Saudi Arabia issues several royal decrees, introduces new ministries

Saudi Arabia has issued several royal decrees on Tuesday which include the introduction of new ministries for sports, tourism and investment.

The Kingdom’s Minister of Civil Service Sulaiman bin Abdullah al-Hamdan was relieved. The ministry will now officially join the Ministry of Labor and Social Development.

The Governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), Ibrahim al-Omar, has also been relieved of his duties. SAGIA will now be replaced with a newly formed “Ministry of Investment” headed by former Minister of Energy Khalid al-Falih.

Another royal decree issued directed the Saudi Arabian General Sports Authority to be replaced by a newly formed Ministry of Sports and headed by Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal al-Saud.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Media Turki al-Shabanah relieved of his post in another royal decree. Minister of Commerce and Investment Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi has been named interim Minister of Media in addition to his current duties.

The General Authority for Tourism and National Heritage will also be transformed into a ministry called the “Ministry of Tourism.”