An independent public institution is established under this law, called the Saudi Ports Authority, with its headquarters in Riyadh, and it enjoys legal personality and independent financial liability.

The main purpose of the institution is to supervise the management of ports and establish the necessary regulations aimed at developing, improving, and enhancing the conditions of the ports, and for this purpose: -

• A- Establish the necessary regulations for the management of ports in accordance with international systems and methods.

• B- Provide various services for the ports, such as maritime guidance, providing moorings, and maintaining the navigational channels within the port limits, as well as equipment and machinery.

• C- Construct and maintain docks, dry and floating basins, and utilize them, as well as maintain ships.

• D- Organize and supervise loading and unloading operations and provide the necessary services for ships.

• E- Carry out all necessary actions to achieve its purpose and enhance the efficiency of port operations.

A) The institution is managed by a Board of Directors formed as follows: -

• 1- The President of the General Authority for Ports, who presides over the council.

• 2- The Director General of the institution as Vice President.

• 3- Five members with expertise and specialization.

B) The President of the Board of Directors is linked to the President of the Council of Ministers and is appointed and his rank determined by a royal decree based on a proposal from the Deputy Prime Minister. The remaining members of the council are also appointed by a royal decree based on a proposal from the Deputy Prime Minister, and the term of the members assisting the President and the Director General is three years, renewable. If a position becomes vacant due to resignation, death, or otherwise, a new member is appointed to that position.

The Board of Directors may invite the directors of the main ports to attend the council sessions without having the right to vote.

The council convenes at the invitation of its President and is validly convened with the presence of the majority of its members. Decisions are made by a majority of the votes of those present, and in the event of a tie, the side with the President prevails. The council may also convene in exceptional circumstances at the request of four of its members. The council has a secretary from among the institution's employees, chosen by the President of the Board of Directors, who is responsible for the council's secretariat, preparing for meetings, recording the council's discussions and decisions, and notifying the relevant authorities.

The Board of Directors is the supreme authority overseeing the affairs of the institution and managing its matters. It has the right to make all necessary decisions to achieve its purposes and objectives, all within the limits of the provisions of this law. The Board, in particular, has the following powers:

• A- To develop a draft of the general policy to be followed in the operation, establishment, and development of ports, which will be implemented after its approval by the Council of Ministers.

• B- To issue decisions, internal regulations, and decisions related to the administrative and technical affairs of the ports.

• C- To issue regulations governing the affairs of Saudi employees and others in agreement with the Civil Service Bureau.

• D- To issue financial regulations for the institution in agreement with the Ministry of Finance and National Economy.

• E- To prepare the draft annual budget and its final account.

• F- To appoint employees, consultants, and experts in the institution, both Saudi and contracted.

• G- To conclude agreements and contracts of all kinds with individuals, institutions, companies, and organizations, whether Saudi or foreign, local or international, related to the purposes and activities of the ports affiliated with the institution.

• H- The Board of Directors has the right to delegate some of its powers and authorities to the Chairman of the Board, and the Board may form committees from among its members to study the topics referred to it by the Board and present their studies for decision. If necessary and with the Board's approval, these committees may include technical members who are not Board members.

The funds of the institution consist of: 

• A- Revenues from ports.

• B- Funds contributed by the public treasury of the state.

• C- Fixed and movable property under the control of the ports, as well as all assets currently used in the management of the ports and its rights and obligations towards third parties.

The Prime Minister shall issue a decision, based on the proposal of the Board of Directors of the institution, to define the powers of the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the institution, the General Manager, and the Port Directors.

The General Manager of the institution assists the Chairman of the Board of Directors in performing his duties and substitutes for him in case of his absence.

Each port is managed by a director who is directly linked to the Chairman of the Board and provides all necessary (.....) for the management of the port. An advisory council is formed at each port, consisting of representatives from the government departments operating in the port, along with a representative from each of the chambers of commerce and shipping agents. The council's task is to provide advice to the port management to improve its operations and resolve the issues that hinder its daily activities.

All rights and obligations arising from the activities of the Ports Administration shall be transferred to the institution upon the issuance of the royal decree.

The institution shall have an independent budget that adheres to the rules followed in preparing the state’s general budget, and its fiscal year shall commence with the state’s financial year. The institution may also establish a budget for projects that extend beyond one year.