Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al Kelya is a judge in the judiciary of Saudi Arabia. He was the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia, an office which he held from 2009 to 2013.[1]
Al Kelya has served as a judge in various Saudi courts for 40 years, including as Chief Judge in the Court of Cassation in Mecca.[2] In 2009, he was described in an article in Arab News as "one of the most experienced personalities in the field of Saudi law".[2]
In February 2009, Al Kelya was appointed as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.[3] The Supreme Court was created by King Abdullah as part of his wide-ranging judicial reforms announced in 2007, and Al Kelya was the first chief justice to be appointed.[4] His appointment was one of a number of changes to the judiciary intended to create a court system more in line with international practices.[5] In January 2013, Al Kelya stepped down as Chief Justice. The decree announcing the change, according to Arab News, said he "has been relieved of the position upon his request".[6]