Social Solidarity Ministry denies marriage-preparation course is mandatory in Egypt Saudi Arabia’s Citizen Account Program says no increase in supporting allowance 1. Egyptian ministry denies mandatory marriage-preparation course. Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity has denied social media reports claiming that attending the ministry’s marriage-preparation course has become mandatory for those planning to tie the knot. Omar Othman, an assistant to the social solidarity minister, said that it was not true that all those about to get married are obliged to attend training classes as part of the ministry’s marriage-preparation program. Othman said that the program launched under the name “Mawada” aims to spread awareness among youth about choosing a life partner and building a healthy family. 2. Saudi Arabia’s Citizen Account denies “thousand riyal” increase in supporting allowance. Saudi Arabia’s national Citizen Account Program has denied social media reports claiming plans to pay an additional SR1,000 ($260) per beneficiary. Sabq newspaper reported on the rumors which authorities have said were not true. The Citizen Account Program was created to protect Saudi households from the likely effects of the Kingdom’s wide-ranging economic reforms. The support is offered through direct cash transfers to beneficiaries. 3. Mauritania’s health minister denies “rice mixed with plastic” rumors. The Mauritanian Health Minister, Kane Boubacar, has denied rumors about the spread of rice mixed with plastic components in the capital’s markets. The minister described the reports as “rumors” during the Cabinet’s weekly press conference. He added that the country’s health sector is capable of examining questionable foods and materials.