n Citizens benefit from billions in giftsCitizens have much to celebrate today: They are witnessing the safe return of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to the Kingdom, and are also seeing a demonstration of the generosity of the “King of Humanity” in the form of billions of riyals to support housing, schooling and social affairs and security, as well as providing a promising future for the youth, particularly jobs. The King underwent successful back surgery in New York, spent a period recuperating in Morocco and has now returned to lead the country again at a critical juncture – at a time of turmoil in the region – when wise and measured leadership is crucial. A snapshot of the royal decrees issued today shows that the King is determined, as always, to ensure the continued wellbeing of the people he serves and leads. The Real Estate Development Fund will be given an additional amount of SR40 billion to meet the demand for loans, which also includes write-offs for those with loans who have died. The capital of the Saudi Credit and Saving Bank will be increased by an amount of SR20 billion, which added to the previous deposit of SR10 billion made in 1429H, will bring the total capital to SR30 billion. There will also be programs introduced to provide greater social security support in terms of payments to citizens for furniture, bags and school uniforms, purchasing of discount cards, support for electricity and water bills, and house repairs. A total of SR3.5 billion has been set aside for this purpose. There will be a 50 percent increase in subsidies provided from the State to charities, to SR450 million a year. There is further support for cooperative societies of SR100 million a year. An amount of SR100 million has been allocated for the establishment of Projects of Trade Franchise and Saudi Professional House at the National Charity Fund. Needy students will also get more State support in the form of SR470 million a year to be paid to the Ministry of Education so that they can study at universities. A total of SR15 billion will be given to the General Housing Authority for housing projects. The King wants monthly reports on the progress of its work. The Permanent Committee of the Supreme Economic Council will ensure a 15 percent cost-of-living increase in basic salaries for a maximum of three months from the date the decree is issued. These are the actions of a leader who cares for his people and is cause for much celebration. __
