Invitations can only be made by a minister or the official in charge of the event.
“Invitations for dignitaries such as present or past heads of state, prime ministers, or heads of international and regional organizations should only be made through ministers or the heads of the body which is holding the conference,” said a source. “The new regulations also stipulate that … the request needs to be submitted three months before the event,” he added.
The regulations also state that conferences and forums will only be permitted to be held if there is sufficient justification or need, and that priority would be given to subject matters that are in the Kingdom’s interests and in line with its policies.
The regulations also state that the subject matter should help the Kingdom achieve its development goals and strategies, and should not violate the Shariah, and the Kingdom’s customs and traditions. Organizers of conferences should also supply the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a list of objectives, major topics of discussion and the names of people scheduled to participate.
The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are expected to issue their verdicts on submitted applications within a month of receipt. The rules also advise applicants to give Saudi experts maximum opportunities to participate in their events.
