Members of Saudi-foreign business councils must be either owners of companies that have business in the counterpart foreign country or members of the company’s executive team, according to fresh amendments to the Saudi-foreign business councils regulations (pdf). This is a new condition that’s not part of the existing regulations (pdf). The new rules are up for public consultations on Istitlaa until Tuesday, 4 February, and will go into effect once published in the Official Gazette.

Here’s what you need to know about the new regulations:

#1- New council formation rules: The executive committees must have a minimum of seven members and a maximum of 15. It is not permissible for the head of a council to be re-elected for more than two consecutive terms for the same council. The president of a chamber or one of their deputies may not hold the position of president or vice president of a council. A member of a business council may participate in the membership of any other business councils and may join the executive committee of up to three business councils — up from two in the current rules.

#2- Membership in the council is suspended if a member fails to attend a total of three consecutive meetings or five non-consecutive meetings, in addition to other conditions. The existing rules set the limit at four non-consecutive meetings.

Why join a business council? Zero-cost benefits for council members include access to the electronic database of their respective council, which outlines potential investments in the relevant country, among other resources. Members can also opt for paid benefits, which include invitations to meetings with ambassadors or senior government officials from the relevant country.

#3- A new advisory committee will be established — chaired by the president of the Federation of Business Councils — to deliberate on ideas that serve the interest of the councils. Its members include the presidents of Saudi business councils, the secretary general, and a representative from relevant government entities. The committee meets at least once a year.

#4- Financial support from members is considered the primary source of funding for the councils. The annual amount that will be collected from members will be decided by the president of each council. While this is currently one of the funding streams for the councils, it’s not deemed the primary source of funding, implying that the current amounts will be raised.

SPEAKING OF BUSINESS COUNCILS-

The Saudi-Portuguese Business Council inked tripartite agreements with the Portuguese Business Federation and the Arab-Portuguese Chamber in Lisbon to strengthen economic, trade, and investment ties, focusing on public-private partnerships, infrastructure, and renewable energy, according to Mubasher. The council will also partner with Portuguese firm Movie Light to produce a Saudi-Portuguese investment and trade-focused podcast.

Some 250 Portuguese companies interested in investing in Saudi Arabia participated in an intensive training program led by Saudi financial and legal experts, organized by the council, Mubasher said. The initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts to attract global companies to establish regional HQs in the Kingdom.

The program included workshops on government incentives, foreign investment licensing, special residency privileges, and guarantees for licensed projects. Additionally, it provided insights into banking services, including account opening, financing solutions, digital banking, international transfers, and investment support, to facilitate Portuguese companies’ entry into the local market.

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