In an official ceremony held in Riyadh, a number of princes and the Minister of Investment, who were appointed to their new positions by royal decree, took the oath of office before the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. This ceremony is a constitutional procedure and a long-standing tradition in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking the official commencement of duties for the new officials and embodying their pledge of loyalty and devotion to their religion, their King, and their country.
Constitutional background and established traditions
The oath of office is a fundamental step following the issuance of royal decrees, the supreme legislative and executive instrument used by the King to appoint senior state officials, including ministers, regional governors and their deputies, members of the Shura Council, and other sovereign positions. This tradition not only reflects the administrative hierarchy of the state but also carries profound symbolic significance related to the commitment to responsibility and integrity in serving citizens and residents, and in safeguarding the interests and systems of the state. This is clearly stated in the oath: “I swear by Almighty God to be loyal to my religion, then to my King and my country, not to divulge any of the state’s secrets, to protect its interests and systems, and to perform my duties with honesty, integrity, sincerity, and justice.”.
New blood to boost the development process and Vision 2030
These appointments are particularly significant as they come within the context of the major transformations the Kingdom is undergoing as part of Saudi Vision 2030. The appointment of deputy governors for regions such as Al-Baha, Madinah, and the Northern Borders aims to enhance administrative and developmental work at the local level and ensure the efficient and effective implementation of strategic projects, in line with the ambitious goals of the Vision. Furthermore, the appointment of a new member to the Shura Council contributes to enriching the legislative and regulatory work of the council with fresh perspectives and expertise.
Expected local and international impact
Domestically, these appointments send a clear message about the continued infusion of young talent and new leadership into key government positions, thereby bolstering administrative dynamism and supporting reform and development efforts. Internationally, the appointment of His Excellency Fahd bin Abduljalil bin Ali Al-Saif as Minister of Investment is of paramount importance, as the Ministry of Investment is a cornerstone of the Kingdom's efforts to attract foreign direct investment and diversify its sources of income. The new minister is expected to contribute to strengthening the Kingdom's investment environment and making it more attractive to global capital, which is vital for achieving the goals of Vision 2030.
The following individuals took the oath of office: His Royal Highness Prince Fahd bin Saad bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki as Deputy Governor of Al-Baha Region; His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Saad bin Saud bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud bin Faisal as a member of the Shura Council; His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud as Deputy Governor of Madinah Region; His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz as Deputy Governor of the Northern Borders Region; and His Excellency the Minister of Investment, Mr. Fahd bin Abduljalil Al-Saif. The oath-taking ceremony was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior, and His Excellency the Deputy Private Secretary to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Mr. Tamim bin Abdulaziz Al-Salem.
