Updated on
Summary Saudi Arabia's king Abdullah promised a multibillion-pound package of reforms, pay rises and loans.
The king has congratulated Saudis for their loyalty, national unity and facing the enemies of religion.He said that a nation which raises the word of truth was not to worry and that you were all responsible for the peace and stability of this nation adding that he would like to address heroes in all military sectors, especially security men working at the interior ministry. Amongst a wave of new spending, the decrees outlined a boost in welfare benefits, bonuses for public sector workers, including the army, and a massive drive to build new housing.In addition, the king ordered the creation of 60,000 security jobs within the interior ministry, promised more money for the religious police and, in a sign Saudis ruling Sunni elite will tolerate no dissent, said the media must respect clerics.Saudi Arabia has mostly avoided the protests seen elsewhere in the region, but dissent has nonetheless built up and some demonstrations have taken place -- especially in the east where many Shiite Muslims live.
Featured
