Public Administration

1. KINGDOM OF SAUDI
ARABIA
Prepared by: MARY ROSE F.
MONTANO

2. COUNTRY PROFILE: SAUDI ARABIA
 Formal Name: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Al
Mamlakah al Arabiyah as Suudiyah).
 Short Form: Saudi Arabia.
 Term for Citizen(s): Saudi Arabian(s) or Saudi(s).
 Capital: Riyadh (estimated population 3.6 million).
 Major Cities: Population estimates for 2006 show
continued growth for Saudi Arabia’s major urban
areas: Jeddah (2.9 million), Mecca (1.6 million), Ad
Dammam/Khobar/Dhahran (1.6 million), and Medina
(854,500). Mecca and Medina have religious
significance that far outweighs their respective
populations.

3. MAIN CITES
Makah Riyadh
Jeddah Khobar

4.  Independence: 23 September 1932
(Unification of the Kingdom)
 Public Holidays: Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha
September 23 as their Independence Day.
 Flag: The Saudi flag features white lettering on
a green background. Below the letters, also in
white, is a sword.

5. BACKGROUND AND LEGAL SYSTEM
 LEGAL SYSTEM: Islamic Law (Shari’ah).
 POLITICAL SYSTEM: Monarchy.
 HEAD OF STATE: King. The Saudi Arabian Basic Law
mandates that the the one remain in the
possession of the sons and descendants of the
kingdom’s founder.
 HEAD OF
 GOVERNMENT King.
 SUBNATIONAL
 ENTITIES Saudi Arabia is divided into 13 provinces (mintaqat,
singular mintaqah). Each province is governed by a prince
or member of the royal family. The capital city is Riyadh,
located in the province of Riyadh.
 SUBLOCAL
 ENTITIES Cities.
 LANGUAGE Arabic.

6. POLITICAL SYSTEM
• The political system abides by
Arabic and Islamic laws as a
basic legislative branch.
• The King appoints a Crown
Prince to help him with his
duties.
• There are 22 ministries that are
part of the Cabinet. Each
ministry specializes in a
different part of the
government.
• The Cabinet is advised by a legislative body called the
Consultative Council (Majlis Al-Shura), The Council
proposes new laws and amends existing ones. It consists
of 150 members that must be of Saudi nationality and
highly-skilled to be able to handle their responsibilities.

8.  Legislative Branch - Consultative Council or
Majlis al-Shura (120 members and a chairman
appointed by the monarch for four year terms)
 Executive Branch - cabinet: Council of
Ministers is appointed by the monarch and
includes many royal family members elections:
none; the monarch is hereditary
 Judiciary Branch - Supreme Council of Justice.

9. MINISTRY OF CIVIL SERVICE
 Ministry established in 1999, with Dr
Muhammad bin Ali Al-Fayez as its first Minister.
It is the function of the Ministry to plan the civil
manpower required in the government sector and
to ensure that the competence of civil servants
matches the requirements of the Kingdom as it
implements its various development programs.

10. LEGAL BASIS
 Royal Decree No. 49 of 1977 to promulgate Civil
Service Regulations. Um Al Qura, pp. 1-10
 Ministerial Council Decree No. 178 of 2009
(1/06/1430 Hijri).
Umm Al-Qura, 2009-06-19, No. 4258, pp. 5-7
 Civil Service Council Decree No. 1/1352,
13/9/1429 on the Minimum Age for Specific
Groups of Civil Servants.
Umm Al-Qura, 2009-01-16, No. 4236, P. 7
 Decree No. 1/1285 of the Council of Civil
Service.
Umm Al-Qura, 1008-04-18, No. 4197, P. 4

11.  RECRUITMENT: All civil servants were ranked
according to grade, and advancement depended on
merit and seniority.
 Promotion/Staff Evaluation Process: Each
employee must aim to attain "excellent" in his/her
performance evaluation.
 Training: The Institute of Public Administration
(IPA) mainly provides short-term in-service training
for civil service employees
 Gender: Most formally employed females in the
Kingdom are working in the services sector,
particularly in education, health and social services.
While no female as yet occupy a ministerial or a
legislative post in Saudi Arabia, many hold sub-
cabinet and senior government positions mainly in the
education, health or social services sectors.

12.  Working Days: Saturday to Thursday
 Working Hours: 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM
 Official Holidays : Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and
Kingdom National Day
 Retirement age: 60 for men and 55 for women
 Employee Benefits: Medical insurance

13. LEAVE BENEFITS (SAUDI LABOR
LAW)
 Vacation/Annual Leave - a yearly fully paid
vacation of thirty-six (36) days
 Maternity Leave- period of sixty (60) days minimum
from date of giving birth
 Sick Leave - Saudi employees are entitled to full
salary sick leave of six (6) months, half salary for the
second six (6) months, quarter salary for the third six
(6) months and with no salary for another six (6)
months within four years.
 Compensatory Vacation (Eid Holiday)
 Regular Feast Vacations - “Eid Al Fitr” vacation
usually starts on twenty-fifth (25th) day of Ramadan,
and ends on the fifth (5th) day of Shawal. “Eid Al
Adha” starts on the fifth (5th) of Dhul Hijja and ends
on the fifteenth (15th) of Dhul Hijja.

14.  National Day Vacation – September 23
 Educational Leave - (14) days per academic year is given to
Saudi employees and seven (7) days per academic year to
contracting employees.
 Emergency Leave - entitled to not more than five (5) days
emergency leave in the Fiscal year
 Infant Care Vacation - This vacation is for a maximum of
three (3) years during her whole service in the government.
 Attendance Vacation - In case a Saudi employee is obliged
to accompany one of his/her relatives for treatment, he/she is
entitled to take vacation if the required period is more than
the due normal vacations. He/She can take extra vacation
period and it will be dealt with as paid Sick Leave
 Mourning Leave - In case of death of her husband, a Muslim
female employee, Saudi or non Saudi, may have a fully paid
leave during the whole period of mourning
 External Representation Vacation

15.  Accompanying Leave - leave is taken to
accompany spouse (husband or wife) who will
study outside the Kingdom; may be granted
unpaid leave for a maximum of six (6) years
 Study Leave - A Saudi employee who wants to
complete his/her studies and his/her application
for leave could not be granted may apply for
study leave without pay and be given for the
whole study period. His/Her job number is kept
until he/she returns
 Unpaid Leave - Leave without Pay results in
absence beyond the number of days provided as
legitimate in the employee contract.
 Examination Leave - employee who is studying
may be granted fully paid leave during the day/s
of the examination, provided that the
examination is not repeated

16. EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION AND ALLOWANCES
 Salary - the employee monthly salary is according to
the salary scale. The salary of Non Saudis employees
is based on contract. Salary is paid in Saudi Riyals on
the twenty fifth (25th) of each Hegira Month.
 Housing Allowance - Housing allowance given is
equal to three (3) months salary per year and is given
all at once. It must not be less than eight thousand
(8,000) Saudi Riyals and not more than fifty thousand
(50,000) Saudi Riyals.
 Transportation Allowance - provided to female
employees who are living outside with their husband
or family. Male employees are also provided with
transportation allowance. The amount depends on the
amount of the current basic salary.

17.  Furnishing Allowance - The Ministry of Health
pays furnishing allowance to its expatriate
employees amounting to fifty per cent (50%) of their
initial basic monthly salary and paid at the beginning
of the contract. This allowance is not provided for
employees hired locally
 End of Service Reward - In case of non renewal of
contract, the Ministry pays End of Service Reward to
its employees. This is fifty per cent (50%) of the latest
basic salary for each year of service, provided that the
employee spent a minimum of three (3) consecutive
years with KSMC. This reward is to a maximum of
fifty thousand Saudi Riyals (50,000 SR).
 Hajj Duty Compensation - The Ministry of Health
pays a reward to those employees, who work during
Hajj period in Holy Places. Payment is based on the
current salary of the employee

18. EDUCATION
• The education system in Saudi Arabia is free and
mandatory for males and females until the high
school level.
• Undergraduate level is also free for citizens, in
addition the government provide the student with
monthly salary during their study at the university.
• The government allocates over 25% of the total budget to
education including vocational training, and spends
around 14 billion U.S. dollars on primary education and
research
• The government offer a scholarship program to send young Saudi nationals to
the most prestigious universities around the world for undergraduate and
postgraduate studies. The program offers funds for tuition and living expenses.
• An estimated 150,000 Saudi students received government scholarships to
study abroad.

19. Noneconomic
Analysis

20. CULTURE VALUE
• Saudi traditions are rooted in Islamic
teachings and Arab customs, which
Saudis learn about at an early age
from their families and in schools.
• Generosity and hospitality, is an
age-old traditions have evolved over
the millennia and are highly
regarded.
• The simplest expression of
hospitality is coffee its preparation
alone is an intricate cultural tradition,
and it is often served in small cups
along with dates and sweets.
Another gesture of hospitality is the
burning of incense (oud) to welcome
guests.

21. CULTURE VALUE - CLOTHES
• On top of it, (doubled black
rope-like cord) called "Igal".
Then, a full-length, loose
garment with long sleeves
called "Thawb“
• As for the women, there is
no specific clothes since
women like to follow
fashion. However in public
places she put over her
clothes black cloak called
"Abaya“ that prescribe
modesty to reflect the Saudi
woman’s identity.
• The types and shapes of clothes and accessories differ from one province to
another. The Saudi official clothing for men consists of (triangle cloth from linen
worn over the head) called "Shimaq"

22. CULTURE VALUE - THE FOLKLORE
• The folklore in Saudi Arabia is
based on the theme of unity and
groups. It is comprised of
enthusiastic songs and games that
express Arab customs and
traditions.
• The national dance, “Ardha”, is an
ancient tradition with its roots in the
country’s central area. The Ardha
used to be performed before a
battle by soldiers and involves
singing, dancing with swords and
poetry. This dance is one of the key
performances in Saudi Arabia’s
most famous cultural event, the
“Jenadriyah” Heritage and Cultural
Festival.

23. ECONOMIC VALUE
• Taxation: in Saudi Arabia the government do not
apply income tax since it is not permitted, As in view
of Islam instructions “what you work hard to earned it,
is yours without deduction”, rather than that people
pay what is called the “Zakat” (Charity) in annual
basis 2.5% assessment of a person's net personal
wealth given for poor people, it is not obligated by the
government, it is between each person and god.
• The Saudi Riyal “SR” is one of the most stable
currencies in the world pegged to the US Dollar at a
rate of 1 USD = 3.75 SR. There was no significant
change in its exchange value during the last 3
decades.
• There are no restrictions on foreign currency
exchange and outgoing money transfers.

24. Gastronomic
Value

25. GASTRONOMIC VALUE
• Some types of Saudi foods became
dominant all over the provinces
despite the different social and
economic segments of the Saudi
community.
• Most of the cuisines have many
nutritional benefits and high calories
that give the body the power to work.
• Their ingredients are brought from the
materials available in the local
environment.
The arrival of a guest at one's home is
an event that leads to a special meal in
honor of the visitor.

26. GASTRONOMIC VALUE - DISHES
• Most of Saudi cuisines contain rice, wheat, meat,
vegetables and spices that give them special flavor.
The most famous dish is “Kabsa” it is prepare from
rice and meat or chicken with special spices.
• Another popular dish is “Jarish” which prepared by
cooking wheat and “Laban”(kind of sour milk) and
adding spices to it and served with chopped hot
pepper, onion and pour over with the ghee
Bean with bread
Chicken Kabsa Jarish Dates covered with
nuts

27. SOCIETY VALUE
• Saudis take their responsibilities to their family
quite seriously.
• Families tend to be large, although nowadays
families became smaller, however the
extended family is quite close.
• Alcoholic beverages and Pork are not allowed.
• Being generous with the guest and helping the poor are the most prominent
traditions of Saudi people since they organize big feasts during occasions and
invite everyone.
• Show respect for the elders by greeting them first.
• Husbands' and wives' duties are mutual responsibilities.
They might not be identical duties, but the totality of rights
and responsibilities are balanced.

28. SOCIETY VALUE - PARENTS
• The Saudis Inspired the relation with their
parents, from this quote "Your Lord has
decreed that you worship none but Him and
that you be kind to parents. Whether one or
both of them attain old age in your life, say
not to them a word of contempt, nor repel
them, but address them in terms of honor.
And out of kindness, lower to them the wing
of humility and say, "My Lord! Bestow on
them Your Mercy even as they cherished
me in childhood." [Noble Quran 17:23-24]
• Parents has a great status and that derived from both Arabic and Islamic culture,
that commands kindness, respect and obedience to parents and specifically
emphasizes and gives preference to the mother as said in a famous narration
'Paradise lies at the feet of your mother'

29. SOCIETY VALUE - MARRIAGE
• The full maintenance and support of the marriage are the entire responsibility of
the husband, even though the wife might be richer than he is. She doesn't have
to spend a penny.
• During marital life if the wife has any earnings, by way of investments of property
or as a result of work, she doesn't have to spend one penny of that income on
• At the time of marriage, it is the duty of the
husband, not the bride's family. He is
supposed to pay for a marital gift. It is
exclusively the right of the wife.
• Wife do not take her husband's name after
marriage and keep the name of her father and
family.
the household, it is entirely hers and the husband
responsible to cover all family expenses alone, if she decide
to contribute it is her choice but she is not obligated.

30. Banking
System

31. BANKING SYSTEM
• Saudi Arabia has a modern banking industry with 13 commercial banks. Saudi
banks provide retail and corporate banking, investment services, brokerage
facilities, and derivative transactions in addition to credit cards, ATMs and point-
of-sale transactions.
• There are also banks in the Kingdom that provide Islamic banking services.
Islamic banking is a system of banking that is consistent with the principles of
Islamic law (Shari’ah). It prohibits usury, the collection and payment of interest.
• Saudi Arabia also has a thriving stock market. The total value of shares traded
annually is some SR 60 billion [US $16 billion].
• The Tadawul All-Share Index (TASI) of the Saudi
stock market is one of the most highly capitalized
stock exchanges in the Arab world. TASI was also
one of the first exchanges globally to set up a full
electronic clearing and settlement system with
immediate transfer of ownership.

32. FINANCE SYSTEM
• The banking and finance sector is overseen by several
government agencies. The Ministry of Finance
supervises economic policies. The Saudi Arabian
Monetary Association (SAMA) manages fiscal policy,
issues the country’s currency, the Saudi Riyal and
oversees the nation’s commercial banks
• The government has also established five specialized
credit institutions to provide loans to citizens for
development projects in agriculture, industry and
construction – the Saudi Industrial Development Fund
(SIDF), the Saudi Arabian Agricultural Bank (SAAB),
the Real Estate Development Fund, the Public
Investment Fund and the Saudi Credit Bank.

33. Economic
Analysis

34. Data 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
GDP Growth 5.99% 8.43% 1.83% 7.43% 8.57% 5.81% 3.95% -
Unemployment 5.70% 5.10% 5.40% 5.40% 5.80% 5.60% 5.70% -
Inflation 4.19% 15.33% -18.93% 14.28% 17.06% 3.60% -1.90% -
Fiscal deficit 62509 164012 -17567 27349 80416 108153 65074 -
Balance of payments 93379 132322 20954 66750 158545 164764 132640 -
GDP current prices 415909 519796 429097 526811 669506 733955 748449 -
Public Debt 71140 62628 60113 44467 36149 26331 20026 -
GDP per capita
current prices 16048 19714 16013 19326 24116 25945 25961
-
Trade (% GDP) 94.86% 96.10% 84.86% 82.77% 85.76% 83.74% 82.42% -
Public Debt (% GDP) 17.10% 12.05% 14.01% 8.44% 5.40% 3.59% 2.68% -
Fiscal Deficit (% GDP) 15.03% 31.55% -4.09% 5.19% 12.01% 14.74% 8.69% -
MACRO ANALYSIS 1

35. Corruption Index
Year Position Index
2014 55º 49
2013 63º 46
2012 66º 44
2011 57º 44
2010 50º 47
2009 63º 43
2008 80º 30
2007 79º 34
Competitiveness index
Year Position Index
2014 20º 5.1
2013 18º 5.19
2012 17º 5.17
2011 21º 4.95
2010 28º 4.75
2009 27º 4.72
2008 35º 4.55
MACRO ANALYSIS 2

36. Major Imports & Exports Partners
Major Exports partners
Rank Country 2012
1 U.S.A. 208339
2 Japan 192201
3 China Mainland 188229
4 South Korea 133585
5 India 120841
Major Imports partners
Rank Country 2012
1 U.S.A. 78770
2 China Mainland 74195
3 Germany 41367
4 Japan 38989
5 South Korea 35467

37. Major Exports items
Section Title 2012
1 Mineral Products 1266389
2 Chemical Products 68342
3 Plastics & Rubber 58492
4 Transportation Equipment 13884
5 Machinery & Electrical Equipment 10743
Major Imports & Exports Items
Major Imports items
Section Title 2012
1 Machinery & Electrical Equipment 154096
2 Transportation Equipment 103544
3 Base Metals 80376
4 Chemical Products 48209
5 Vegetables & Vegetable Products 31324

38. Country Saudi Arabia Iran
National Accounts
GDP 2013 748.450 M.$ 368.904 M.$ 2013
GDP per Capita 2013 25.962$ 4.763$ 2013
Debt 2013 20.026 M.$ 41.300 M.$ 2013
Debt (% GDP) 2013 2.68% 11.25% 2013
Debt (per capita) 2013 695$ 536$ 2013
Deficit 2013 65.074 M.$ -3.567 M.$ 2013
Deficit (% GDP) 2013 8.70% -0.97% 2013
Public Expenditure 2013 282,593.30 57,128.70 2013
Education Expenditure 2008 26,691.30 9,785.80 2012
Education Expenditure (%) 2008 17.74% 16.08% 2012
Healthcare Expenditure 2012 15,480.50 10,769.70 2012
ECONOMIC COMPARISON 1

39. Country Saudi Arabia Iran
National Accounts
Military Expenditure 2013 67,277.00 8,409.10 2012
Military Expenditure (% Public
Expenditure)
2013 23.81% 13.82% 2012
Public Expenditure (% GDP) 2013 37.76% 15.56% 2013
Public Expenditure Per Capita 2013 9.802$ 738$ 2013
Education Expenditure Per Capita 2008 1.012$ 128$ 2012
Healthcare Expenditure Per Capita 2012 547$ 141$ 2012
Military Expenditure Per Capita 2013 2.334$ 110$ 2012
Rating Moody's 2010 Aa3 - -
Rating S&P 2007 AA- - -
Rating Fitch 2014 AA B+ 2006
Economic Comparison 2

40. REFERENCES:
 Saudi Arabia, Ministry of Justice, http://www.moj.gov.sa
 CIA – The World Factbook – Saudi Arabia,
 https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/sa.html (last visited October 7, 2006).
 The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, http://www.saudiembassy.net (follow “About Saudi Arabia”
 hyperlink; then follow either “Government” or “Laws” hyperlinks) (last visited October 12, 2006).
 Saudi Arabia Information Resource, http://www.saudinf.com (follow either “Judicial System” or
 “Government” hyperlinks) (last visited October 12, 2006).
 Arab Political Systems: Baseline Information and Reforms – Saudi Arabia,
 http://www.carnegieendowment.org/files/saudi_arabia_aps.doc (last visited October 7, 2006).
 UN, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) (2004). Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Public
Administration Country Profile. Available at:
http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/un/unpan023182.pdf
 Wikipedia• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Arabia• http://www.lomarthobe.com/shopping/•
http://www.freewebs.com/ummhadiyah/jilbabsandabayas.htm•
 http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=40034•
http://maluszeq.blogspot.com/2010/09/wear-hijab-day.html• http://arjanphoto.com/index.php?
option=com_phocagallery&v iew=category&id=40&Itemid=93•
 http://www.palmwonders.com/content/about-dates/•
http://www.linguanaut.com/english_arabic.htm

41. Thank
You