King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud has issued a series of decrees that reverse pay cuts introduced last year for government employees, appoint new ministers and senior government officials, and establish a new security centre linked to the royal court.

The first decree reinstates all allowances and bonuses for civil servants and military personnel that were frozen or cancelled last year. The king also issued another decree giving a bonus of two months’ salary to those involved directly in military operations in Yemen from the Interior Ministry, Defence Ministry, National Guard and intelligence services.

Three ministers were replaced. The most high profile replacement was Khalid bin Abdullah al-Araj being relieved of his post as Minister of Civil Affairs. A ministerial committee has also been set up to investigate any wrongdoings that Al-Arj may have committed – it has been reported that he employed his son on an inflated salary.

Al-Arj is replaced by Essam bin Saad bin Saeed, Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet, who will be the acting Minister of Civil Affairs.

For the other two ministerial changes Muhammed bin Ibrahim al-Swail has been replaced as Minister of Communication and Information Technology by Abdullah bin Ammar al-Sawahlah, and Awad bin Saleh bin Abdullah Al-Awad has been appointed as Minister of Culture and Information replacing Adel bin Zaid Altoraifi.

King Salman who gave new jobs to two of his sons. Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud has been appointed as Saudi Ambassador to the US replacing Prince Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turkey bin Abdullah al-Saud. The move follows a recent meeting between Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman al-Saud and US President Donald Trump.

The other of King Salman’s sons to have a new post is Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud who has been appointed to a newly created position of Minister of State for Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources.

A series of other deputy ministers, governors and senior government appointments were made by the king.

Another decree established a National Security Centre affiliated to the Royal Court.