At a time when poverty is worsening in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province — affecting hundreds of infants in the towns of Al-Fudul and Al-Battaliyah, as well as widows in Al-Awjam — Oryx Observer has obtained detailed information revealing the mechanisms and background behind the display of Al Saud portraits on illuminated street billboards throughout the region.
According to the information obtained, the details are not classified, but are available — albeit discreetly — to relevant officials and employees.
The story unfolds as follows:
Several advertising companies operate across the Eastern Province, specialising in commercial advertising on illuminated roadside billboards.
Among them are:
▪️ White Screen
▪️ Rotana Signs
▪️ Saudi Signs Media
▪️ Giant of Art
▪️ Al Arabia
▪️ Alliance Media
According to the information, Saud bin Nayef, the Governor of the Eastern Province, holds shares in at least three of these companies.
The Eastern Province Municipality is responsible for licensing and overseeing these firms, under the supervision of its secretary, Fahad Al-Jubeir.
What does Fahad Al-Jubeir do?
He reportedly signs contracts with billboard companies in which Saud bin Nayef holds interests. The purpose of these contracts is to display portraits of members of the Al Saud family in general, and Saud bin Nayef in particular, across the region’s streets.
What else does Fahad Al-Jubeir do?
He reportedly requires companies in which Saud bin Nayef holds no stake to display Al Saud portraits free of charge. Despite having access to this option, priority is allegedly given to paid contracts with companies linked to the governor.
The contracts reportedly stipulate that new portraits of Al Saud figures must be displayed during recurring occasions, including:
▪️ Saudi National Day
▪️ Founding Day
▪️ Flag Day
▪️ Mohammed bin Salman’s birthday
▪️ Religious holidays
Portraits must also be displayed during specific events, including:
▪️ The issuance of royal decrees
▪️ Announcements that King Salman has been discharged from hospital
▪️ Mohammed bin Salman’s return from overseas visits
▪️ The commencement of Mohammed bin Salman’s participation in international events
▪️ On any street through which Saud bin Nayef or his deputy is scheduled to pass
▪️ On any street hosting a public event
The Cost
▪️ SAR 120,000 for every 20-day display period on screens along a single street.
▪️ Costs increase substantially when displays are carried out simultaneously across multiple streets.
▪️ Expenses become exceptionally high when recurring occasions and unexpected events overlap.
Source of the Funds
▪️ Fees and taxes paid by residents of the Eastern Province to the Eastern Province Municipality.
The report argues that public funds used for such displays would be better directed towards urgent social needs, including assistance for infants lacking access to milk and other basic necessities.