The Big Picture: The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, issued three royal decrees on Thursday, August 13, 2026, ordering a Saudi Cabinet reshuffle and two key leadership appointments, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Cabinet Reshuffle
Driving the News: The first royal decree reconstituted the Council of Ministers, under the Chairmanship of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, retaining its current members.
Between the Lines: The decision follows a review of relevant royal decrees regarding the Cabinet’s structure, in accordance with Article 9 of the Cabinet Law, which limit the Cabinet’s term to four years, requiring a reshuffle via royal decree at the end of each cycle.
Local Content Authority
State of Play: The second royal decree appointed Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman as chairman of the Board of the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority, relieving Bandar Al-Khorayef of his post as the authority’s chairman.
Zoom In: This position adds to Prince Abdulaziz‘s current portfolio, which also includes the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, alongside the Ministry of Energy.
Capital Market Authority
State of Play: King Salman’s third decree appointed Mazen Al-Sudairi as chairman of the Capital Market Authority with the rank of a minister, following the relief of Mohammed Al-Quwaiz of his position as its chairman.
