Saudi Arabia bans Gregorian dates, English communication

From online dispatches

Saudi investors listen during an economic forum Jeddah. DHA photo

Saudi Arabia has banned all government and private institutions from using the Gregorian calendar in official dealings, Gulfnews.com reported. 
 
The ban also covered the use of English to answer calls or communicate, mainly in hotels and companies. 
 
All ministries and institutions must use the Islamic calendar and the Arabic calendar from now on, Saudi Arabia's interior ministry said. The decision was taken in order to preserve the Islamic calendar and the Arabic language. 
 
In its decisison, the ministry noted that some government entities used the Gregorian dates "unnecessarily," in a violation of high orders and instructions. 
 
Several hotel receptions also currently used English in their communications, the ministry said.