The Ministry of Commerce has announced that 102 candidates have applied to run in the upcoming Riyadh Chamber of Commerce board elections for the 2023-2027 term. This diverse group of candidates includes a notable Gulf businessman and 14 businesswomen, marking a significant participation as the application period concluded.
The supervisory committee for the elections had previously opened the door for board nominations beginning on Thursday, November 30, 2023 (16-5-1445 H), with the application window remaining open for 20 days.
The next step involves the election supervisory committee rigorously reviewing each application to ensure compliance with the stringent criteria set out by the commercial chambers’ regulations. These criteria are designed to ensure that only the most qualified and experienced candidates make it to the final list, which is expected to be announced soon. The committee will also set a date for the chamber’s elections shortly.
Key eligibility requirements for candidates include a minimum of 10 years' experience in relevant business activities, or 5 years for those with a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Additionally, candidates must have an active commercial registration for at least the past three years and must be up to date with their chamber membership dues. Restrictions are in place to prevent current board members of other chambers from running, and to avoid conflicts of interest among family members.
The law also permits business owners, directors, and board members to stand for election, provided that these individuals have been registered in the commercial registry for at least one year. Notably, the regulations allow non-Saudi nationals to vie for a position on the chamber's board.