Bribery exists in countries across the Arab world and is particularly widespread within governmental institutions. 

In recent years, several of the region's countries have been fighting the corrupt phenomenon, including Saudi Arabia, a state where employees can be honored for refusing to receive bribes.

Earlier this week, an employee was honored by the country's Minister of Agriculture and Environment Abdul Rahman Al Fadli after he rejected a one million riyal ($266,000) bribe.

According to Okaz newspaper, the man, who works at the Jeddah branch of the country's National Water Company, was hailed by his managers for refusing to cover up for those violating the kingdom's rules.

The employee is also being hailed online

"I hope he's rewarded with at least 10 percent of what he was offered"

"I also hope the briber is forced to pay an extra million riyals to fix any destruction caused by violations." 

"A good human being, will always be that"

"Work is a responsibility"

"You should honor him with a million"

Bribery is illegal in Saudi Arabia and several Arab countries

Under the kingdom's recently amended anti-bribery law, anyone accused of offering or receiving a bribe will land themselves in serious legal trouble. 

According to Global Compliance News, "penalties under the Bribery Regulations include fines not exceeding SAR 1 million or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 10 years, or both."

Bribery is also illegal in the UAE, where it's punishable under Articles 237 and 238 of the UAE's Federal Penal Code.