government in addition to capital expenditures that will create more job opportunities and enhance economic activities, and boost economic growth. The following are the main highlights of the 2008 budget: 1. Total revenues for the fiscal year 2008 are projected at SR (450) billion. 2. Government expenditure for the fiscal year 2008 is budgeted at SR (410) billion. 3. Total new capital budget (new projects and increased appropriations for existing projects) amounted to SR (165) billion. Appropriations Appropriations for the main development and public service sectors for 1428/1429 (2008) are as follows: Education and manpower development : a. Total expenditure amounts to SR (105) billion including technical and vocational training. b. New capital budget total SR (39) billion. These include King Abdullah Project for Education Development amounting to SR (9) billion. In addition, New projects include (2074) new schools (in addition to 4352 schools currently under construction), rehabilitation of (2000) existing school buildings. With respect to higher education, the new budget includes appropriations for the University of Northern Boarder Region, the Infrastructure of the new girls' university campus in Riyadh, and opening of (41) new colleges. In addition, the scholarship program in medicine, engineering, computer science, law, and accounting will continue next year. In the technical and vocational training sector, the new budget includes opening (7) new technical institutes for girls, and (16) vocational training centers. In addition, the implementation of the National Plan for science and Technology amounting to SR (8) billion is under way. --More
