Saudi Arabia’s deputy economy minister said on Saturday the kingdom had reduced its deficit in the first quarter of 2017 by more than half in part because of prudent public spending.
“The fact that the first quarter deficit was 26 billion riyals when 54 billion riyals was projected at the beginning of the year. This is a very excellent step toward rationalized spending,” Mohammed Al Tuwaijri, deputy minister of economy and planning told state-run Ekhbariya TV.
Saudi’s deficit shrank to 297bn riyals in 2016, down from a record 367bn-riyal gap in 2015. In its 2017 budget plan, Riyadh said the deficit would shrink further this year to 198bn riyals because of higher oil prices and non-oil revenues.
* Reuters
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Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.