Issued on: 15 Sha’ban 1447
Corresponding to: 3 February 2026
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5144 issued on 13 February 2026.
Category: Council of Ministers Decision
Issued on: 15 Sha’ban 1447
Corresponding to: 3 February 2026
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5144 issued on 13 February 2026.
Issued on: 8 Sha’ban 1447
Corresponding to: 2 February 2026
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5144 issued on 13 February 2026.
Issued on: 8 Sha’ban 1447
Corresponding to: 27 January 2026
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5144 issued on 13 February 2026.
The Council of Ministers,
after perusal in its session held under the chairmanship of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, of Royal Court File 625 dated 3 Muharram 1447 [28 June 2025], which includes Saudi Authority for Gaming and Esports Letter 267 dated 26 Dhu Al-Hijja 1446 [22 June 2025], regarding the request of the authority to be exempted from submitting the annual report for the first fiscal year ending on 31 December 2024,
after perusal of Council of Ministers Decision 436 dated 6 Jumada Al-Thani 1445 [19 December 2023],
after perusal of Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers Memo 555 dated 6 Safar 1447 [31 July 2025], Memo 1311 dated 8 Rabi Al-Thani 1447 [30 September 2025], and Memo 1709 dated 7 Jumada Al-Awwal 1447 [29 October 2025],
after perusal of Council of Economic and Development Affairs Minutes 359/47/M dated 27 Safar 1447 [21 August 2025],
and after perusal of General Committee of the Council of Ministers Recommendation 5831 dated 27 Jumada Al-Awwal 1447 [18 November 2025],
hereby decides
The amendment of the ending of clause Fourth of Council of Ministers Decision 436 dated 6 Jumada Al-Thani 1445 [19 December 2023] is hereby approved so that the clause reads as follows:
Fourth
As an exception to the provisions of clause 12(2) of the Organizational Arrangements of the Saudi Authority for Gaming and Esports, the first fiscal year of the Saudi Authority for Gaming and Esports begins from the date of entry into force of its organizational arrangements, and ends at the end of the fiscal year 1448/1449 [2027].
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud
Issued on: 1 Sha’ban 1447
Corresponding to: 20 January 2026
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5142 issued on 30 January 2026.
The Council of Ministers,
after perusal in its session held under the chairmanship of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, of Royal Court File 10496 dated 6 Safar 1447 [31 July 2025], which includes the Minister of Education, Chairman of the Council of Universities Affairs, Telegram 4601142728 dated 28 Muharram 1447 [23 July 2025], regarding his request for approval to appoint the Vice Minister of Education to the membership of the Council of University Affairs, replacing the Vice Minister of Education for Universities, Research, and Innovation,
after perusal of the Law of the Council of Ministers issued by Royal Order O/13 dated 3 Rabi Al-Awwal 1414 [20 August 1993],
after perusal of the Law of Universities issued by Royal Decree D/27 dated 2 Rabi Al-Awwal 1441 [30 October 2019],
after perusal of Council of Ministers Decision 657 dated 10 Sha’ban 1445 [20 February 2024],
after perusal of Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers Memo 1014 dated 11 Rabi Al-Awwal 1447 [3 September 2025],
after perusal of Council of Economic and Development Affairs Recommendation 25-15/47/I dated 12 Rabi Al-Thani 1447 [4 October 2025],
and after perusal of General Committee of the Council of Ministers Recommendation 5829 dated 27 Jumada Al-Awwal 1447 [18 November 2025],
hereby decides
Article 6(2) of the Law of Universities issued by Royal Decree D/27 dated 2 Rabi Al-Awwal 1441 [30 October 2019] is hereby amended by replacing the phrase “Vice Minister of Education for Universities, Research, and Innovation” with the phrase “Vice Minister of Education”.
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud
Issued on: 24 Rajab 1447
Corresponding to: 13 January 2026
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5141 issued on 23 January 2026.
The Council of Ministers,
after perusal in its session held under the chairmanship of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, of Royal Court File 45264 dated 22 Jumada Al-Thani 1446 [23 December 2024], which includes the Minister of Commerce Telegram 20257 dated 18 Jumada Al-Thani 1446 [19 December 2024], regarding the review of the provisions of article 5 of the Franchise Law issued by Royal Decree D/22 dated 9 Safar 1441 [8 October 2019],
after perusal of the Franchise Law issued by Royal Decree D/22 dated 9 Safar 1441 [8 October 2019],
after perusal of clause Third of Royal Decree D/22 dated 9 Safar 1441 [8 October 2019],
after perusal of Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers Memo 1174 dated 6 Rabi Al-Thani 1446 [9 October 2024], Memo 3014 dated 4 Ramadan 1446 [4 March 2025], Memo 4098 dated 21 Dhu Al-Hijja 1446 [17 June 2025], Memo 850 dated 26 Safar 1447 [20 September 2025], and Memo 1854 dated 20 Jumada Al-Awwal 1447 [11 November 2025],
after perusal of Council of Economic and Development Affairs Recommendation 9-4/47/R dated 3 Rabi Al-Thani 1447 [25 September 2025],
and after perusal of General Committee of the Council of Ministers Recommendation 6296 dated 9 Jumada Al-Thani 1447 [30 November 2025],
hereby decides
First
The non-application of the requirement provided in article 5(1) of the Franchise Law—issued by Royal Decree D/22 dated 9 Safar 1441 [8 October 2019]—is hereby approved in regard to certain categories of franchisors and franchisees, in accordance with the following:
| Criteria | Criteria Details |
| 1․ The franchise business must be in a promising sector in the Kingdom and the goal is to increase the number of practitioners in it. | If the franchise is within a targeted sector in Vision 2030 or its programs, and the goal is to expand the number of practitioners in it. |
| 2․ The franchisor must provide a clear and detailed franchise business model. | It contains detailed instructions and market analysis, and is a practical guide with a feasibility study that guarantees success. |
| 3․ That the franchise business activity is innovative, or a product or a service that contributes to the development of the national economy or meets the needs of the local market. | Innovation, economic impact, or response to market need is considered when evaluating demand. |
| 4․ That the franchisor does not require the franchisee to pay for the franchise before practicing the franchise business, and the fee must be after the franchisee achieves revenues from practicing the franchise business as determined by the franchise agreement. | To reduce operational risk to the franchisee and link the consideration to the realisation of actual revenue. |
Second
The application of the criteria—referred to in clause First of this decision—must be through a committee formed under the chairmanship of the Ministry of Commerce, and the membership of the Ministry of Investment and the Ministry of Economy and Planning.
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud
Issued on: 24 Rajab 1447
Corresponding to: 13 January 2026
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5142 issued on 30 January 2026.
The Council of Ministers,
after perusal in its session held under the chairmanship of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, of Royal Court File 43626 dated 28 Jumada Al-Awwal 1447 [19 November 2025], regarding the draft Statute of the National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science,
after perusal of the mentioned draft statute,
after perusal of the Law of Diplomatic and Special Passports issued by Royal Decree D/17 dated 22 Rabi Al-Thani 1392 [4 June 1972],
after perusal of the Organizational Arrangements of the National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science issued by Council of Ministers Decision 467 dated 17 Sha’ban 1442 [30 March 2021],
after perusal of the Rules for Approving the Provisions Governing the Affairs of Employees in Public Agencies and Their Compensation issued by Council of Ministers Decision 721 dated 26 Shawwal 1444 [17 May 2023],
after perusal of Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers Memo 2395 dated 3 Rajab 1445 [15 January 2024], Memo 248 dated 13 Muharram 1446 [19 July 2024], Memo 1037 dated 26 Rabi Al-Awwal 1446 [29 September 2024], Memo 1735 dated 16 Jumada Al-Awwal 1446 [18 November 2024], Memo 2173 dated 18 Jumada Al-Thani 1446 [18 January 2025], Memo 3318 dated 10 Shawwal 1446 [8 April 2025], and Memo 1685 dated 5 Jumada Al-Awwal 1447 [27 October 2025],
after perusal of Council of Economic and Development Affairs Recommendation 1-13/46/R dated 17 Dhu Al-Qa’dah 1446 [15 May 2025],
after perusal of Secretariat of the Council of Political and Security Affairs Telegram 5812 dated 17 Rabi Al-Thani 1447 [9 October 2025],
after considering Shura Council Decision 117/10 dated 26 Jumada Al-Awwal 1447 [17 November 2025],
and after perusal of General Committee of the Council of Ministers Recommendation 6884 dated 26 Jumada Al-Thani 1447 [17 December 2025],
hereby decides
First
The Statute of the National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science is hereby approved in the form attached.
Second
The statute—referred to in clause First of this decision—hereby replaces the Organizational Arrangements of the National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science issued by Council of Ministers Decision 467 dated 17 Sha’ban 1442 [30 March 2021].
Third
The current formation of the National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science—stipulated in clause Fourth of the organizational arrangements referred to in clause Second of this decision—continues until the end of its term, or until the committee is reconstituted in accordance with the provisions of article 4 of the statute referred to in clause First of this decision, whichever is earlier.
Fourth
The exercise by the National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science of its powers—provided in the statute referred to in clause First of this decision—does not prejudice the provisions of the Rules for Approving the Provisions Governing the Affairs of Employees in Public Agencies and Their Compensation issued by Council of Ministers Decision 721 dated 26 Shawwal 1444 [16 May 2023].
Fifth
The Minister of Culture, Chairman of the National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, shall coordinate with the Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding the opening of the missions—and the designation of their heads—referred to in article 2(2) of the statute referred to in clause First of this decision.
Sixth
The provision of article 8 of the Law of Diplomatic and Special Passports—issued by Royal Decree D/17 dated 22 Rabi Al-Thani 1392 [4 June 1972]—includes workers in missions in international organizations concerned with the fields of education, culture, and science.
Seventh
The National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science shall coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the relevant entities in the Kingdom in relation to its role in enhancing communication between the Kingdom and international organizations in accordance with the provisions of article 3 of the statute referred to in clause First of this decision.
Eighth
The Ministry of Culture, through its various organizational units, shall provide services to the National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science and shall set the provisions and policies relating to such services, including the following areas:
(a) Human resources.
(b) Finance.
(c) Procurement.
(d) Information technology.
Ninth
The National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science shall, in agreement with the Ministry of Culture, agree on the mechanism for paying the contributions of the Kingdom to international organizations concerned with the fields of education, culture, and science.
A draft royal decree has been prepared for the provisions of clause Sixth of this decision, in the form attached to this decision.
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud
Issued on: 17 Rajab 1447
Corresponding to: 6 January 2026
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5141 issued on 23 January 2026.
The Council of Ministers,
after perusal in its session held under the chairmanship of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, of Royal Court File 4314 dated 15 Muharram 1447 [10 July 2025], which includes the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Telegram 11002974 dated 11 Muharram 1447 [6 July 2025], regarding the relocation of the headquarters of the Standing Committee for the Prevention and Control of the Red Palm Weevil from the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture to the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases,
after perusal of the Statute of the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases issued by Council of Ministers Decision 152 dated 3 Rabi Al-Awwal 1442 [20 October 2020],
after perusal of Council of Ministers Decision 551 dated 23 Ramadan 1440 [28 May 2019],
after perusal of Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers Memorandum 626 dated 12 Safar 1447 [6 August 2025] and Memorandum 1398 dated 15 Rabi Al-Thani 1447 [7 October 2025],
after perusal of Council of Economic and Development Affairs Recommendation 59-10/47/I dated 5 Rabi Al-Awwal 1447 [28 August 2025],
and after perusal of General Committee of the Council of Ministers Recommendation 4777 dated 5 Jumada Al-Awwal 1447 [27 October 2025],
hereby decides
First
The standing committee—formed under clause First(1) of Council of Ministers Decision 551 dated 23 Ramadan 1440 [28 May 2019]—is hereby at the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases and under the chairmanship of the chief executive officer of the center. The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture is hereby added to the membership of the committee, provided that this does not entail any additional financial burdens on the general budget of the state or a request to increase the approved ceilings.
Second
The National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases is hereby added to the membership of the committee formed under clause First(3) of Council of Ministers Decision 551 dated 23 Ramadan 1440 [28 May 2019].
Third
The phrase “The National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases shall bear” hereby replaces the phrase “The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture shall bear”, and the phrase “The board of directors of the center shall set” hereby replaces the phrase “The Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture shall set” in clause Second of Council of Ministers Decision 551 dated 23 Ramadan 1440 [28 May 2019].
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud
Issued on: 10 Rajab 1447
Corresponding to: 30 December 2025
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5138 issued on 9 January 2026.
Issued on: 10 Rajab 1447
Corresponding to: 30 December 2025
Published in Umm Al-Qura 5140 issued on 16 January 2026.