It seems that finally the kingdom’s monarch has woken up.
KARACHI: It has been reported that Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah on February 23 unveiled a series of benefits for citizens, estimated to be worth $36 billion, as protests spread across the Middle East. The measures include a 15 per cent salary rise for public employees to offset inflation, reprieves for imprisoned debtors, and financial aid for students and the unemployed.
The fund will also provides interest-free loans to Saudis who want to build homes, get married or start small businesses. The announcement of the relief measures coincided with King Abdullah’s return to the country after three months, following medical treatment.
It seems that finally the kingdom’s monarch has woken up.
Shahab Sharif
Published in The Express Tribune, February 25th, 2011.
