The prize, which will have a total value of SR1 million, was proposed by the King Abdulaziz City of Science and Technology, and aims at promoting science and technology in the Kingdom and developing a spirit of innovation among its people.

The prize will be given to 10 individuals for their outstanding contributions to science, technology and intellectual work, Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja said, adding that each winner would receive a cash prize of not more than SR100,000.

The Cabinet meeting, which was held Monday night, expressed its deep sorrow at the death of Labor Minister Ghazi Al-Gosaibi and appreciated his sincere contributions to the service of the country.

Al-Gosaibi, who was a poet and a novelist, died at King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh on Sunday following a prolonged illness at the age of 70. He was buried after funeral prayers at Riyadh’s Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque.

“Al-Gosaibi served the country sincerely with dedication, holding different positions,” the Cabinet said and conveyed its condolences to King Abdullah, Crown Prince Sultan and Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif and the minister’s bereaved family.

The Cabinet also commended the royal decree issued by the king, restricting the issuance of fatwas (religious edicts) to members of the Council of Senior Islamic Scholars in the country. “It reflects the king’s desire to unify the source of fatwas and restrict them to those who are qualified to issue them,” the Cabinet said.

Addressing the Cabinet, King Abdullah urged the nation to exert maximum efforts to benefit from the blessed month of Ramadan and support the less fortunate and the poor. He also urged charitable organizations to distribute donations according to procedures.

The Cabinet urged Saudis and expatriates to participate in the fundraising campaign for Pakistan’s flood victims with generous donations. Saudi Arabia has already sent 18 planeloads of relief supplies to the flood victims during the past two weeks.

Khoja said the Cabinet approved the diplomatic and consular cooperation agreement with Qatar and the political consultation accords with Cuba and Ukraine.

The Cabinet also decided to continue importing Palestinian products for another year without imposing any customs duty.