Saudi-US Relations Information Service

In the News

Saudi to start issuing non-religious tourist visas

Saudi Arabia said on [May 2] it would start issuing non-religious tourist visas to foreigners in a bid to develop the sector in the conservative Gulf Arab kingdom. Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Secretary-General of the Supreme Commission for Tourism, said tour guides would be allowed to operate from June in the country, where tourism has been largely limited to pilgrims visiting Islam's holiest sites. [Washington Post]

In the News

US Commission: Saudi Arabia, Iran Violate Religious Freedom
By VOA News

"The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom says Saudi Arabia and Iran are countries of particular concern. The commission says religious freedom does not exist in Saudi Arabia. It says the kingdom's government promotes extreme religious intolerance around the world.. ..Both Iran and Saudi Arabia were listed as countries of particular concern last year and the commission is urging U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to keep them on the list this year. It also says Egypt and Iraq are being closely monitored because of violations of religious freedom.." [VOA]

In the News

Stock crash shatters Saudi dreams

It was meant to be Saudi Arabia's bold effort at fairly distributing the vast wealth of another oil boom. But hundreds of thousands have had their fingers burnt in a stock market crash since February that has sheared 40% from the value of the Arab world's largest bourse. [Aljazeera.net]

Calendar

GCC Leaders Meet for Semi-Annual Consultative Summit [May 6]
"Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are meeting Saturday in Saudi Arabia for a semi-annual consultative summit, regional news agencies reported. The meeting opened in Al Dariyah Palace in the Saudi capital Riyadh.. ..The meeting is expected to discuss Iran's nuclear programme, an issue that worries Teheran's neighbours. The political and economic alliance of the GCC is made up of oil-rich Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.." [more]

IFAD's President Arrives in Riyadh [May 6]
"The President of International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Linart Bugheh and his accompanying delegation arrived here today. At King Khalid International Airport, they were received by Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture for Animal Resources Affairs Mohammed Abdullah Al-Sheihah and other officials.." [more]

King Abdullah Receives U.S. Former National Security Advisor [May 6]
"The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz received at his palace here today U.S. former National Security Advisor Scowcroft. The audience was attended by Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Saeed, Advisor at the Royal Court.." [more]

Health Ministry Unveils Patients’ Bill of Rights [May 6]
"The Health Ministry has issued a new law with 14 articles to protect the rights of patients. Hospitals and other health care institutions have been instructed to inform the public about these rights by displaying them in prominent places in their reception areas and waiting rooms. The ministry will publicize these rights through the media.." [more]

Emaar KSA to Offer 255 Million Shares in Largest IPO [May 6]
"Emaar KSA, developer of the SR100-billion King Abdullah Economic City, will float 255 million shares in an initial public offering, which is scheduled to begin on May 13.. ..“The IPO for King Abdullah Economic City will be the largest in the history of a Saudi joint-stock company, considering the huge volume of shares offered for public subscription. Some 255 million shares will be available at the rate of SR10 per share without charging any premium,”
one banker said.." [more]

Three Os Top GMA Agenda in Saudi [May 5]
"President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will have three Os for her main agenda when she leaves Sunday for a state visit in Saudi Arabia—oil cooperation, Filipino workers overseas and observer seat for the Philippines in the Organization of Islamic Conference. Mrs. Arroyo will meet with Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud Sunday night for a state dinner to discuss bilateral cooperation on energy sources.." [more]

Saudi Arabia, a Kingdom Divided [May 5]
"..'Even more so when we hear Americans calling for the nuclear bombing of Mecca, or denouncing the Prophet Muhammad as a terrorist.' Saudi Arabia deserves better than this simplistic treatment. One must be aware not just of its political system and of the place of Islam but also of the changes the country is undergoing. To understand Saudi Arabia, one must first examine the society and its complex relationships to power.." [more]

Saudis Courting Tourism [May 5]
"Saudi Arabia took an earth-shattering decision last week to fling its doors open to tourism. The announcement was made Tuesday in Dubai by His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman, the general secretary of the Supreme Commission for Tourism.. ..In making the announcement, HRH stressed that tourists flocking into Saudi Arabia must understand they have to follow "specific instructions and rules" once they are inside the kingdom.." [more]

Prince Talal: Arabs Have to Put Democracy Into Practice [May 5]
"Saudi Prince Talal bin Abdel-Aziz al-Saud said although Arabs were becoming increasingly convinced of the importance of democratic reform, their slogans remain mere words as convictions have yet to be put into practice. The prince added that, on the other hand, democratic reform has become one of the priorities of U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the Arab world.." [more]

Effat College Aims to Create Jobs for Women [May 5]
"Effat College is holding its Fifth Annual Career Day tomorrow at Effat Hall, located on the campus. This year’s theme is 'Against All Odds: Women on The Cutting Edge of Change'.. ..Over 500 guests, including recent graduates and job seekers from both public and private colleges and universities, are expected to attend. They will have the opportunity to submit their résumés to a list of high-profile national and multinational companies.." [more]

More Contracts Signed at Saudi Pavilion [May 5]
"More contracts worth millions of riyals and many agreements were settled with Saudi companies that are participating with the Saudi pavilion at the Arabian Travel Market.. ..Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), organizers of the event, revealed that around 7,000 trade visitors have attended the show in the first two days with nearly 836 media persons covering the exhibition, which marked a 25 percent increase compared to last year.." [more]

Lenovo Set for Huge Growth in Saudi Market [May 4]
"Lenovo, the third largest computing company in the world, today announced the opening of its two representative offices in Saudi Arabia to take its local customer service and support to a higher level. The new Lenovo offices in the Kingdom will be located in Riyadh and Jeddah.." [more]

Saudi King Launches Initiative to Upgrade National Libraries [May 4]
"Saudi King has ordered all authorities to improve the overall condition of the country's libraries and information centers, making use of modern technology and the tremendous flow of information about all cultures and human knowledge.. ..The King indicated how much it is important to carry out researches, studies and translations (to and from other languages) of different sciences, knowledge, literature and arts.." [more]

Saudi Bloggers Reject Oscab [May 4]
"Saudi bloggers are concerned that Oscab, a new official blogging community, is an attempt to threaten their freedom and anonymity, according to Reuters. Oscab rules out any blogs supporting secularism or liberalism. Only Arabic language blogs are allowed, unless they call to Islam.." [more]

We Don’t Need Nuclear Technology: Sultan [May 4]
"Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, has rejected an Iranian offer to provide the Kingdom and other Gulf states with nuclear technology. 'We don’t need nuclear assistance from any country'.. ..Sultan urged both Iran and the Western powers, who are locked in a standoff over Tehran’s nuclear program, to cool down and cooperate with one another for the betterment of humanity.." [more]

Saudi Arabia Says World Has Enough Oil, Suggests Price Stability [May 4]
"Saudi Arabia has said fears that the world may run out of oil in near future is unwarranted with hydrocarbon equivalent of 14 trillion barrel of oil still undrilled and suggested a mechanism to protect prices from non-industry depredations. Oil minister Ali al-Nuaimi speaking at a joint appearance with US Energy Secretary Sam Bodman at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), said yesterday. 'I believe there is 14 trillion barrels of oil reserve in the world, and with the advanced technology, we are exploring more oil fields'.." [more]

Shefa Healthcare to Invest $37.5m in Saudi Company [May 4]
"The Shefa Healthcare Fund, Injazat Capital's $100 million Sharia compliant venture fund, has signed a landmark agreement with Saudi Health Investment Company (SHIC) under which SHIC will invest $37.5 million in private equity capital into the Fund and gain three seats on its board of directors.." [more]

Applications Sought for Massive Rail Project [May 4]
"The Saudi Railways Organisation (SRO) is to open a pre-qualification process next month for tenders for the massive rail project that will link the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah to the Red Sea Port City of Jeddah.. ..To publicise the process, the SRO is to hold a Makkah Madinah Rail Link Project Day in Jeddah on 23 May 2006 at which all aspects of the project will be explained for potential applicants.." [more]

Kingdom’s Investment Climate Best Ever, Says Al-Dabbagh [May 4]
"Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) Governor Amr Al-Dabbagh said here yesterday that the Kingdom’s investment climate was shaping to be the best ever. 'Thanks to the Kingdom’s buoyant economy and visionary policies, investments from both domestic and overseas sources are increasing.'.. ..The enhancement of the investment environment in the Kingdom shows that SAGIA is realizing its goals and objectives, Al-Dabbagh said.." [more]

Oil Minister Advocates Global Markets [May 3]
"Saudi Arabia's oil minister scorned the popular notion that America can achieve energy independence as a myth, saying Tuesday the idea denies the existence of interdependent global markets and the need for countries to work together for oil-price stability. Top Democrats in Congress, who argue that America can become independent of foreign energy sources within 10 years, reacted heatedly to Saudi minister Ali Naimi's statement.." [more]

Saudi Prince Gives USD1 Million to Feed Kenyans Hit by Drought [May 3]
"The United Nations World Food Programme today heartily welcomed a private donation of USD1 million from His Royal Highness Prince Al-Walid bin Talal of Saudia Arabia for WFP's emergency operation to provide food assistance to 3.6 million people suffering from the ravages of drought.. ..The new US$1 million contribution brings the total funding received by WFP to US$105 million - which is still less than half of the US$225 million required to feed up to 3.5 million drought ravaged people in Kenya until February 2007.." [more]

Saudi Arabia Launches Visas and Certification Program for Tourism Industry [May 3]
"HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Secretary General of the Supreme Commission for Tourism announced a series of initiatives to develop the tourism industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia beginning with the launch of tourist visas in the Kingdom.. ..Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulazizalso announced that the Supreme Commission for Tourism will begin licensing tour operators in the Kingdom as of next month.." [more]

Arms Seized on Saudi-Yemen Border [May 3]
"..an attempt to smuggle arms was foiled at the Yemen border. Border guard commander in the region of Najran, Maj. Gen. Abdullah al-Ghamidi, said the smugglers disposed of their weapons when intercepted and ran away, back into Yemen territory. He said as many as 90 hand grenades were seized, as were seven boxes comprising five kilograms of gunpowder, 76 kilograms of a highly explosive material, 30 detonators used for detonating targets from a distance and automatic rifle bullets.." [more]

Saudi Fears Over Attacks Drive Oil Prices Higher [May 3]
"Oil prices rose on Tuesday, propelled by supply fears that were exacerbated after the Saudi oil minister said he expected more attacks on oil infrastructure in the Gulf kingdom following February’s attack on the Abqaiq oil refinery. 'They are not going to stop only at Abqaiq. They will probably try again and again,' said Ali al-Naimi, who added that Saudi Arabia would be 'vigilant' to prevent future attacks.." [more]

Meeting Aims to Boost Kingdom’s Construction Capability [May 3]
"More than $100 billion will be spent on construction megaprojects over the next five years in Saudi Arabia, and business, academic and government leaders are meeting in Alkhobar to discuss ways to develop the Kingdom’s work force so that the money will stay in the local economy.." [more]

Stock Crash Shatters Saudi Dreams [May 3]
"An attempt to spread Saudi Arabia's oil wealth through mass share ownership has ended in tears for many ordinary Saudis after a stock market crash.It was meant to be Saudi Arabia's bold effort at fairly distributing the vast wealth of another oil boom. But hundreds of thousands have had their fingers burnt in a stock market crash since February that has sheared 40% from the value of the Arab world's largest bourse.." [more]

Reports on Stock Funds Freeze ‘Baseless’: SAMA [May 3]
"The Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) on Monday refuted as “baseless” press reports that banks had frozen or liquidated the funds of 100,000 clients during the stock market crash of the past few weeks. A local newspaper said earlier this week that some people had complained to SAMA that banks had frozen their accounts on the expectation that they would go bankrupt as stock prices tumbled.." [more]

Gosaibi Seeks Support to Achieve Saudization Goals [May 3]
"of Economy and Planning Khaled Al-Gosaibi called for active cooperation of the private and public sectors in achieving the goals of the Saudization program, aimed at replacing foreign workers with Saudi nationals.. ..He stressed the need for cooperation to achieve the aims and aspirations of the Kingdom’s Eighth Development Plan that is geared to training and development of human resources on the road to Saudization.." [more]

Saudi Arabia to Invest US$4 Bln in Indonesia's Oil Sector [May 2]
"Saudi Arabia would invest about 4 billion U.S. dollars in Indonesia for building an oil refinery with total capacity of 400,000 barrels per day (bpd), said Iin Arifin, vice presidential director of Indonesian state oil firm Pertamina, here on Tuesday.. .. He said that Saudi Arabia would supply the crude oil to be processed at the refinery, then the production would be fully consumed for Indonesia's domestic need.." [more]

Exploring Far and Wide [May 2]
"..In a speech to a standing-room-only crowd, Saudi Aramco's vice president of exploration and producing, Abdullah Allah S. Al-Saif, said his country will ramp up offshore exploration in the Arabian Gulf between now and 2010. The kingdom, whose desert oil reserves are the largest in the world, will deploy 20 percent of its rigs in offshore waters to explore for new oil and gas fields, Al-Saif said. By year-end, Saudi Arabia will have 120 rigs operating in the country, up from 85 last year and 54 in 2004.." [more]

$240m Sulphuric Acid Plants in Saudi [May 2]
"Finnish steelmaker Outokumpu said it would build three sulphuric acid plants in Saudi Arabia worth $240 million. The deal, announced last year, is part of Saudi Maaden's project to build a mineral export zone at Ras Al Zour industrial zone in eastern Saudi Arabia.." [more]

Saudi to Float 50pc Maaden Shares [May 2]
"Saudi Arabia is to float 50 per cent of state mining company Maaden at the end of this year, a cabinet statement said. Maaden said last month it intended to float a 50 percent stake in an initial public offering but did not specify when. A state pension fund and a social insurance body will each have the option of acquiring 5 per cent of Maaden in the sale, the cabinet said.." [more]

Saudi Shares Forge Ahead [May 2]
"Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index rose for a second day.. ..The Saudi gauge, which has a market value of $535bn, has lost about a quarter its value since reaching a record on February 25 on speculation that share prices had overstated the prospects for profit growth. Concern about the political conflict between the US and Iran has also hurt investor confidence.." [more]

In Saudi Arabia, a Resurgence of Sufism [May 2]
"The centuries-old mawlid, a mainstay of the more spiritual and often mystic Sufi Islam, was until recently viewed as heretical and banned by Saudi Arabia's official religious establishment, the ultraconservative Wahhabis. But a new atmosphere of increased religious tolerance has spurred a resurgence of Sufism and brought the once-underground Sufis and their rituals out in the open. Analysts and some Sufis partly credit reaction to the Sept. 11, 2001,attacks in the United States for the atmosphere that has made the changes possible.." [more]

Reform Process in Saudi Arabia ‘Slow and Divisive’, Claims Report [May 2]
"..The study authored for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace by Amr Hamzawy, an Egyptian political scientist and currently a senior associate at one of America’s leading think tanks, is not sure how the power balance between the two royal factions or schools would unfold. Some assert that the reformist faction lead by Prince Abdullah has gained momentum, while others hold that Prince Sultan, Prince Nayef and Prince Salman, the three traditionalists, have managed to marginalise the former and other moderates.." [more]

IT- People.com to explore partnerships in Saudi Arabia at Gitex 06 [May 2]
"IT-people.com, the IT recruitment portal will be participating in Gitex Saudi Arabia as a part of the DIC Community Zone. They will be exploring new partnerships with a view to expanding their operations in Saudi Arabia. 'We are very positive about the future of the IT industry in Saudi Arabia, the economy of the region is booming and we would like to cater to the growing demand of high class IT professionals required in Saudi Arabia.' Said Ketan Sheth, Chairman IT-people.com.." [more]

Ministry Postpones Processing Requests for US Scholarships [May 2]
"The Ministry of Higher Education has postponed accepting scholarship applications to study in the US for the 2007 academic year until Aug. 15. The original start date was yesterday. A ministry source told Arab News that the delay will allow the ministry time to improve the acceptance process. Last year’s scholarship process was chaotic due to the unexpected high number of applicants.." [more]

Oil Jumps 2 Percent on Supply Worries [May 2]
"Oil prices jumped 2 percent yesterday to top $73 a barrel on concerns that supplies could take a hit from Iran’s defiant pursuit of its nuclear program and violence in Nigeria.. ..Concerns over Iran’s growing standoff with Western nations helped push US oil to a record high of $75.35 a barrel in late April. Prices fell after US President George W. Bush temporarily eased fuel standards to increase availability of refined products ahead of the summer driving season.." [more]

Saudi Aramco Hopes to Sign MoUs With Total, ConocoPhillips [May 1]
"Saudi Aramco said on Monday it hopes to sign deals with Total <TOTF.PA> and ConocoPhillips <COP.N> for two new refineries in the kingdom by the end of May.. ..Khalid al-Buainain, vice president of refining at Aramco.. ..said that the Saudi Arabia state oil company, together with its partners, would spend $50 billion over the next five years to boost refining capacity at home and abroad.." [more]

Saudi Cuts Domestic Fuel Prices [May 1]
"Saudi Arabia has slashed the domestic retail prices of gasoline and diesel between 25 per cent and 33 per cent as crude prices continued to hover around all-time peaks.. ..Retail prices of fuel in the kingdom are fixed and set by the state.." [more]

Saudi Kayan to Make Special Products [May 1]
"The Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Company at Jubail Industrial City is expected to go live in 2009, said Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) vice-chairman and CEO Mohamed Al Mady.. ..Al Mady said the new company would add some specialised chemicals to the Saudi marketplace that will be produced in Saudi Arabia for the first time.." [more]

The Dragon Awakens: Chinese-Saudi Economic and Investment Potential [May 1]
"Between the pomp and ceremony of state visits and senior level meetings of Saudi and Chinese officials, there is indeed much to be pleased about concerning the blossoming relations between the world's major oil producer, Saudi Arabia, and the emerging manufacturing superpower, China. It is no coincidence that President Hu Jintao of China came to Saudi Arabia straight after his state visit to the US in late April. The earlier state visit to China by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah had already set the stage for an emerging economic bond between the two nations.." [more]

UK Trade Mission Looks for Business [May 1]
"A UK trade mission, organized by the Middle East Association (MEA) in London, held their first reception on Saturday. Hosted by UK Trade and Investment at the British Consulate, the mission attracted great interest form local business. 'The presence of this mission,' said David Lloyd of the MEA, 'Strongly indicates the confidence that exporters in the UK have in the Kingdom. They see it as both a prosperous and stable economy and a safe place to do business'.." [more]

3rd Cultural Forum at King Abdulaziz University [May 1]
"Mohammed Yousuf Naghi Motors, the exclusive dealer of BMW in Saudi Arabia, sponsored the 3rd Cultural Forum, 'Women and Work Responsibility', held at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, under the patronage of HRH Princess Al Johara bint Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. Among the issues discussed were claims that Saudi women are ignored by Islam and denied their rights by the Saudi government. The Forum also examined the role of women in voluntary work and the different types of work available to women.." [more]

Defeating Terrorism: An East-West Strategy [May 1]
"In the past week, Osama Bin Laden and Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi have exhorted followers to continue fighting and warned their enemies, from Saudi liberals to the new Iraqi government to George Bush, that their efforts to reform, democratize and crusade (respectively) would be defeated. But their latest releases also reveal that all is not well with Al-Qaeda.." [more]

Kingdom, Greece Sign Landmark Deal [May 1]
"Saudi Arabia and Greece signed a landmark agreement on Saturday on avoidance of double taxation on income from aircraft operations. The agreement was signed by Finance Minister Dr. Ibrahim Al-Assaf and Greek Development Minister Dimitrios Sioufas in the presence of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Greek President Karolos Papoulias.." [more]

Jeddah Forum on Saudi Arabia's Membership in WTO Starts Today [Apr 30]
"Jeddah Asharq Al-Awsat- A forum entitled "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a Member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)," began its deliberations here today. The forum which will review chances and challenges that might face the Saudi business institutions, is attended by 350 economic and business personalities in addition to a number of researchers and academicians. The participants of the two-day forum will review the impact of the Kingdom’s admission to the WTO as well as means of developing the human resources under the phenomenon of globalization.." [more]

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia meets UNESCO's General-Director [Apr 30]
"Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received here on Sunday the Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO) Koïchiro Matsuura. Matsuura discussed with the Saudi Monarch the activities that UNESCO undertakes in various fields, lauding Saudi Arabia's support to the organization.." [more]

Top Companies Vie for New Saudi Phone Licenses [Apr 30]
"At least 10 consortia, comprising Saudi and foreign investors as well as specialized international companies, are vying to win the Kingdom's second land phone license and third mobile phone license, informed sources said. Most of the companies involved in the new business tie-ups previously competed for the second mobile license in the Kingdom. A consortium led by UAE telecom giant Etisalat won the second GSM license two years ago.." [more]

Papoulias Gets Warm Welcome [Apr 30]
"Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan gave a red carpet welcome to Greek President Karolos Papoulias, who arrived here yesterday on his first visit to the region. Diplomats said Papoulias’ talks with King Abdullah would focus on major regional issues, including the situation in Iraq and the Middle East peace process as well as ways of strengthening bilateral cooperation.." [more]

Investment Banking Critical for Kingdom [Apr 30]
"Challenges facing Saudi Arabia’s banking sector due to likely competition from multinational institutions in the aftermath of its World Trade Organization (WTO) membership were among the subjects discussed at a daylong seminar organized by the GlobeInvest Banking Forum at the Jeddah Hilton yesterday. Dr. Nahed M. Taher, CEO, GulfOne Investment Bank, was the keynote speaker. Her topic was: Why Investment Banking is Critical Today.." [more]