His Excellency Prof. Abdullah bin Omar Bafail, President of Umm Al-Qura University, discussed the state general budget for 1440/1441 A.H. (2019 A.C.) that was announced by the Council of Ministers in its session held under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud (may Allah protect him). The budget carries challenging records as being the unprecedentedly largest budget in the history of Saudi Arabia in terms of the estimated expenditures that amounted to one trillion, one hundred and six (1.106) billion riyals, while revenues reached (975) billion riyals, an increase of (9.19 %) from the previous year (2018). This budget increase is meant to be spent on the programs laid down in the Kingdom Vision 2030.

Prof, Bafail confirmed that the expected revenue estimates included in the general budget amounting to (975) billion riyals is clear evidence of the wise orientation adopted by the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and his Crown Prince (may Allah preserve them) to diversify sources of income, to gradually reduce the dependence on "oil", and to make use of the assets and advantages the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has over other countries. The Saudi Kingdom can carry out this plan by diversifying its sources of national income. This is achieved by supporting the private sector and keeping pace with the comprehensive development renaissance witnessed by our blessed country under its wise leadership (may Allah protect it) who are keen to promote sustainable development that ensures the welfare of the citizen and improves the standard of living of the Saudi individual.

His Excellency said, "The budget items reflected the interest in the social affairs of the people by stipulating that citizens will continue to receive the cost of living allowance for the next year 2019, to keep pace with the rising cost of living. The budget also approved the 10% increase which was approved last year, to continue to be added the students' stipends. In addition, the budget paid attention to the educational and health sectors. It also aimed at providing a decent living for the Saudi citizen in all aspects of his life." He added that the allocations adopted and designated in this budget for education, for all levels in schools and universities, is a clear indication of the good care enjoyed by the Saudi citizen.

He asked Allah to protect and support the leader of our blessed march towards the progress of our country, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, as well as his Crown Prince His Royal Highness Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense. He also supplicated Allah to maintain the blessings of security, well-being, and prosperity for our country under their wise leadership.