"The Saudi king Salman, 1000 guests in one of the top hotels for 18 days, and red carpets..."

Antalya - a wonderful city for fantastic holiday

Today's Zaman, the well-known Turkish daily published a fascinating insight into the way that the Saudi King Salman spends his well-earned money. He booked all 560 rooms for 18 days at a reported cost of $18,000,000. During his two week plus holiday, he will never step on Turkish ground, having had red carpets laid for his feet. Bathrooms needed "upgrading".

Rooms per night cost between 800 euros to 15,000 euros - for each room.

This must be a wonderful hotel if King Salman is willing to stay there for 18 days and nights.

In order to accommodate the king's personal effects for the 18 days, 16 trucks carried his clothing and other necessities.

Read more.

That's not all. He needs 400 luxury cars for himself and his guests. Normal, "special" cars are not sufficient. Of course, there is the small item of "security", and he is happy for those 65 armored Mercedes cars to guard him.

Read more.

Unemployed youth in the Middle East complain that they have no jobs and restlessness is leading to the hollowing out of many communities across countries in the region as young men try their luck in Europe. Let's pray that there will be a spirit of generosity from Europe towards the plight of young men who have become hopeless, but that a similar spirit will persuade those in power to share with joyful generosity, especially investing in the future of succeeding generations.