Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has ordered that state employees on temporary labour contracts be given permanent jobs, in another apparent bid to insulate the kingdom from a wave of protests in the Arab world.
The top oil exporter has so far escaped major protests against poverty, corruption and oppression that have spread through the region, toppling entrenched leaders in Egypt and Tunisia and reaching neighbours Bahrain and Oman.
Abdullah returned home on Wednesday from three months of medical treatment abroad for back treatment and unveiled benefits for Saudis worth around $36 billion to address social pressures such as unemployment and housing.
On Sunday, the king, who is around 87, also ordered all Saudi nationals in temporary public sector jobs be given permanent employment, state news agency SPA said.
SPA gave no details but Banque Saudi Fransi Chief Economist John Sfakianakis said some 90,000 would benefit.
No political reforms, such as municipal council polls, have accompanied the state handouts despite repeated calls by opposition groups. Saudi Arabia has no elected parliament or parties and allows little public dissent. In an open letter published on Sunday, around 100 Saudi intellectuals, activists and university professors called on the king to launch political reforms and allow citizens to have a greater say in ruling the country.
They called for a "rule of law to which all - government officials and citizens would be subjected," according to a statement.
Thousands of people have backed a Facebook call for a Saudi "day of rage" on March 11 to demand an elected ruler, greater freedom for women and the release of political prisoners
Saudi analysts said the king might soon reshuffle his cabinet to inject fresh blood and revive stalled reforms to address dissent at home. Saudi stability is of global concern. A key US ally, the top Opec producer holds more than a fifth of world oil reserves.