Riyadh:The Shura Council's specialized committees have concluded an extensive legislative and oversight agenda, addressing 712 items during the second year of its ninth session. This effort supports Saudi Arabia's ongoing regulatory and developmental goals.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the specialized committees held 376 meetings, engaging with 331 government officials. Their work included reviewing 209 performance reports from government agencies, 72 draft laws and regulations, 245 international agreements and memoranda of understanding, 13 proposals under Article 23 of the Shura Council Law, 11 matters returned under Article 17, and delivering 162 formal responses to members' observations.
The finance and economic committee led the workload by concluding 82 items, including 25 draft laws. It evaluated reports from bodies like the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Capital Market Authority, and the Ministry of Economy and Planning. The education and scientific research committee addressed 78 items, focusing on reports from the Ministry of Education and national universities.
The committee on culture, sports, and tourism finalized 71 items, evaluating entities such as the World Cup 2034 Hosting Higher Authority. The Hajj, housing, and services committee handled 66 items, with reviews from the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing among others.
The transport, communications, and information technology committee completed 65 items, including reviews of the Saudi Data and AI Authority. The water, agriculture, and environment committee processed 62 items, engaging with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.
Other committees also contributed significantly. The trade and investment committee completed 49 items, while the security and military affairs committee finalized an equal number. Additional committees, such as human resources and social development, energy and industry, foreign affairs, Islamic and judicial affairs, health, media, and human rights, also played vital roles in the council's comprehensive oversight and legislative development efforts.