His Majesty King Abdullah stressed that projects implemented by the Hashemite Fund for Badia Development (HFBD) need to improve living conditions of badia residents across the Kingdom.

Chairing the fund's board of trustees meeting Thursday, King Abdullah issued instructions for the implementation of two projects in Ruweished aimed at helping cattle breeders.

During the meeting, King Abdullah called for a more active role by citizens and civil society institutions in the two projects. His Majesty said it was important to involve the private sector in these schemes so that they receive quality management. The King also called for carrying out a feasibility study on the projects to be implemented in other badia areas of the Kingdom.

HFBD's head of the board of trustees, Faisal Fayez, said the two projects are in accordance with the objectives of the fund, which was established in response to King Abdullah's directives to improve the livelihoods of badia residents.

He added that King Abdullah aimed, through establishing the fund, at creating income-generating projects and diversifying the local residents' sources of income.

King Abdullah's adviser for tribal affairs, Share Fawwaz Zeben said the projects will not only serve residents of the Northern Badia, but will also reflect positively on the lives of nomads who are continuously traveling, seeking water and pastures for their cattle.

Also a Royal Decree was issued re-forming the fund's board of trustees.

Former prime minister Faisal Fayez was appointed as the fund's chairman for a four-year term.