He was the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia, an office which he held from 2009 to 2013.
[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".
[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.
The decree announcing the change, according to Arab News, said he "has been relieved of the position upon his request".