A Guide to Saudi Arabia’s Plan to Reorganize Its Government

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman issued more than 50 royal decrees on Saturday reorganizing the government of the world’s largest oil exporter. In a statement published by the official Saudi Press Agency, the royal court said the changes were consistent with “Saudi Vision 2030,” the kingdom’s blueprint for the post-oil era, which was announced in April. The shifts will “focus and clarify responsibilities, and ease procedures to offer better services,” the royal court said.

Here’s a summary of the biggest changes:

Oil Ministry

* Ali Al-Naimi was replaced as oil minister, a post he held since 1995, and named an adviser to the royal court with the rank of minister.

* The oil ministry was renamed the Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources, and Khalid Al-Falih, chairman of Saudi Arabian Oil Co., was appointed its minister. Al-Falih had previously served as health minister.

* The water and electricity ministry was abolished and its responsibilities split. The energy ministry will now oversee activities related to electricity.

Central Bank

* Saudi Arabia’s top central banker, Monetary Agency Governor Fahad Al Mubarak, was replaced by Ahmed Alkholifey, formerly a deputy governor at the agency.

Cabinet Reshuffle

* The commerce and industry ministry was renamed the Ministry of Commerce and Investment, and Majed Al-Qasabi, formerly social affairs minister, was named its head.

* Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, formerly commerce and industry minister, was named health minister, replacing Al-Falih.

* Sulaiman Al-Hamdan was appointed transport minister, replacing Abdullah Al-Muqbel.

* The labor and social affairs ministries were merged into a new entity, the Ministry of Labor and Social Development.

* The agriculture ministry was renamed the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.

* The hajj ministry was renamed the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and Mohammed Saleh bin Taher Bentin was named minister, replacing Bandar bin Mohammed bin Hamza Hajjar.

Other Changes

* The Department of Zakat and Income Tax was renamed the General Authority for Zakat and Income, and was linked to the finance ministry.

* A General Authority for Entertainment and a General Authority for Culture will be established.

* Several new royal advisers were appointed.

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