Sunday's session of the council, presided over by Chairman Abdullah Al-Asheikh, also unanimously decided to recommend the capital of the Saudi Fund For Industrial Development (SFID) be increased to SR30 billion with an allocation of SR10 billion from the Ministry of Finance. Shoura Council Secretary-General Muhammad Al-Ghamdi told reporters on Sunday that the committee on Islamic affairs and judiciary’s decision to recommend more Haia offices was based on the commission’s annual report for the fiscal year 1428/1429 AH.

The council felt the Haia should have a large headquarters with adequate staff to serve people living in all parts of the Kingdom.

Such a complex would not only streamline the activities of the Haia but also improve its image in terms of services provided, members said.

The council added that Haia members should be selected from people who complete their higher studies in relevant fields.

When the SFID’s annual report was tabled on Sunday, it was recommended the fund be restructured by giving it adequate administrative powers to help implement its strategic plans and by submitting an audited financial statement annually. After discussing the report of the General Organization for Grain Silos and Flour Mills for the fiscal year 1430/1431 AH, the house decided to postpone its deliberations.