Saudi-US Relations Information Service

GlobeInvest Banking Forum
"..There is a perception all over the world that with high oil prices, the Gulf region has solid liquidity with huge surpluses of funds to finance its current and future projects, [Dr. Nahed M. Taher, CEO, GulfOne Investment Bank] said, adding, “This implies that they have no problems in conquering their future structural bottlenecks and finance.” “This is incorrect,” said Nahed, a strong proponent of the Kingdom’s economic liberalization and reform in the interest of its burgeoning population and sustainable economic development. “It’s incorrect because of the lack of proper investment banking activities and long-term debt tools that misutilize much of the incoming funds and hinder the development, depth and expansion of the private sector’s role in the economy, which is essential for bringing efficiency and acceleration to our economic growth,” she said.."


Keeping Track - Recently on SUSRIS

In the News

UN Report to Focus on the Development of Women in the Arab World

The Arab Human Development report, expected to be published in June, will focus on the position of women across the Arab world and will examine the different issues related to the development of women in Arab societies, according to Dr. Mohammed Kamel Aref, science and technology advisor at the United Nations Development Program. In Saudi Arabia on a fact-finding mission, Aref told Asharq al Awsat on Wednesday that he had witnessed firsthand the activities of women researchers and scientists in Saudi Arabia and was surprised how much they had achieved in scientific areas in a short space of time.. ..Because of a lack of information and statistics about women scientists in Saudi Arabia, Aref decided to visit the Kingdom himself.. ..“Based on the results and the information we have gathered so far, I can say that the report will reflect the strength of the Saudi woman and single out the areas were they stand out.. ..I dare say that the picture it will present will totally contradict the world’s perception of Saudi women. People hold simple and wrong information in most cases about the position of women in Saudi.” [Asharq Alawsat]

In the News

Iraqi Strife Seeping Into Saudi Kingdom

"..At first, the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq gave optimism to Shiites here along Saudi Arabia's eastern coast. Unlike infuriated Sunnis, many Shiites felt a surge of quiet hope when the U.S. arrived in Iraq three years ago. Emboldened by their Iraqi brethren's escape from the oppressive rule of Saddam Hussein, Shiites here and in other Sunni-ruled nations began to demand — and win — freedoms of their own. Bit by bit, old rules have fallen away in recent years: Saudi Shiites won the right to publish and read sectarian literature. They can now work as journalists, build mosques and open Shiite schools to educate their sons.. ..Sunni-Shiite understanding has been deepened in recent years by the "national dialogue" -- the royal family's project of arranging face-to-face conferences of Saudis of different backgrounds. The talks have drawn Shiite and Sunni clerics from around the country to discuss its future.." [LA Times]

On the Web

The Gulf 2000/Project Web Site

This site was developed by the Gulf/2000 Project at the School of International and Public Affairs of Columbia University in New York City. It is designed to make available in a single location a wealth of information on the eight countries of the Persian Gulf region--Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The Persian Gulf sits on top of the greatest pool of oil reserves in the world. Over the past few decades, it has been the site of two major wars, an Islamic revolution, and political and economic developments that have affected every country in the world. It is also the home of more than 118 million people, whose cultures extend back to the origins of recorded history.

Nevertheless, for most non-specialists the Gulf remains a mysterious and even forbidding part of the world. This site hopes to remove some of the mystery. With a few clicks of your mouse, you can visit any of these countries, read their local newspapers, check the latest news from the region, and find information about every aspect of their history, geography, politics, economics, military forces and much more.

We have identified what we believe are the most informative and reliable sources of information about the Persian Gulf. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of every item of information that you may find in the many sources collected here, but we have made it as easy as possible to cross-check facts between data collections located throughout the world. [Gulf 2000 Web Site]

Calendar

Madinah-Bound Bus Plunges Into Canal [Apr 29]
"At least 24 people died in a bus accident late on Thursday night on Madinah Road near the village of Asfan, 50 kilometers north of Jeddah, when the 50-seat vehicle carrying pilgrims broke through the railing of a bridge at high speed and plunged into a drainage canal.. ..Five of the 15 reported survivors remain in the intensive care unit at the hospital. The hospital records indicate that the victims of the accident are mostly from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.." [more]

English Teaching to Be Implemented in Phases [Apr 29]
"Moves are under way to introduce the English language to fourth grade students in Saudi government schools, Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper reported yesterday quoting Haya Al-Ayad, an Education Ministry official. The program will be carried out in phases.. ..Al-Ayad said it would be difficult for the Saudi society to accept teaching of English language at primary level due to the influence of Arabic language.." [more]

Saudi Arabia's Unseen Reform [Apr 29]
"Saudi Arabia is mainly viewed by others as a traditionally conservative society, particularly in its attitudes towards women. But, below the surface change is happening, even if reformers are wary of moving too quickly in case they face a traditionalist backlash.." [more]

Saudi Bourse Drops 5.9% [Apr 29]
"The Saudi stock market slumped again yesterday after gaining 318.8 points last week, reported Arab News. The TASI closed 799.9 points or 5.9% down at 12,775.1. Market turnover reached $3.3bn yesterday.." [more]

President Papoulias to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain [Apr 29]
"President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias departed from Athens on Saturday for an official visit to Saudi Arabia and a tour of the Arab peninsula that will include stops in Qatar and Bahrain before his return to Athens on May 3. Papoulias left for the Saudi capital Riyadh early on Saturday afternoon and was met on his arrival by Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz al-Saud, the governor of Riyadh, the cabinet and members of the royal family.." [more]

Saudi Investment Up 70% for Cityscape [Apr 29]
"IIR Middle East, the organiser of Cityscape 2006, the region's premier international property investment and development event, has announced that Saudi companies have strengthened their presence at this year's show, booking 70% more exhibition space than in 2005, a full eight months prior to this year's opening at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, on 4-6 December 2006.." [more]

Saudi-Indonesia: Leaders Seek Multinational Forum to Resolve Middle East Conflict [Apr 28]
"The leaders of Saudi Arabia and Indonesia have agreed to set up a multinational forum to help solve the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict.. ..'This forum can be integrated with the Middle East Quartet [the UN, US, EU and Russia] to work together to restore comprehensive peace and security in the region,' said visiting Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.." [more]

Saudi Arabia and Egypt to Take Part in Quartet Committee Meeting [Apr 28]
"..Saudi Arabia and Egypt will take part in the International Quartet Committee's meeting, called for by UN Secretary General, Kofi Anan.. ..Saudi Foreign Affairs Minister, Prince Saud Al Faisal, and his Egyptian counterpart Ahmed Abulgeet will represent their countries in the meeting, due at UN Headquarters on May 9.." [more]

Nigeria: Umrah: Saudi Stops Nigerians Under 40 Yrs [Apr 28]
"Nigerians under the age of 40 have been stopped from going on the lesser hajj by Saudi authorities because most of them don't come back, according to embassy officials.. ..An embassy official told the Daily Trust 'Most Nigerians go to Umrah and over-stay in Saudi Arabia. The youth are particularly prone to this as they use it as an opportunity to make money.' Last year 75,000 pilgrims went on the Umrah, and only 35 per cent came back.." [more]

Islamic TV Channel Al Resalah Launched in Saudi Arabia [Apr 28]
"A 24-hour Arabic Islamic channel Al Resalah (The Message) is launched in Saudi Arabia. The channel, which aims to counter the misconception about Islam, was unveiled by prince Al Waleed bin Talal, chairman of Kingdom Holding Company.. ..The funding for the non-profitable channel has come from the personal contribution of Prince Al Waleed.." [more]

More Student Visas For US Now [Apr 28]
"Americans are working hard to expand visa operations so that Saudi students can complete their applications in a timely manner and get their visas quickly, said US Ambassador to the Kingdom James C. Oberwetter.. ..Over 1,000 student visas are now being issued per month in Riyadh – over 9,000 total since June of last year. Oberwetter said that educational advisers as well as visa officers will help those interested in studying in the US.." [more]

Riyadh to Set Up Special Court [Apr 28]
"Saudi Arabia will create a state security court to try terror-related cases, an official said in remarks published yesterday. The special tribunal 'will be set up within six months and comprise five to seven judges, nominated by the justice and interior ministers and appointed by King Abdullah'.. ..It will 'look into the cases of those involved in the terrorist bombings in the kingdom ... I think its (verdicts will) not be open to appeal,' he said.." [more]

Women Bow Out of Madinah Chamber Polls [Apr 28]
"The two businesswomen running in the elections for the Madinah Chamber of Commerce and Industry board of directors withdrew their nominations on Wednesday. The news came as a shock to the businesswomen community in Madinah and elsewhere as this dashes all hope for a repeat of the Jeddah experience in electing women to the chamber’s board of directors — especially after the failure of women in the Eastern Province to win a seat — until the next elections in four years.." [more]

Jeddah College to Hold Elections [Apr 28]
"The Jeddah Teacher’s College will become the first institution of higher education in the Kingdom to hold elections for student council. The vote will take place on May 1. Fifty-nine students are vying for seats in the council to represent the 3,000-strong student body.." [more]

Hilton’s First Palace Hotel Set to Open [Apr 28]
"Hilton International’s first palace hotel is set to open on May 15.. ..Recent statistics reveal that domestic tourism could generate around SR101 billion by 2020. 'And we believe that Qasr Al-Sharq will play a significant role in shaping the future of high-end tourism in the Kingdom,' its manager Marc de Beer told Arab News yesterday.. ..Nearly 4.5 million Saudi nationals travel abroad every year, a fact that has spurred the Kingdom’s tourism authority to encourage its nationals to travel within the Kingdom.." [more]

Arab-Centric Internet Portal to Be Launched This Year [Apr 28]
"The first Arab-centric Internet search engine will be launched this year to meet the needs of the Internet users in their own language. 'We will launch Sawafi (meaning “sandstorm”) this year,' said Hermann Havermann, managing director of the new Seekport Internet Technologies Arabia.. ..An important factor will be the adaptation of search to the specific needs of the Arabic user while addressing the numerous peculiarities and dialect variations of the Arabic language.." [more]

Yemen to Hand Over More Saudi Terrorists [Apr 27]
"Yemen will hand over to Saudi Arabia 16 Saudi nationals wanted at home on suspicion of involvement in terrorist activities. The pro-government daily September 26 reported Thursday that 'the security authorities in Yemen will surrender shortly 16 Saudis among terror suspects wanted by the Saudi authorities.' The paper quoted "well-informed" sources as saying the move falls within the framework of security agreements signed between the two countries to cooperate in combating terrorism and boost security in both Yemen and Saudi Arabia.." [more]

Kingdom’s Net Foreign Assets Reach SR752.8bn [Apr 27]
"Due to higher oil revenues, impressive growth in non-oil exports and favorable macroeconomic conditions, the net foreign assets held by Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA), autonomous government institutions (AGIs) and local commercial banks increased by 42.9 percent to SR752.8 billion in 2005. This trend in net foreign assets growth seems to be heading for another record year in 2006.." [more]

Saudi Banks Intend to Open Branches in Indonesia [Apr 27]
"A number of Saudi Islamic banks have expressed readiness to open their branches in Indonesia to help finance various projects in the country, a spokesman said.. ..To attract Saudi investments, he said, the Indonesia government needed to conduct feasibility studies for various projects in which Saudi businessmen could invest. Plantation, tourism and energy sectors had a great chance to attract Saudi investments.." [more]

Madar-Markeight Commissioned to Conduct Major Study on KSA Knowledge Economy [Apr 27]
"King Abdulaziz Library has commissioned the Dubai-based Madar Research Group and Riyadh-headquartered Markeight to carry out and publish a major study about the development of a knowledge-based economy in Saudi Arabia. The significance of the study is that it will be the first comprehensive research-based project to profile the kingdom in terms of its readiness for a knowledge economy.." [more]

Women Own 40% of Real Estate: Taher [Apr 27]
"Women’s drive toward becoming more active participants in the national economy is getting stronger, according to Nashwa Taher, one of the two businesswomen elected to the board of directors of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry last year.. ..Citing statistics from the National Commercial Bank, Taher said Saudi women own 40 percent of the Kingdom’s real estate assets. They own 20 percent of stocks and a little more than 18 percent of current bank account. Saudi women have SR17 billion of the country’s non-invested savings.." [more]

Smooth-Talking Saudi Ambassador Fields Gentle Questions [Apr 27]
"..Turki Al Faisal, wasted little time during a public appearance at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs in denouncing Osama bin Laden, saying the terrorist's was an evil vision. 'Osama Bin Laden does not speak for Muslims,' Mr. Al Faisal said yesterday afternoon. 'His religion is extremism'.." [more]

Al-Dabbagh Receives Man of the Year Award [Apr 27]
"Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) Governor Amr Al-Dabbagh was awarded “Man of the Year” by Arabian Business magazine, published by ITP.. ..The judges gave Al-Dabbagh 19 of the maximum possible 20 points for the award, citing the following: The enhancement of the investment environment in Saudi Arabia, increase in the flow of investments and attention to achieving SAGIA’s goals - improving the investment competitiveness, supporting and growing DDI and supporting and attracting FDI.." [more]

New Arab Search Engine to Challenge Google [Apr 27]
"A Saudi-German plan to launch a dedicated Arabic language search engine for the Web could revolutionize the moribund Arabic Internet market, a senior official in the project said. 'Sawafi', planned for the last quarter of 2006, could also set a tough challenge for international search giants such as Google, MSN and Yahoo, which offer a basic Arabic search facility at present.." [more]

Saudi Arabia: Talks With Chevron Over Study Contracts [Apr 26]
"A Saudi Aramco source says oil major company Chevron is holding talks with the Saudi company over study contracts. These contracts deal with plans to build new refineries and expand the petrochemical industry in the Kingdom. Chevron is understood to be holding talks with Saudi Aramco over a refinery project in Jubail.." [more]

Toshiba Forecasts Bumper First Quarter in Saudi [Apr 26]
"Regional notebook powerhouse Toshiba is predicting strong sales in Saudi Arabia ahead of the publication of official first quarter 2006 shipment figures from research house IDC. Toshiba claims to have almost tripled notebook sales year-on-year in the Kingdom during the first three months of 2006.." [more]

Indonesian President Holds Talks with Saudi King [Apr 26]
The talks touched on bilateral relations as well as the latest developments in the Islamic and international levels, including developments of the Palestinian issue and the situation in Iraq.." [more]

Iraqi Strife Seeping Into Saudi Kingdom [Apr 26]
"The conflict in Iraq has begun to spill over onto this hardscrabble, sunburned swath of coast, breathing new life into the ancient rivalry between the country's powerful Sunni Muslim majority and the long-oppressed Shiite minority in one of the most oil-rich areas of the world. 'Saudi Sunnis are defending Iraqi Sunnis, and Saudi Shiites are defending Iraqi Shiites,' said Hassan Saffar, Saudi Arabia's most influential Shiite cleric. 'There's a fear that it will cause a struggle here'.." [more]

TechXact Aims to Make Saudi Arabia a Wireless Internet Hot Zone [Apr 26]
"With the rapid adoption of technology services in Saudi Arabia, TechXact, one of the Middle East region’s foremost providers of high-end technology solutions, sees the Kingdom as a key driver to its regional growth.. ..Mehdi Paryavi, President and Managing Director, of TechXact Middle East said, 'It is evident that Saudi Arabia is a vast and fast growing market with huge demand for quality 'turnkey' IT solutions'.." [more]

Saudi Official Ignores Women's Issues [Apr 26]
"Prince Turki al-Faisal, the new Saudi ambassador to the United States, came to town last week to make a speech and addressed everything but one important issue. He talked about Iraq, Iran, Israel, the Danish cartoons, the "peaceful and tolerant" message of Islam and the need for economic progress in the Islamic world, but did not mention one word about the pitiful status of women in some Islamic countries.." [more]

More Saudi Women Seek Employment, Says Educationist [Apr 26]
"According to the dean of the Dar Al-Hekma College, more than ever before women are looking to try something new: employment. 'There is a noticeable growth in women job seekers,' said Suhair Al-Qurashi, dean of the Jeddah-based women’s college. 'Now that the Kingdom has joined the World Trade Organization, the challenges are stronger. There is more of a need now for women to have new jobs different from what has been afforded them'.." [more]

Prince Alwaleed, Yemeni Envoy Discuss Bilateral Ties [Apr 26]
"Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, chairman of Kingdom Holding Company (KHC), received Yemeni Ambassador Mohammad Ali Alahwal at his office yesterday.. ..Alahwal conveyed Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh's message to the prince. The message appreciated the prince's generous humanitarian efforts toward rebuilding the Al-Dhafir village. The rockslide disaster, which struck the village in December 2005, took many lives and destroyed at least 30 homes. The prince's prompt and brotherly efforts depict the strong ties between the two countries and their people.." [more]

Saudi Stocks Leap Record 1,025 Points [Apr 26]
"Saudi stocks surged to a record single-day gain yesterday due to a sharp increase in major Banking and Industrial indexes. The Tadawul All-Share Index (TASI) jumped 8.13 percent or 1,025.34 points to 13,637.08 after the Council of Ministers instructed authorities on Monday to take all necessary measures to stabilize the stock market.." [more]

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Pledge $97.5M US in Aid to Palestinian Authority [Apr 25]
"Saudi Arabia and Kuwait promised Tuesday to send emergency aid to the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority as unrest grows over unpaid government salaries and a sagging economy. Saudi Arabia has pledged to give $90 million US and Kuwait has offered to kick in $7.5 million US on top of funds pledged earlier by other Arab nations, according to Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud al-Zahar.." [more]

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Participates in ATM 2006 [Apr 25]
"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by The Supreme Commission for Tourism, will take part in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) to be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 2 -5, 2006.. ..Saudi Arabia will unveil new initiatives aimed at further enhancing the profile of the country as a premiere tourist destination in the region, including launching new tourism destinations and packages, as well as tourism-related investment opportunities that are expected to draw the interest of event participants and guests.." [more]

Saudi Oil Reserve for China a Win-Win Proposition [Apr 25]
"China's quest to set up a strategic oil reserve fed by Saudi Arabia is a logical extension of growing ties based on mutual need between the two nations, analysts said on Tuesday. The relationship between Beijing, which is looking for secure oil supplies to fuel its economic growth, and the world's top crude exporter has a mainly economic agenda and should not be overly politicized, they said.." [more]

Saudi Arabia: Top US Real Estate Fund Manager to Explore Projects [Apr 25]
"A top American real estate fund manager will arrive in Saudi Arabia from April 29 through May 9 to explore retail projects in the Kingdom. “The combination of abundant liquidity owing to high oil prices and a youthful population creates significant opportunities for retail growth in Saudi Arabia,” Dr. Aria Mehrabi, co-founder of Los Angeles-based Pacific Star Capital Management, told Arab News.." [more]

Saudi Arabia's Plan to Stop Suicide Attacks [Apr 25]
"Three years after targets in Saudi Arabia were hit by a series of suicide bomb attacks, the country has responded by investing heavily in anti-terrorist training, acquiring equipment and expertise from abroad, and a re-indoctrination campaign among suspected militants.. ..While foreign training, intelligence sharing and high-tech equipment can go some way to tackling the problem in Saudi Arabia, Western diplomats said that the real achievement has been the home-grown "hearts and minds" campaign which appears to have drained support for the militant cause.." [more]

Saudi Arabia Bans Schools from Collecting for Charities [Apr 25]
"The General Education Administration in the Riyadh area confirmed in a report earlier this month that government and charitable schools, as well as private educational institutions in and around the city of Riyadh, would be prohibited from collecting donations inside schools for any charitable organizations whatsoever.. ..Investigations conducted by Saudi security agencies with some suspects against the background of the terrorist events that have raged in the country since May 2003 have confirmed their involvement in collecting funds for terrorist cells and the use of some of the most prominent names of charitable organizations in the country for this purpose.." [more]

Crude Oil Falls a Second Day After OPEC Says Supply Is Adequate [Apr 25]
"Oil fell for a second day after OPEC, whose members produce 40 percent of the world's crude, said it was providing adequate supplies.. ..Saudi Arabia's Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi said yesterday that the world is well supplied and there is no extra demand for oil.." [more]

Bin Laden Words Raise Saudi Reform Debate Tensions [Apr 25]
An unprecedented verbal attack by al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden on Saudi liberals will raise the temperature in a tense debate over reforms in his native Saudi Arabia, analysts and activists said.. ..Bin Laden said some Arab intellectuals were "scorning religion" and singled out Saudi Labour Minister Ghazi Algosaibi by name, according to the Web site of Al Jazeera television. The attack is seen as a new tactic for the militant whose followers have waged a violent campaign against the Saudi government since 2003.." [more]

Cabinet Steps In to Stabilize Bourse [Apr 25]
"The Council of Ministers yesterday instructed authorities to take all necessary measures to stabilize the stock market after it plunged several times during the past two months, sending a shockwave through the Saudi investment community.. ..The Cabinet also emphasized the need for publishing accurate information about companies listed on the market.." [more]

Saudi Woman Selected to Hone Her Leadership Skills in US [Apr 25]
"A Saudi woman has for the first time been chosen to participate in a US State Department program that seeks to offer an opportunity for women leaders to interact with Fortune 500 companies. Soha Aboul Farag is a banker with 17 years of experience. She was chosen out of ten candidates from the Western Region to participate in this one-month program. She will join 25 others from around the world in the program that kicks off on April 30 in Washington.." [more]

SCT Offers Grants for Tourism Research [Apr 25]
"The Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT) announced yesterday that it would provide financial assistance up to SR100,000 to carry out research works on the industry as part of its efforts to promote domestic tourism.. ..The commission has taken a series of steps to strengthen the Kingdom’s tourism industry. Prince Sultan ibn Salman, secretary-general of SCT, signed an agreement last month with a law firm to draft the country’s general tourism law.." [more]

Chinese Leader Ends Saudi Visit [Apr 24]
"China's president Hu Jintao has ended a three-day state visit to Saudi Arabia. The Chinese leader's visit to the desert kingdom was all about trying to secure energy sources for development and can be considered a success. He signed a series of agreements in the fields of energy, security, defence and health among others,," [more]

Oil Price Level Not a Supply Problem: Saudi [Apr 24]
"Saudi Arabian Oil Minister Ali al-Nuaimi said that markets determined the price of oil and that the current level was not due to supply shortages. 'The market determines the price'.. ..In Asian trade, oil prices slipped off record highs above 75 dollars reached on Friday.." [more]

US Calls for More Security at Oil Facilities [Apr 24]
"The US energy secretary called Monday for more security at oil facilities around the world, saying Saudi Arabia had asked Washington for help after a botched attack at a plant in the kingdom. Samuel Bodman also warned that the threat of new attacks against Saudi oil infrastructure remained high and said that record oil prices are a source of great pain to the US and world economies.." [more]

HP Boosts Saudi Role [Apr 24]
"HP Middle East has announced details of recent investments in Saudi Arabia at a roundtable event held during Gitex KSA. The investment in HP’s local assembly plant strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional hub for IT production and key senior-level appointments in Saudi Arabia increase the on-the-ground presence of one of its largest multi-national IT companies.." [more]

Expatriates Welcome New Saudi Labour Law [Apr 24]
"Saudi Arabia has brought in a new labour law with a host of mandatory obligations for employers, including signing a written contract, a move widely hailed by expatriate workers as towards ending their exploitation. The new law, which came into effect yesterday, replaces a 37-year-old legislation. It, however, does not contain any provision to prevent abuse of housemaids. The law obliges the employer to bear all expenses from the time of recruitment through the worker's tenure for payment of residence and work permit fees and their renewal.." [more]

Filipinos Are Safe Here, Kingdom Assures Manila [Apr 23]
"Following the recent arrest of 52 Filipinos as suspects in a gruesome murder case in which the mutilated remains of three Filipinos were found in the Industrial Area here on April 4, the Kingdom has reassured the Philippine government that the estimated 900,000 Filipinos working in the country are safe and being treated well.." [more]

Saudi Deal Flies to Rescue of Eurofighter Exports [Apr 23]
"Saudi officials are finalising a deal with Britain’s BAE Systems for the delivery of up to 72 Typhoons, as the export version of the Eurofighter is now known. The deal, initially for 24 aircraft, is expected to be signed by the end of June. It will be a milestone for the Typhoon, which has struggled to secure export orders, as well as a coup for BAE Systems, the plane manufacturers’ British partner.." [more]

Toshiba Targets Saudi Sales Growth in 2006 [Apr 23]
"Visitors to this year's Gitex can examine Toshiba's comprehensive range of notebooks.. ..'Saudi Arabia is a key strategic market for Toshiba accounting for 35% to 40% of our total revenue in the region,' adds Khalil. 'We see enormous opportunity in the Kingdom'.." [more]