Regulation of King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah)

The Regulation of King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) comprises a set of rules and procedures governing its formation, functions, and objectives. Issued on May 29, 2018, it consists of sixteen articles and replaced the Law of King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) issued on February 16, 1972.

The Regulation of King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) was established to define the affiliation and powers of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah). Article Two states that Darah has legal personality, as well as financial and administrative independence, and will be connected to the office of the Prime Minister. Its main headquarters is located in Riyadh City, and it has the authority to establish branches and offices across the Kingdom as necessary. According to Article Three, Darah serves as the primary reference for the history and heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It aims to serve the history of the Kingdom and the Arab and Islamic worlds by preserving and promoting local and international historical knowledge.

Article Four outlines the functions of the Regulation of King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah). To fulfill its objectives, Darah has the following functions, without limitation:

- Documenting and preserving historical sources and information related to the Kingdom, as well as the Arab and Islamic worlds. This includes collecting, archiving, and making accessible various materials such as documents, books, manuscripts, photographs, films, oral histories, newspapers, maps, and digital programs.

- Conducting research and studies in Darah's area of expertise, along with publishing and translation activities. It will also support and encourage researchers by backing their studies, research, and related initiatives.

- Organizing exhibitions, forums, scientific seminars, and workshops in its area of expertise, following established regulations.

- Developing programs and applications related to national, Arab, and Islamic history and heritage.

- Leading communication and media efforts to promote national, Arab, and Islamic history.

- Forming effective partnerships at both local and international levels to foster joint research programs, exchange historical materials, and enhance communication, in line with regulatory procedures.

- Establishing and managing museums, memorial halls, and historical royal palaces.

- Preserving various forms of historical materials through restoration, preservation, and conservation efforts.

- Offering consultation and training to government entities, private organizations, and individuals regarding historical information and preservation practices.

As outlined in Article Five of the Regulation of King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), Darah is governed by a Board of Directors. This board consists of a chairman, appointed by Royal Decree, along with the following members: a. the CEO, b. at least four representatives from relevant government entities, each holding a rank no lower than fourteen or its equivalent, c. up to eight individuals with expertise relevant to Darah's work.

A Royal Decree designates the government entities mentioned in paragraph (b), and another Royal Decree appoints the members specified in paragraph (c). These members serve a three-year term.

Article Six of the Regulation of King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) mandates that the board is responsible for managing Darah's affairs and making all necessary decisions to achieve its objectives, in line with the provisions of this law. Specifically, the board is tasked with:

- Formulating strategies, policies, and plans related to Darah's area of expertise and overseeing their implementation.

- Establishing performance indicators to ensure the achievement of Darah's goals, in coordination with stakeholders.

- Approving administrative and financial regulations, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance, as well as other internal regulations.

- Endorsing the organizational structure of Darah and submitting it for regulatory approval.

- Reviewing periodic reports on Darah’s progress.

- Approving Darah’s draft budget, final accounts, auditor's report, and annual report, and submitting them through the appropriate regulatory channels.

- Determining financial compensation for the services provided by Darah in its areas of expertise.

- Appointing an external auditor and an internal financial controller.

- Accepting gifts, subsidies, grants, wills, donations, and endowments in accordance with applicable provisions.

- Approving the establishment of branches and offices within the Kingdom.

The board may form permanent or temporary committees, composed of its members or others, to carry out specific tasks. The formation decision of each committee specifies its chairperson, members, and functions, and they may seek external assistance as needed. The board may also delegate certain tasks to the CEO or other officials as appropriate to ensure smooth operations.

As outlined in Article Eight, Darah has a CEO, appointed and dismissed by the Board of Directors through formal decision. This decision details the CEO’s salary and financial benefits. The CEO is responsible for managing Darah within the scope defined by this law and the board’s decisions. His specific functions include:

- Proposing strategies, policies, plans, and programs for Darah, submitting them to the board, and overseeing their implementation once approved.

- Recommending the organizational structure of Darah and presenting it for board approval.

- Proposing financial, administrative, and other internal regulations, submitting them for board approval, and ensuring their execution once approved.

- Providing periodic reports to the board on Darah’s activities, achievements, and activities.

- Overseeing the preparation of Darah’s draft budget, final account, and annual report, submitting them to the board alongside the auditor’s report for necessary actions.

- Hiring and supervising Darah employees, in accordance with his delegated authority and regulations.

- Authorizing Darah expenditures in compliance with financial regulations

- Signing agreements and contracts following board approval and in accordance with regulatory procedures.

- Presenting proposals to the board on matters within his jurisdiction.

- Representing Darah before the judiciary, government entities, and other relevant institutions within and outside the Kingdom, with the option to delegate this responsibility to others.

- Contracting with experts and specialists as per Darah's needs and internal regulations.

- Issuing necessary decisions to implement the provisions of this law and its associated regulations, within his delegated powers. The CEO may delegate tasks and functions to appropriate Darah employees as deemed necessary.

Article Seven of the Regulation of King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) outlines the procedures for Board of Directors meetings. The board is convened at least four times a year, or more frequently if deemed necessary by the chairman. Meetings can proceed with at least one-third of the members present, including the chairman or their appointed representative from the board. Decisions are made by a majority vote of the members in attendance. In case of a tie, the side supported by the meeting's chairman prevails. The chairman has the discretion to invite anyone he deems suitable to attend board meetings, though they do not have voting rights. Members are not permitted to abstain from voting or delegate their vote to another member in their absence. Additionally, no member may disclose any confidential information about Darah acquired through their membership.

Article Nine of the Regulation of King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) mandates that Darah operates with an independent annual budget, aligning its fiscal year with that of the country. According to Article Ten, Darah's resources include allocations from the country’s general budget, as well as any gifts, subsidies, grants, offerings, donations, and endowments accepted by the board. It also receives financial compensation for services and activities it provides, along with any other resources approved by the Board of Directors, provided these do not conflict with existing laws and instructions.

The Law of King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) established on February 16, 1972, consists of sixteen articles outlining Darahs purpose. Its mission is to preserve and promote the history, geography, literature, intellectual and urban heritage of the Kingdom, with a broader focus on the Arabian Peninsula, Arab nations, and Islam. The law also defines Darah's powers and covers its administrative and financial responsibilities necessary to fulfill its objectives.