RIYADH — Saudi courts have received 3,690 alimony cases in the past three months, revealed the Command Center of the Ministry of Justice. "A total of 5,689 hearings were held for these cases, and each was settled in no more than 22 days," the ministry said. According to the ministry, the Makkah region courts topped the list with 1,123 cases and 1,749 hearings; followed by Riyadh with 953 cases and 1,546 hearings, and the Eastern Province with 431 cases and 547 hearings. The ministry has focused its efforts to support families through number of decisions and initiatives in order to protect families going through separation and guarantee their rights. In addition, the ministry implements the Law of Protection from Abuse, and the Child Protection Law; and regards failure to pay child maintenance as a form of violence against children. The ministry said the judicial system in the Kingdom has progressed smoothly which has reduced the time of litigation. Minister of Justice Walid Bin Mohammed Al-Samaani has directed the courts to finalize dowry cases as quickly as possible so as to maintain the cohesion and stability of the family.