State property contracts for association houses renewed for another year

• Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah’s meeting with the representatives of public benefit associations aims to discuss and review all matters related to their work, identify the challenges and obstacles hindering the achievement of their societal goals, and seek to overcome them with effective solutions.

The Ministry of Social Affairs, through the Department of Non-Governmental Associations, has informed public utility associations with their own premises that the State Property Contracts Department at the Ministry of Finance has approved the renewal of their contracts for an additional year, Al Jarida newspaper reported, citing sources.

The total number of these associations is around thirteen, allowing them to continue their operations and achieve their objectives in accordance with governing laws, following the contract renewal for the use of their premises.

In addition, sources revealed that Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, will hold a second meeting with representatives of public benefit associations on Monday.

The meeting aims to discuss and review all matters related to their work, identify the challenges and obstacles hindering the achievement of their societal goals, and seek to overcome them with effective solutions. It was noted that about 61 associations—focused on women’s issues, children, human rights, and people with special needs—are expected to attend. Only one more meeting remains, with the date to be determined later, to meet with the remaining civil associations.

Dissolution of seven associations

In a separate matter, sources anticipate the issuance of a ministerial decision this week to dissolve seven civil associations due to their ineffectiveness in the community, failure to adhere to regulations, and inability to meet the requirements governing their operations. These associations are no longer striving to achieve the goals for which they were established. The sources stressed that the process of “sifting” through well-known public benefit associations, initiated by the ministry some time ago, will continue.

Decision to dissolve seven ineffective civil associations expected this week

The sources stated that “the competent administration submitted the names of these associations to the committee responsible for the publicity, evaluation, and dissolution of public utility associations, as well as the review of their statutes to assess their seriousness and social effectiveness. The committee decided to dissolve these associations due to their clear violation of Article No. 27 of the aforementioned law, their failure to engage in any activities or provide real services to the community for years, and the ministry’s failure to provide the estimated budget or financial reports for previous years. Additionally, their bank accounts have been closed for a prolonged period.” The sources also noted that some of these associations have never used the automated correspondence system that links the ministry to associations, further confirming their lack of effectiveness or seriousness.