RIYADH: Changes to labor laws to protect employee rights will be among topics discussed by the Shoura Council on Monday.
In its 15th ordinary session, the council will explore two reports by the Social, Family, and Youth Affairs Committee on amending articles two, 75, 77, and 214 of the Labor Code.
The committee said that the private sector had misused Article 77 to dismiss Saudi employees. As such, this article infringed the principle of balance between the employer and the employee, and allowed employers to easily dismiss an employee without fair compensation.
Speaking to Arab News, Mohammed Al-Khunaizi, a senior member of the Shoura Council, said: “The issue of protecting workers’ rights is very important and slated to be discussed next week during the ordinary session.”
He added that the proposal also seeks to fix working hours in the private sector to 40-hours a week, which is practiced by many companies but needs to be adopted by all.
“It calls for a five-day week with two days off and the working hours should not exceed 40 hours a week; in case they exceed this, the employee must be financially compensated,” he said.
The council will also vote on topics recommended by several specialized committees regarding reports by government organizations for the current fiscal year, including the annual reports of the General Auditing Bureau, General Sports Authority and Education Evaluation Commission.
During their 16th ordinary session on Tuesday, Shoura members will discuss the annual reports of the Saudi Arabian National Guard Forces, Social Development Bank, and Ministry of Education. Other topics include a report by the Committee of Economy and Energy on the annual report of the Ministry of Economy and Planning for the fiscal year.
During its 17th ordinary session on Wednesday, the council will vote on a recommendation to be submitted by the Social, Family, and Youth Affairs Committee on a draft project concerning the donation collection and disbursement system within the Kingdom. The system is formed of 22 articles and organizes fundraising in the Kingdom by setting regulations for collecting donations.
Saudi Shoura Council to vote on change to labor laws
Saudi Shoura Council to vote on change to labor laws
Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons
- It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content
TAIF: A special section highlighting key Saudi literary figures forms part of the Writers and Readers Festival in Taif.
The area explores the lives of distinguished writers, poets, and authors who have shaped the Kingdom’s creative landscape, influencing literature, journalism, theater and intellectual thought.
It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the festival runs until Jan. 15 and features 42 prominent publishing houses from Saudi Arabia and overseas, offering visitors the chance to explore the latest works in literature, philosophy and general knowledge.
Meanwhile, the festival’s interactive murals section engages visitors with openwork art panels, allowing them to contribute to the city’s features and identity.
The murals depict Taif’s natural and historical landmarks, including Al-Hada Mountain, the Taif rose gardens, and traditional Hijazi palaces. Others are inspired by Souq Okaz, a historic literary and commercial center linked to the region’s poetic heritage.
Designed by a visual artist, they blend folk-inspired elements with imaginative expression, creating a collaborative experience that celebrates the city’s beauty and brings art closer to the public.
