The Minister of Justice and President of the Supreme Judicial Council, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, has approved a proposal to open Personal Status Courts in Makkah, Madinah, Dammam and Jeddah.

According to the decision, the courts will have official jurisdiction as of July 29, 2014. The decision supports the efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to develop and improve the judiciary sector. The approval calls for the establishments of personal status courts linked to the General Courts.

Judges for each circuit will be nominated based on a decision from the president of the court, as per Article 24 of the law.

The Ministry of Justice also revealed that appropriate headquarters for these courts and departments will be determined, and all necessary equipment for administrative and technical functions will be provided two months prior to the commencement of activities.