Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has announced increased benefits for his citizens, as he heads home after months abroad getting medical treatment. According to state television, there will be extra funds for housing, studying abroad and social security. King Abdullah has been away from the country for three months, during which time mass protests have changed the political landscape of West Asia. There have been few demonstrations in Saudi Arabia. The monarch's imminent return has been welcomed by the Saudi media. The streets in Riyadh have been decorated with national flags for the return of the king. The 86-year-old left for New York on 22 November and had two operations. After a period of convalescence at his New York home, the king flew to Morocco on 22 January and has been recuperating there ever since.