Saudi Arabia Issues Royal Decrees Reshaping Leadership Across Energy, Defense, Central Bank

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz has issued a series of royal decrees introducing senior leadership changes across key government institutions, including the energy and industrial sectors, defense, the Saudi Central Bank, the Ministry of Justice, and the Royal Court, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).Royal decreesUnder the decrees, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef was relieved of his post and appointed Minister of State and Member of the Council of Ministers. Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud was appointed Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources while retaining his existing portfolio, placing both ministries under his leadership.The reshuffle also extended to the Kingdom’s defense industry. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali was relieved of his position as Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), while Al-Khorayef was appointed acting governor of the authority alongside his new cabinet role.The judicial sector and Royal Court also saw senior leadership changes. Shalaan bin Rajeh bin Abdullah bin Shalaan was relieved of his position as Vice Public Prosecutor and appointed an Advisor at the Royal Court. Meanwhile, Muhammad bin Suleiman Al-Mutlaq was appointed Vice Minister of Justice.The decrees also included two senior appointments at the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). Talal bin Fouad Al-Hamoud was appointed Deputy Governor for Technical Affairs, while Abdulilah bin Abdulaziz Al-Dhaheem was named Deputy Governor for Executive Affairs. In municipal administration, Ihsan bin Abbas Hamza Bafakih was appointed Mayor of Jeddah Governorate.The series of decrees marks a broad leadership reshuffle across several of Saudi Arabia’s key government institutions, spanning strategic sectors including energy, industry, defense, monetary affairs, justice, and municipal administration.