The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, urged UNESCO and other relevant UN organizations to intervene immediately to protect Islamic heritage in the holy city.
The Cabinet also reviewed the developments taking place in some Arab countries and expressed the Kingdom’s desire to end the bloodbath by tackling problems in “a way that would ensure peace and stability” in these countries.
The meeting commended the royal decree issued by the king demanding the linkage of the North-South Railway with Dammam. “This vital railway will have a great impact on the Kingdom’s transport system,” the Cabinet said, emphasizing the government’s plan to connect different parts of the Kingdom with a modern rail system.
The Cabinet also referred to King Abdullah’s directive to establish a new stadium near King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and expand Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in the city immediately. It said the new projects would boost youth activities in the Kingdom.
Referring to the beginning of the summer season and preparations for tourism festivals in different parts of the Kingdom, the Cabinet urged the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities and other government departments to exert more efforts to enhance tourism facilities in different parts of the country.
The Cabinet expressed its satisfaction over the new trend of many Saudis preferring to spend their summer vacation inside the Kingdom.
“This will help Saudis understand the tourist potentials of their country. It will also boost domestic tourism and create more job opportunities for young Saudi men and women,” a statement said.
Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja said the Cabinet approved the new administrative setup for the Social Affairs Ministry and activated the National Center for Social Studies and Research, which will be linked directly with the social affairs minister.
The Cabinet endorsed the general cooperation agreement with Eritrea, which was signed in Riyadh on Oct. 16, 2010.
It also reshuffled the committee to settle insurance conflicts. Saleh Al-Hadlak is the committee’s new chairman while Saleh Al-Mahmoud and Bandar Al-Naqithan are its members.
The Cabinet approved the establishment of a new insurance company named Saudi Enaya Cooperative Insurance Company. It also approved the rules and regulations of Saudi Quality Society, which is an organization under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and aims at improving quality of services and products and spreading a culture of quality.
