ocr: Saudi citizens are among the most prosperous in the world. The Al-Sa'uds have used their wealth to create a cradle-to-grave welfare system. Ownership ofTVs, telephones and VCRs is among the world's highest. The distribution ofwealth is carefully controlled by the royal family through the "majlis" system. Petitioners attend weely assemblies held by prominent royals and beg favors, which are usually granted. There 1s no stock market, although shares in public companies are traded privately. Many Saudis refuse to accept interest on deposits with banks, but slamic banks offer profit- sharing inves ...
