Saudi Arabia hospital fire kills at least 31

Yahya bin Abdullah al-Qahtani says the cause of the blaze remains unknown.

King Salman discussed the recent creation of the Saudi-led Islamic Military alliance, promising that the Kingdom will continue to spare no effort in combatting terrorism and maintaining worldwide security and peace in the world.

Two months into Salman’s reign, he launched an offensive into Yemen against Iranian-backed Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, who had overran the capital and other cities in the country, forcing the president and the internationally-recognized government to flee for several months to Saudi Arabia.

Salman also quickly set a new course for the monarchy’s future by recasting the line of succession.

Salman’s comments precede what is expected to be a more detailed roster of economic proposals outlined in next week’s budget announcement, and in a “transformation plan” to be revealed by his son Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in January.

Oil income accounts for more than 90 per cent of public revenues in Saudi Arabia. The king stressed the importance of continued investments in health care, education, housing, employment and transportation.

Addressing the Shura Council, Salman said he has ordered economic reforms to diversify sources of income and reduce high dependence on oil following a sharp drop in crude prices.

King Salman also said that militant groups “would never find fertile ground in Syria except for the Syrian regime’s policies, which led to the extermination of hundreds of thousands of Syrians and the dISPlacement of millions”.

The kingdom has suffered a number of large-scale accidents this year, including a crane collapse that killed 111 and a stampede that killed at least 2,411 during the hajj pilgrimage in September, according to an Associated Press count.

Batrawy reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.