In a cable sent to Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, Prince Naif said the measures were instrumental in reducing the prices of poultry, meat and dairy products.

“The decision taken by higher authorities to support fodder prices had a huge impact on stabilizing prices in the market and reducing prices of poultry, meat and dairy products,” the minister explained.

Prince Naif informed the crown prince the resolutions taken by a meeting of regional governors here on Sunday night, emphasizing the need for achieving a balanced and comprehensive development of regions.

The governors’ meeting, chaired by Prince Naif, also called for measures to reduce prices of essential commodities and end the housing problem.

The annual meeting reviewed the achievements of various regions and stressed the need for further improving services to citizens and residents.

Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Prince Sattam, acting governor of Riyadh, Prince Muhammad bin Naif, assistant minister of interior for security affairs, and other governors and senior officials attended the Jeddah meeting.

In a statement after the meeting, Najran Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah said the discussions focused on how to improve the welfare of citizens and residents in various parts of the country.

“The meeting set out solutions to confront increasing prices and emphasized that traders should not be allowed to play with prices of essential goods,” he said.

Speaking to the Saudi Press Agency, Prince Naif said a number of low-cost housing projects have been implemented in various parts of the country for the benefit of the poor and needy.

He said the governors' meeting had discussed prospects of activating the provincial councils that are comprised of several experts and prominent personalities.

"We had discussed a number of topics related to the welfare of citizens apart from security issues. Citizens will enjoy its benefits shortly," the prince said.

Prince Naif expected the number of Umrah pilgrims would increase in the coming years. The Haj and Umrah service companies are monitored by the Haj Ministry.

"We are not facing any problem because of an increase in the number of pilgrims. We have made all arrangements for pilgrims to carry out their religious rituals comfortably and in an orderly manner," he said.

He said the new projects to be implemented in Makkah would make it one of the most advanced and organized cities in the world.

There are plans to increase the number of gateways to Makkah, remove underdeveloped areas in the city and construct suitable housing projects.

Prince Naif urged businessmen and traders to bring down prices of essential commodities taking reasonable profits. "Traders should not exploit the need of citizens for certain products by increasing their prices."