TABUK, 6 January 2006 — The council of Tabuk region has approved the allocation of SR4 billion to implement various new projects in health, education, sewage system, roads, municipal and social services. According to the Al-Madinah newspaper, Prince Fahd Ibn Sultan, governor of Tabuk, chaired the opening session of the council in its second period for the 2005-2006 financial year and thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King and Crown Prince Sultan for approving the new budget allocations.
SR812m to Complete Riyadh Circular Road
RIYADH, 6 January 2006 — Prince Salman, governor of Riyadh and chairman of the Supreme Committee for the Development of Riyadh, has signed the contract for completing the circular road on the northwest side and also inaugurated the opening of the two projects for improving the intersections of the eastern circular road and exits 15 and 16. Minister of Transportation Dr. Jubara Al-Seraisri signed the contract with Peninsula Contracting Company Ltd. for SR812.9 million, reported the Al-Watan newspaper. Prince Salman said that completing the circular road will relieve the pressure on the internal roads and that there is continued cooperation with the Ministry of Transportation to improve traffic conditions including a plan to work on some tunnels and roads.
Ministry to Handle Sponsorship Transfers
RIYADH, 6 January 2006 — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has authorized the Ministry of Labor to make the necessary procedures for the transfer of sponsorship (kafala) in accordance with the changing job market requirements, reported the Al-Watan newspaper. The decision was made based on the recommendations by ministries of interior, foreign affairs, civil service, commerce and industry, finance and planning regarding stopping the transfer of sponsorship except for holders of university and technical degrees.
