Governor of Eastern Province Prince Mohammad bin Fahd bin Abdul-Aziz told representatives of philanthropic associations from the Eastern Province last week that the Province would soon launch a major housing project to provide 2,000 homes for the needy.  Addressing the conference in Al-Khobar, Prince Mohammad praised the charity organizations in the Kingdom and affirmed that these philanthropic groups were doing a commendable job.

The conference was held to discuss the prospects for charity work in light of the constraints facing Islamic charities under the prevailing conditions.

Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Ali Al-Namlah told the conference the number of charities in the Kingdom is on the rise and that 306 philanthropic associations are currently active in Saudi Arabia, including 25 run by women and 38 privately operated associations, with a combined revenue in excess of SR1.34 billion [U.S. $357 million].  Dr. Al-Namlah said the ministry was committed to ensuring that charities operate under strict regulations.

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