A total of 75 percent of patents applications are currently being processed by King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) – a high percentage according to international standards. This was the comment from Dr. Abdullah Aal Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Shoura Council, during a visit to the city on Saturday. He had been invited by Dr. Muhammad Al-Suwayyil, the President of KACST. He said his visit is part of the Shoura Council's plan to visit all research and study centers that submit their reports to the Council. “In the past, the public was not in a position to approach these research institutions, but things have changed now because they provide access to the public as is the case with KACST.” In another development, the Social Affairs, Family and Youth Committee at the Council has criticized the Ministry of Social Affairs for its allegedly slow pace in issuing licenses to charitable societies and private voluntary institutions.Defending itself, the Ministry of Social Affairs said the delay was not deliberate because time was needed to verify the credentials of applicants. The ministry said there are about 560 licensed charitable societies in the Kingdom, which is a large number. This has made it necessary for the authorities at the ministry to scan all applications thoroughly. He said its role is confined to technical supervision and financial support of the charitable societies. The ministry does not dictate which programs have to be run by these charities.
