Royal decrees: Rakan bin Salman appointed to Diriyah and new ministerial appointments
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, issued today a number of royal decrees that included appointments and dismissals in senior leadership positions, including regional emirates, ministries, and judicial bodies, reflecting the wise leadership’s keenness to inject new blood and develop the government work system in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The appointment of Rakan bin Salman as governor of Diriyah: Historical and developmental implications
Royal decrees have appointed His Royal Highness Prince Rakan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as Governor of Diriyah, with the rank of Minister. This appointment comes at a time when Diriyah is undergoing an unprecedented historical transformation, as it represents the jewel of the Kingdom and the cradle of the first Saudi state. Diriyah enjoys special attention from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with the Diriyah Gate Development Authority overseeing massive projects aimed at making it a global tourist and cultural destination. The appointment of Prince Rakan bin Salman is therefore a significant step in keeping pace with this major development.
Changes in the emirates of the regions to promote development
The royal decrees included strengthening leadership positions in the regions, with Prince Saud bin Nahar being relieved of his post as governor of Taif and appointed Deputy Governor of the Madinah Region with the rank of Minister—a position of particular importance given the holy status of Madinah. Prince Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz was appointed Deputy Governor of the Northern Borders Region, and Prince Fahd bin Saad bin Abdullah (the former governor of Diriyah) was appointed Deputy Governor of the Al-Baha Region. These transfers aim to enhance administrative efficiency and accelerate development across the Kingdom.
Investment portfolio and the Public Prosecution
On the economic front, the royal decrees included the appointment of Fahd bin Abduljalil bin Ali Al-Saif as Minister of Investment, succeeding Khalid Al-Falih, who was appointed Minister of State and a member of the Council of Ministers. The Ministry of Investment is a key pillar in attracting foreign capital and achieving economic diversification.
On the judicial and legal front, Sheikh Saud Al-Muajab was relieved of his position as Attorney General, and His Excellency Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed bin Nasser Al-Yousef (former head of the Board of Grievances) was appointed Attorney General with the rank of Minister, which strengthens the independent justice system in the Kingdom.
List of the most prominent royal decrees issued:
- Prince Rakan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz has been appointed as the governor of Diriyah.
- Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud has been appointed Deputy Governor of the Medina region.
- Prince Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has been appointed Deputy Governor of the Northern Borders Region.
- Prince Fahd bin Saad bin Abdullah has been appointed Deputy Governor of Al-Baha Region.
- Professor Fahd Al-Saif has been appointed Minister of Investment.
- Engineer Khalid Al-Falih was appointed Minister of State and a member of the Council of Ministers.
- Dr. Khaled Al-Yousef has been appointed as Attorney General.
- Princess Haifa bint Mohammed bin Saud has been appointed as an advisor to the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers.
- Prince Dr. Bandar bin Abdullah Al-Mishari has been appointed as an advisor to the Minister of Interior.
