Governance

Saudi Arabia is a monarchy. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud succeeded to the throne on 23 January 2015,The succession taking effect  following the death of his brother, the late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The King is assisted by a Council of Ministers that he appoints. In recent years the consultative Shura Council, which consists of 150 members (including 30 women) appointed by the King, has developed a modest but increasing role in public debate.

The second in line to the throne is the son of the King, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

SAUDI OVERVIEW FACTS 

Population: 33.4 million Area: 2.5 million KM squared GDP: US$701.47 Billion in 2020 GDP per capita: 20,178 US dollars GDP based on PPP: 1,627.31 billion Economic Freedom score: 66.0, Saudi Arabia is ranked 5th among 14 countries in the Middle East and North Africa region, and its overall score is above the regional and world averages.

ELECTIONS

Municipal elections were last held in December 2015, with women granted the right to vote and to run as candidates for the first time.

From June 2018 women have the right to drive and, in August 2019, elements of the male guardianship system were dismantled to grant women additional rights. Saudi Arabia seeks to align its historic values in the context of a modernising world .

VISION 2030

To diversify and create all new energies and opportunities the nation has developed its “Vision 2030 plan.

The 2030 Plan is the centrepiece of the nation’s economic reform and Saudi Arabia’s international engagement is welcomed by the world.

INTERNATIONALLY ENGAGED

The nation is an active  member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the G20, the United Nations, World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and hosted the G20 during a very challenging 2020.

AUSTRALIA AND SAUDI ARABIA

Australia and Saudi Arabia’s friendly relationship is underpinned by commercial ties and international memberships.

Both nations have however yet to fully develop the potential of this bilateral relationship and this Council seeks to assist and play its part across the myriad of interests and potentials that are included under the multifaceted concept of  Food Security.

Vision 2030  provides huge opportunities for both nations in Food Security both on a bilateral basis and as partners for the rest of the worlds Food Security needs.

Saudi Arabia is also an important source of investment into Australia with an estimated $3.9 billion worth of assets as of 2018.

In 2019, the two-way goods and services trade totalled $1.78 billion. Saudi Arabia is a substantial market for beef, sheep meat, barley, wheat, dairy products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, vehicle parts and accessories and vegetables: this is a potential tip of the iceberg !

NEW VISA PROGRAMME

As part of Saudi Arabia’s economic reform plans, 5 years ago the Kingdom introduced , the tourism visa program. Visitors now have the opportunity to discover and experience the warm hospitality of the Saudi people, the rich heritage, the vibrant culture, and Saudi Arabia’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes. The e Visa will be a one-year, multiple entry visa, allowing tourists to spend up to 90 days in the country.