Saudi Arabia is an Arab and Islamic sovereign monarchy. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz acts as the Prime Minister overseeing the ministries and the different departments of state. Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz is the Deputy Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia and Commander of its National Guard. Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz is the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation, and Inspector General. Other ministers are appointed by the King and are responsible for implementing governmental policies which relate to their particular ministry. The Council of Ministers, headed by the King, is responsible for drafting and overseeing implementation of the internal, external, economic, financial, social, educational, defense, and other general matters of the state.

 In 1992, King Fahd introduced Majlis Al-Shoura (Consultative Council) and the Provincial System to enhance the basic law of the government’s system. The concept of consultation with learned and experienced citizens is deeply rooted in Islam. The Council consists of a chairman and 60 members appointed by the King for a four-year renewable term. The responsibilities of the Consultative Council include discussing regulations, domestic and international issues and other matters of public interest. Reports and recommendations of Majlis Al-Shoura are submitted directly to the King.

 To raise the efficiency of administration and promote the continued economic and social development of the country, King Fahd promulgated new bylaws for provincial system. The new bylaws divide the Kingdom into thirteen provinces called governorates, each having its capital and presided over by a Governor, or Emir. The Emir of a province is its chief administrator, who oversees all its affairs.