The Social Development
Social amenities have been a prime concern with considerable efforts expended to ensure that citizens benefit across a broad range of categories, from health care to education and housing. The Ministry of Public Works and Housing carries out a number of projects throughout the Kingdom to provide suitable residences to low and medium income citizens. The programme includes two types of housing; i.e. urgent housing met by building apartments and multi-story buildings scheduled for completion within two years; and general housing, such as villas and houses for different categories of citizens.
The number of urgent housing units in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam reached 4752 apartments at a total cost of $1,389,780 million, while the units of the general housing programme in Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Buraidah, Medina, Makkah, Qateef and Al Hasa reached 10,516 villas and 9934 houses at a total cost of $3,558,750 million.
The Ministry of Defence and Aviation, the National Guard and the Ministry of Interior have established for their employees substantial building complexes equipped with all necessary amenities. In line with the Kingdom's policy of providing suitable and comfortable residence for its citizens, the Housing Development Fund was established in 1974 to help citizens build their own homes through non-profitable long-term loans. The number of units built with financial support of the Fund reached 513,120 by the end of 1995. The investment loans of $1.38 billion have largely contributed in building 29,390 units, 5190 commercial buildings and 2857 offices.
Education is provided freely to both citizens and residents. Moreover, special financial allowances are offered to university students in addition to health care, accommodation and transportation. During 1970-1997 the number of students increased eight fold in the general and high education levels, and the total number of schools rose from 3283 to 22,300. In the academic year 1997-1998 the total number of students increased to 4.5 million out of which 300,000 are university and teacher training college students, 29,000 in technical colleges, and 10,000 receiving training in vocational training centres.
State-of-the-art health services, comprising up to date hospitals and medical centres are spread throughout the country, providing free services to both citizens and residents. Health facilities are of three basic types; i.e. medical centres, public hospitals, and specialised hospitals for critical conditions. By the end of 1996 the total number of hospitals in the country reached 290 out of which 179 are governmental, and the rest are either private or owned by some government departments. The number of medical centres rose to 2,329, about 1731 of which are governmental. The total number of beds reached 42,652 in both public and private hospitals with 2.32 beds for each 1000 patients), as well as 61,214 nursing staff, and 31,977 assistant medical staff in all health and medical sectors.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has 77 care centres for orphans delinquents, handicapped, elderly and paralysed people. Social security entitlements increased from $400 million in 1973 to $700 million in 1993 distributed through 76 offices, Meanwhile, the General establishment of Social Insurance, established in 1973, is providing its services to more than 19,800 establishments. Up to 1996 the establishments had provided $4.6 billion as assistance to workers, more than $4.27 billion of which was for retirement, and about $64.53 million for work-related accident compensation.
Since the 1960's the government has undertaken major programmes aimed at developing local communities and increasing the role of public support in social and economic development. To this end it established 16 centers in rural areas and seven in urban areas, in addition 65 local committees in remote areas. The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, in cooperation with the Ministries of Education, Health, Agriculture, and Municipality and Rural Affairs is working through these centres to promote and improve life in their communities and encourage people to engage in privately organised development projects. Some 160 charitable societies were established in the connection, together with 164 multipurpose cooperative societies.
Youth sports have made notable strides locally, regionally and worldwide, clearly reflecting the special attention paid to the youth sector. The General Presidency for Youth Welfare has been active in promoting sport, cultural and artistic activities. As a result, Saudi youths won major awards at many championships and made their mark at regional and international events. In addition to providing assistance to sport associations and clubs, the Presidency established 73 youth facilities for different youth activities. There are now 6 stadiums, 17 sport and cultural cities and centres, 19 youth hostels, 2 permanent youth camps, 12 cultural clubs, 153 sport clubs and 21 sport associations.
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