Saudi Arabia Replaces Lunar Calendar with Gregorian Calendar

Saudi Arabian ministries and government organizations have, for the first time since the establishment of the country 86 years ago, begun using the Gregorian calendar instead of the lunar Hijri calendar starting Sunday, October 2. According to the official Saudi news agency (SPA), this action is based on a resolution by the Saudi Cabinet. Previously, all government organizations relied on the Hijri calendar for their interactions and salary payments. A senior Saudi government official, who requested anonymity, told Russia's Sputnik news agency: 'With the implementation of the Gregorian calendar, all employees will lose about half of one month's salary each year.' The Hijri year is 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year. Following the implementation of the resolution, employees' salaries will be paid based on the 25th of the Gregorian month, whereas previously salaries were deposited on the 25th of the lunar month. Saudi Arabia was the only country that used the Hijri calendar. This resolution is part of a series of decisions recently made by the Saudi government. Last Monday, the Saudi government reduced some benefits for government employees, numbering around 1.25 million. It also approved the cancellation of some allowances and bonuses. Salaries for ministers and employees in their administrative ranks were also reduced by 20%, and salaries for members of the Shura Council were reduced by 15%. These actions are aimed at addressing the economic crisis that Saudi Arabia is facing. The government has predicted that the current fiscal year will encounter a budget deficit of $87 billion. The budget deficit last year was over $98 billion. Continuing declines in oil prices and military expenses in Yemen are among the factors putting pressure on Saudi Arabia's budget.