Members of the royal family, foreign  diplomats, senior officials, ministers, media personnel and distinguished guests have been invited to attend the session in the assembly hall of the council.

An official from the council said that only those with invitations would be allowed to enter.

“The king will deliver the keynote address at the inaugural session,” Shoura Council Chairman   Abdullah Al-Asheikh said on Saturday.

He added that the 150-member council was delighted to receive the monarch who will speak on the  Kingdom’s domestic and foreign policies.

“The king will also issue a set of  guidelines and directives to council members,” the chairman said, adding that the king’s speech would cover a number of important topics.

Al-Asheikh  outlined  the council’s role in providing judicious views on various domestic and international issues.

“It has contributed immensely to expanding the base of decision-making in the country.”

Last year the Shoura held 77 meetings and issued 111 resolutions, most importantly laws related to legal proceedings and criminal procedures as well as a railway law and a cooperative health insurance law.

Al-Asheikh noted the body  would undergo further reforms, which included developing its mode of operation and strengthening its regulatory and monitoring roles.

The chairman also expressed his thanks to the king and to Crown Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, for their continuing cooperation. 

Al-Asheikh also expressed his gratitude to the  king for supporting the council which has played a vital role in the government’s  reforms and  developments.