KUWAIT CITY, Feb 23: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been witnessing remarkable changes over the recent years due to the sound directives issued by Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz, who returned home Wednesday after three months of treatment abroad.

While undergoing treatment, the King closely monitored the situation in Saudi Arabia. He issued decisions to help the flood victims in Jeddah. He used this period to prepare a package of reform and humanitarian steps that thrilled the citizens, GCC nationals and all Arabs. They were proud to see a leader who has made history by understanding the plight of citizens and presenting plausible solutions to their problems.

A large number of people went out of their way to welcome the King with whom they share mutual love. Many Saudi women participated in the celebration for the first time in the history of the Kingdom. The citizens reaffirmed their allegiance to the King, as a sign of gratitude to the compassionate leader, who granted women many privileges to enhance their scientific skills and expand their role in public affairs.

The royal directives issued amid the celebration of King Abdullah’s safe return to the country are considered a milestone in the economic development history of Saudi Arabia. These directives include augmenting the capitals of public service-oriented banks, waiving the debts of many citizens, increasing the ceiling of social insurance for a large number of citizens, and easing procedures for granting housing loans by pumping 40 billion Saudi riyals in the housing fund on top of another 15 billion Saudi riyals to solve the housing problem. The development package is also beneficial to Saudis on scholarship outside the country and encourages the sports and artistic clubs, as well as the charitable organizations, to provide the best services and perform their duties well.

Believing that the youth is the future of the Kingdom, King Abdullah also encourages the youth to actively participate in nation-building and provides them with the necessary facilities to tap their potentials. This is possible through the implementation of huge projects in the country for many years.

Although his doctor had advised him to rest, the King still monitored the events in the Arab nations and the international community, while following up the major issues in the region. He continued to play a vital role in line with the initiative he presented at the Economic Summit hosted by Kuwait in 2009.

Among the major issues that consumed his time were the incidents in Lebanon, Tunisia and Egypt. He had talks with Western and Arab leaders while he was in his New York residence before moving to Morocco for total recuperation.

According to a reliable source in Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah is expected to announce several decisions upon his return to the helm of government, including the reshuffling of Cabinet and regional leaders, in addition to a number of appointments.