Saudi banks have confirmed that they are fully prepared for the change in the pay dates for government employees, which will coincide with the payroll dates of many private-sector companies and institutions on the 5th of Scorpio, corresponding to October 27, 2016—the first time payroll dates have been shifted to the solar calendar and zodiac signs instead of the usual date, which was set for the 25th of each Hijri month.
Talaat Hafez, Secretary of the Media and Banking Awareness Committee at Saudi Banks, explained that Saudi banks have taken the initiative to update their various systems and implement the necessary measures to ensure this process is carried out in a smooth and convenient manner; Talaat Hafez noted that this includes ensuring adequate and appropriate restocking of ATMs throughout the Kingdom’s cities—numbering more than 17,000—to meet the increased demand during this period. He said: “To make things easier for our customers and to avoid any crowding at these ATMs, we ask that they not concentrate on withdrawing cash from a specific machine in a particular area or location.”
