Saudi Arabia – The land of the poor

There is now an obscene gap in between the haves and haves not. While Al Sauds continue to demonstrate dizzying wealth, Saudis have been left to feel the sting of poverty and hardship.

While Al Sauds have drawn billions upon billions of dollars in oil revenues, Saudis have been made to live on less. 

As an oil exporter, Saudi Arabia is one of the richest countries in the world. And with an economy that is continuing to grow, its reputation among many people in the Arab world is that of a nation of extravagance and, sometimes, excess.

But when you look beyond the luxury SUVs, upscale malls and glittery high rises in the desert kingdom, a far different view of Saudi life emerges — one laced with poverty and unemployment, affecting millions of people. It's a problem many Saudis are reluctant to acknowledge.

Unemployment is higher than one might suspect in the oil-rich nation. Though official figures are hard to come by, there are approximately 1.8 million Saudis enrolled with Hafiz -- the country's unemployment benefits program.

Untroubled with its people’s cries for help, the government is dedicating its resources to financing its wars abroad, buying up allegiances through generation donations and aid packages. 

Deputy Crown Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Second Deputy Premier attended the launch of the third edition of the King Khalid Charity Foundation’s social publication on 8 April 2014. Prince Muqrin took the opportunity to launch a stinging attack on Saudi Arabia’s banks.

He said, “I call them a saw – they chew when they go in and chew when they go out … Name me a bank that has made any big donation or extended any feasible support to any project. I am neither a banker nor an economist but I know very well that the banks have not done much for the citizens.”

But whether or not Prince Muqrin’s harsh comments on banks in relation to their social duty and participation will be followed by concrete steps on the ground remains to be seen.