TheCabinet approved yesterday a regulatory framework for the Saudi Tourism Authority(STA, which itself isn’t a new agency), state news agency SPA reported yesterday. The statement gave no indication of what’s included in the regs. Tourism Minister and STA Chairman Ahmed Al Khateeb said the decision will help boost the authority’s capabilities to promote the Kingdom as a leading tourist destination regionally and abroad.

CMA can now be board members at gov’t entities: The Cabinet also gave the nod for an exemption that allows Capital Market Authority (CMA) members to assume board positions at governmental entities given that they do not exceed two members per board. The exemption also includes the market regulator’s head.

The Cabinet also approved a law providing protection for whistleblowers, witnesses and victims. It gives judicial authorities power to ensure the protection of whistleblowers and witnesses from threats including assault and revenge.

Also approved at the ministers meeting:

  • Mandating the Foreign Minister to discuss and sign a MoU with Singapore to form a strategic partnership council between the two countries;
  • Mandating the Environment, Water and Agriculture Minister to discuss and sign a MoU with the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (Acsad) on environment, water and agriculture cooperation;
  • A cooperation memorandum in the fields of digitization and electronic manufacturing between the Communications and Information Technology Ministry and its Indian counterpart;
  • Mandating the Investment Minister to discuss and sign a MoU with Norway to promote direct investment;
  • Mandating the Transport and Logistics Minister to discuss and sign a MoU with the Latin American Civil Aviation Commission on technical cooperation in civil aviation.
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