Alami said.

He highlighted the kingdom’s plans to invest $600 billion in the US over the next four years, positioning this partnership as a cornerstone of mutual prosperity.

Al-Alami noted that trade relations are the foundation of Saudi-US economic cooperation, reflecting shared strategic interests and evolving global dynamics.

He added that Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil align with the United States’ ability to support this transition through investments in manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy—key pillars of the Saudi Vision 2030 reform plan.

“By fostering innovation, developing human capital, and expanding into new industries, both nations can secure a resilient and prosperous future built on mutual growth and collaboration,” he said.

Dr. Saud Al-Otaibi, a political science professor at King Abdulaziz University, emphasized that shared interests bind Saudi Arabia and the US, benefiting both nations.

He noted that Saudi Arabia, as a pivotal regional power, leverages its positive relationship with the US to promote stability and peace in the Middle East.

“Saudi Arabia plays a central role in the region and uses its soft power to influence its surroundings positively,” Al-Otaibi said. “It consistently works toward regional stability and security through foreign policies aimed at the greater good.

Al-Otaibi highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strategy of diversifying its partnerships, maintaining strong ties with major powers like Russia and China while strengthening its relationship with the US.

He explained that these efforts are rooted in a commitment to global peace and security.

“Saudi Arabia’s partnership with the US remains crucial given America’s influence and the kingdom’s pragmatic approach to addressing regional challenges,” he said.

“The historical record demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s realistic and balanced perspective in navigating complex issues, making this relationship essential for both nations,” added Al-Otaibi.