The new package is set to tackle housing and unemployment problems too, they added.

Nasser Al-Sayyed, a 35-year-old health sector employee, said the royal decrees will benefit a large group of citizens. “These decrees reflect the king’s humanitarian gesture and his desire to solve the problems of citizens and improve their living conditions,” he said.

Faahid Al-Sulami, a retired employee, said it would have a great impact on citizens’ lives and wellbeing. “It reflects the king’s love for his people,” he added.

Abdullah Al-Subahi, 42, from the health sector, is happy over the government’s plan to establish a number of specialized hospitals and medical centers in different parts of the Kingdom, especially for the treatment of cancer and heart diseases. “It will have an impact on the Kingdom’s health sector,” he said.

Yousuf Hassan, a 40-year-old contractor, stressed on the increase in real estate loans from SR300,000 to SR500,000, saying it would boost the real estate and construction sectors. Walid Abdullah, a student at King Abdulaziz University (KAU), was overjoyed at the provision of an additional two-month stipend for university students to meet their academic requirements.

Sultan Al-Seraihi, another KAU student, too expressed his and his classmates’ happiness at the increased stipends.

The king’s decision to establish a commission to fight administrative corruption was also welcomed. “It will help control rising prices of essential commodities,” said Faisal Al-Mastouri, a teacher.

Atallah Al-Mishaali, 54, a retired military officer, was impressed at the decree creating 60,000 new jobs in the Interior Ministry. “Pensions the retirees like me receive are not enough. The employment of our sons in the ministry would certainly contribute to improving our living conditions,” he said.

To Wafa Al-Twaijri, a director at the King Abdul Aziz Center for National Dialogue, the king’s speech reflected his understanding for the needs of his people. “My reaction is similar to the many texts and mails I have received today, satisfaction and content,” she said.

She said the commission to combat corruption, is the key to attain all aspirations.

Madawi Al-Gnaieer, a businesswoman, said the package could encourage people to give more to their nation. Yet, she wished the conditions of the young people in the private sector had been taken into consideration.

“It would have been more satisfactory for the young people in the private sector if they had been included in the housing loans scheme,” said Al-Gnaieer.

The director of Prince Salman Social Center, Huda Al-Naeem, was not surprised with the slew of offers in the king’s package. It is the custodian’s nature to care for the wellbeing of his nation and touch on their needs.

People also wrote messages of gratitude to their king on Facebook and Twitter with special prayers for the king.

— Mohammad Al-Sulami,  Muhammad Humaidan and Walaa Hawari contributed to the report.