Saudi-US Relations Information Service

Keeping Track - Recently on SUSRIS







Rollover image for info		Rollover image for info

Solve Iran Crisis Peacefully, Saud Says [Jul 7]
"Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal yesterday reiterated Saudi Arabia’s call for a peaceful solution to the international standoff over Iran’s nuclear energy program and downplayed the idea of Tehran targeting GCC countries in the wake of a possible US strike against it. 'We have expressed our hope that the Iranian crisis is solved peacefully,'.. ..Asked about the chances of Iran striking at Gulf countries in the event of hostilities, the prince said: 'I haven’t heard of such a suggestion .. but it is inappropriate.'.." [more]

Premier Visits Saudi [Jul 7]
"Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz al-Saudi received at his Jeddah Palace yesterday Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor al-Thani. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and discussed a host of other issues of mutual interest.." [more]

GCC Calls For Winding Back the Clock in Gaza [Jul 7]
"Gulf Cooperation Council called on Thursday for the situation in the Gaza Strip to return to how it was before Hamas seized control last month. '[We] demand the return of the situation in the Gaza Strip to how it was before the latest incidents,'.. ..The GCC foreign ministers ended their 103rd session held under the chairmanship of Prince Saud Al Faisal, Saudi Foreign Minister. UAE Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, took part in the meeting.." [more]

Fitch Assigns Stable Rating for Samba [Jul 7]
"Fitch Ratings yesterday assigned a stable rating for Saudi Arabia-based SAMBA Financial Group (Samba). The agency affirmed Samba's Long-term Issuer Default (IDR) 'A', Short-term IDR 'F1', Individual 'B' and Support '1'. The Support Rating Floor is unchanged at 'A'. The Outlook for the Long-term IDR is Stable.. ..Samba's last year's results showed a strong performance with reported net income of 5.2 billion riyals, equating to an operating return on equity of 36pc.." [more]

Saudi Stocks Recover After Early Plunge [Jul 7]
"Saudi shares dived to record lows at the beginning of last week, but recovered later, reflecting a cautious approach ahead of the publication of semi-annual results of the listed companies. The Tadawul All-Share Index (TASI) hit its lowest point since February 2005, but recovered later to close at 7,168.70 points that represents a 2.25 percent increase over previous week’s close at 7,011.16 points. The index jumped 179.53 points or 2.57 percent on Wednesday. TASI is currently 9.6 percent lower than the year’s start.." [more]

Project to Fingerprint Expat Workers Takes Off [Jul 6]
"The Saudi passport department began fingerprinting foreign workers in the kingdom in a move that aims, among other things, to control the number of expatriate workers and cut the volume of paper used in the passport transactions.. ..A large number of foreigners overstay after coming for the Haj or Umrah. Many of them dispose of all their identity documents after entering the kingdom. The move to collect fingerprints from foreigners will also prevent those expatriates who flee after committing crimes in the kingdom from returning to the country under a different name and with a different passport.." [more]

Shoura Members Call for Rights Ministry [Jul 6]
"Some members of the Shoura Council requested the establishment of an independent ministry for human rights and civil society, according to a report by Al-Riyadh Arabic daily, Thursday. These members suggested during the Council's regular deliberations that the proposed ministry replace the national associations and organizations. Meantime, another group demanded the establishment of a National Commission for Discipline to probe into implementation and law enforcement of all the state bodies. The Shoura Council is to devote upcoming sessions in discussing the non-government organizations draft law which raised controversy on whether their function should be under the blanket of government or independent entities.." [more]

Sabic Plans to Raise $5b Through Islamic Bonds [Jul 6]
"Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (Sabic) could be planning to raise up to $5 billion through a programme of sukuk, an official of the Saudi-based Islamic Development Bank said yesterday. The world's largest chemical firm by market value, Sabic wants to use the money to pay for expansion, Islamic Development Bank Treasurer Mohammad Tarek told Reuters.. ..The Islamic Development Bank is a multilateral institution providing financial and technical assistance to Muslims. Sabic bought General Electric Co's plastics business in May for $11.6 billion and said it would borrow around 75 per cent of the cost. The largest single sukuk sale raised $3.52 billion for Nakheel Group in December.." [more]

Arabian Tourism Bank to Jump-Start Weak Industry [Jul 6]
"A deal was signed to establish an Arabian Tourism Bank to help create and improve tourist infrastructure facilities across the Arab world, at a meeting here on Wednesday night. Prince Sultan ibn Salman, secretary general of the Supreme Commission for Tourism, and Lebanese Tourism Minister Joseph Sarkis participated in the signing ceremony held at the Jeddah Hilton.. ..Sarkis said the agreement reflected the strong existing relations between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. He urged Arabs to band together to promote tourism and said Arab League member states should collaborate to revive the ailing Middle East tourism industry after political instability and intermittent violence led to a sluggish 2006 season across the region.." [more]

Arab Bourses Vigilant as Investors Await Midyear Results [Jul 6]
"Cautious optimism is expected to dominate Arab stock markets in the coming week as investors monitor the midyear results particularly of blue chip firms.. ..Saudi shares dived to record lows at the beginning of this week, but recovered later, reflecting a cautious approach ahead of the publication of semi-annual results. The Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) of the Arab world's largest bourse hit its lowest point since February 2005, but recovered later to close at 7,168.70 points that represents a 2.2-per-cent increase over last week's close at 7,011.16 points.." [more]

Bin Laden Deputy Calls For Regime Change in Saudi Arabia [Jul 5]
"Osama bin Laden's deputy Dr. Ayman al-Zawahiri issued a new video calling for Muslim fighters to strike Western interests worldwide and for regime change in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. "The struggle against the corrupt regimes and the corruptors is in two phases... In the short term, one must take aim at the interests of the Crusaders and Jews," Zawahiri said in the new video.. ..Zawahiri dedicated a considerable part of his message to attacking Saudi royals and officials as "rapacious ones who want to possess the land, that which it holds and those who people it." He singled out Prince Bandar bin Sultan for allegedly receiving secret payments of more than one billion dollars from Britain's BAE following a 1985 aircraft deal with Riyadh.." [more]

Ismail Hails Saudi Political, Humanitarian Efforts towards Sudan [Jul 5]
"The Presidential Advisor, Dr. Mustafa Osaman Ismail has lauded the distinguished political and humanitarian roles played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia towards Sudan particularly on Darfur. Ismail stated that the Saudi Red Crescent is one of the major organizations operating in Darfur ever since the eruption of the crisis. He further considered the Saudi organization as a model for Arab organizations operating in Darfur.. ..The Ambassador disclosed that upon his departure to Khartoum, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdallah Bin Saud directly instructed him to promote the two counties bilateral relations in all fields.." [more]

Riyad Bank Beats Profit Forecasts [Jul 5]
"Riyad Bank, Saudi Arabia's sixth-largest lender by market value, beat profit forecasts by expanding its lending business in the second quarter to compensate for tumbling stock market revenue. The bank, which reported declines in net profit over the past three quarters, said earnings rose 24.3 per cent from the year-earlier period to 848 million riyals ($226.1 million).." [more]

Umm Faisal vs. Commission: Trial Postponed Until Sept. 1 [Jul 5]
"The trial involving a 50-year-old Saudi woman who is suing the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice for a 2003 incident has been postponed until Sept. 1.. ..On Monday, the court postponed the hearing until September to give the commission time to contact the Riyadh Governorate (where the original lawsuit was filed in early 2004) regarding the paperwork in the case. On Monday, no representative from the commission attended the hearing, which was another reason for the postponement. A lower court had originally found the arresting commission member guilty and fined him SR2,000 while acquitting the other for lack of evidence.." [more]

US Demand Lifts Oil Near 10-Month High [Jul 5]
"Oil held steady around $73 a barrel after briefly marking a new 10-month high today as dealers waited for weekly US oil inventory data that is expected to show little change in crude or fuel stocks.. ..Oil prices have risen to a series of 10-month highs over the past week as traders fret over thin US gasoline supplies and fear a rapid drawdown in lofty crude stocks if Opec maintains its supply curbs through the peak summer demand season. Weekly inventory data due out later is unlikely to do much to change the medium-term outlook, according to a Reuters poll of analysts that shows an expected 100,000 barrels rise in distillate stocks and a 300,000 barrels increase in gasoline.." [more]

STC May Get Indian Govt’s Go-Ahead [Jul 5]
"Saudi Telecom Co. (STC) is likely to get the Indian government’s go-ahead to enter India through its purchase of a 25 percent stake in Malaysian telecom company Maxis Communications. The $3-billion deal gives this Saudi company an 18.5 percent indirect stake in Chennai-based Aircel Cellular, which has substantial operations in that country. Maxis owns 74 percent of Aircel.." [more]

GCC to Confront Iraq Security Fallout [Jul 4]
"GCC defense and foreign ministers held a joint meeting here yesterday.. ..Addressing the extraordinary meeting, Prince Abdul Rahman called for taking a joint decision to confront the challenge that threatens GCC security. The Gulf Cooperation Council groups Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. “What is happening in Iraq now is definitely going to affect the security and stability of our countries,” the prince said. “So, we have to make all possible efforts to stop the worsening situation in Iraq and protect its national unity and territorial integrity.” The Saudi minister also urged greater GCC involvement to realize Iraqi national reconciliation in order to help the Iraqis stand united in the face of sectarian violence and terrorist threats.." [more]

Prince Alwaleed Receives New British Ambassador [Jul 4]
"Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, Chairman of Kingdom Holding Company, received new British ambassador to Saudi Arabia, William Patey, at his office in Riyadh.. ..The meeting began as ambassador Patey relayed cordial regards from the government and people of the United Kingdom and thanked Prince Alwaleed for giving him the opportunity to meet with him as it is one of his first meetings since he took up post as British ambassador to Saudi Arabia.." [more]

Kuwait Push for Saudi Project [Jul 4]
"State-owned Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) said a treaty with Saudi Arabia over a disputed gas field should be implemented quickly as the Gulf Arab state struggles to meet demand for gas. The off-shore Dorra field has been a bone of contention between Tehran and Kuwait since the 1960s. It lies on the continental shelf between Opec producers Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Iran.. ..KPC officials recommended that 'the implementation of treaties with Saudi Arabia should be expedited to accelerate the development of the Durra field'. The recommendation was one of several KPC made to help meet rising demand for gas to be used in power generation as an economic boom sparked by record oil revenues strains capacity.." [more]

Alwaleed's Kingdom Ready to Sell Shares to the Public [Jul 4]
"Kingdom Holding Co., billionaire Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal's investment company, is preparing to offer shares to Saudi individuals in an initial public offering that values the business at as much as $17.6 billion, two people with knowledge of the matter said. Riyadh-based Kingdom will sell shares for 10.25 riyals ($2.73) to 10.5 riyals each, after money managers sought more than twice the stock offered to them, said the people, who declined to be identified because the information is private. Shares may go on sale to individuals as soon as July 7.." [more]

Saudi Embassy: No Saudi Students Among Detained UK Terror Suspects [Jul 4]
"HRH Prince Mohammed Bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi ambassador to the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, has refuted the news reported on the front page of a British newspaper stating that “two Saudi medical students in UK were among the people detained by the British government.” The Saudi ambassador’s statements follow the [failed] terrorist events that recently took place in Britain.." [more]

Saudi Arabia's Non-Oil Exports Rise 13% in April [Jul 4]
" A report issued by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Economy and Planning showed that the Kingdom's non-oil exports reached about $2.16 billion in April this year compared to $1.9 billion in the same month last year, showing an increase of 13 percent, Gulf News reported. According to the report, the total value of Saudi imports rose 38 percent to $7.3 billion in April compared to $5.3 billion riyals in April 2006. Saudi non-oil exports to GCC states in April reached $546 million compared to $443 million in April 2006 with an increase of 23 percent.." [more]

Saudi King Issues Six Royal Decrees [Jul 3]
"King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia returned home last week from an overseas tour and issued six royal decrees on Sunday evening for the appointment and extension of services for senior government officials. On the important appointment for Saudis was that of Abdul Aziz Bin Mohammad Al Hoqail as President of the Saudi Railways Organisation (SRO), replacing Khalid Alyahya. There has been speculation that Al Hoqail will assume the Presidency of Saudi Aramco. His appointment as SRO chief comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is looking forward to develop its railway sector.. ..The Saudi monarch will renew the terms of the existing members of Supreme Economic Council (SEC) advisory council for economic affairs for two years.." [more]

Saudi Arabia to Implement Strict Measures for Religious Camps [Jul 3]
"The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowment, Dawa and Guidance is in the final stages of preparing for the process of monitoring the kingdom’s religious ‘dawa’ [Islamic proselytizing] camps. The ministry is expected to begin the implementation of its plan this summer season amidst strict measures taken by ministry officials with the intention of putting an end to the exploitation of these camps by agenda-driven individuals. This comes after a series of accusations were leveled at the religious camps by a number of intellectual and cultural activists who believe that some parties have exploited these camps to settle their disputes with others.. ..Al Sudairi stressed that the ministry will ban the distribution of any religious tapes or books in these camps that have not been approved by the ministry first.." [more]

Misery Continues for Saudi Investors [Jul 3]
"Saudi Arabia's stock market was down 46.98% on its first half trading compared to the same period last year, according to statistics released by the exchange on Tuesday. At the end of June 2007, the Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) closed at 6969.72 points, compared to 13145.26 points at the end of June 2006. The Tadawul has dipped by 6.98% since the end of May, and is down 12.15% since the start of this year.. ..So far this year, shares in telecoms and banking companies have performed worst, losing 26.63% and 20.46% in value respectively.." [more]

Saudi Arabia Foiled 180 Terror Plots Since 2003 [Jul 3]
"Saudi interior minister has announced that the country is setting up security units to protect oil installations against terrorist attacks. Speaking to the press on Sunday evening following a visit to the Shura Council in Riyadh, Prince Nayef said the security forces have succeeded without assistance from others in foiling 180 terrorist attacks since 2003. 'If 10 per cent of these attacks took place it would have been a catastrophe,'.. ..He said terrorism is not only targeting the leadership or the government, but the whole country. He appealed to citizens to abide by religion and the homeland.." [more]

Cabinet Approves Measures for Consumer Protection [Jul 3]
"The Council of Ministers yesterday adopted a series of measures to protect the rights of consumers, including formation of a private association for the purpose. It also approved the academic calendar for the next 10 years.. ..The Cabinet meeting instructed the ministries of municipal and rural affairs; agriculture, commerce and industry; and health as well as the Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO), the General Authority for Food & Medicine and the Customs Department to play a greater role in the protection of consumer rights.." [more]

Turkish Firm Wins Saudi Project [Jul 3]
"A Turkish consortium has bagged the $383.9 million contract to build a water transmission system in a Saudi project. The Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) project is part of its effort to ensure better delivery of potable water and address the problem of water shortage. The project would be completed within 29 months from the signing date.. ..The project was likely to be signed later this year.." [more]

Saudi Arabia Extends Helping Hand to Cyclone Victims [Jul 3]
"Except for Saudi Arabia no other country has so far given humanitarian aid to the victims of Cyclone Yemyin, deputy relief commissioner Balochistan, Ali Gul Kurd, told The News on telephone from Quetta. “We have heard that so far Saudi Arabia is the only country that has committed one million Riyal of humanitarian aid to the flood victims of Pakistan,” he said. He said as many as 118 people in Balochistan have succumbed to death, 44 people died in Khuzdar, 13 in Jhal Magsi, 13 in Awaran, 9 in Kharan, 5 in Bolan, 4 in Kalat, 4 in Turbat, 4 in Washuk, 3 in Sibi, 3 in Chagai, 2 in Jafferabad, 2 in Qila Saifullah, 5 in Lasbella and 1 in Gwadur.." [more]

Saudi Scouts Team Set to Participate in Centenary Celebrations [Jul 3]
"A delegation of Saudi Boy Scout Association will leave for London this month to participate in the centenary celebrations of the scouting movement, according to Dr. Abdullah Alfahad, secretary-general of the Saudi Boy Scout Association (SBSA). Dr. Alfahad said 150 delegates from the Kingdom would be joining the celebrations from July 27 to Aug. 8. In another development, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah is sponsoring a project, “King Abdullah’s Gift for Peace,” to promote international understanding and brotherhood among nations. The king’s initiative is in response to an international congress on scouts to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, in November 2008.." [more]

Saudi Conjoined Twins Successfully Separated [Jul 3]
"Saudi conjoined twins Abdullah and Abdulrahman successfully underwent yesterday a separation surgery here at the King Abdul Aziz Medical City (KAMC). This was the 14th separation surgery to be performed at the KAMC under the leadership of Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, head of the surgical team. “We separated the babies before the scheduled time since we were able to complete various phases without any problems,” Rabeeah told newsmen. The 21-hour surgery began at 7.30 a.m. yesterday and was done in 10 phases.." [more]

Saudi Royal Opposes Parliament Elections, King Open [Jul 2]
" A senior Saudi royal ruled out direct elections to Saudi Arabia's unelected parliament in comments published on Monday, days after King Abdullah appeared to hold open the possibility. Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy closely allied to the United States, held elections for half the members of its municipal councils in 2005, and reformers now hope for elections to the Shura assembly in line with moves in other Gulf nations.. ..Last week King Abdullah did not rule out reforming the assembly in an interview with official news agency SPA. 'We think the Shura Council does represent Saudi society and we are happy with its performance,' he said when asked about the idea of instituting elections to the body. But he added: 'We are indeed looking forward to more effectiveness and we will not hesitate to support any step that enables it to develop its performance to the ideal level.'.." [more]

Virtue Commission Men Go on Trial in Bulawi’s Death [Jul 2]
"The trial of four accused members of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice for their involvement in the death of Ahmed Al-Bulawi — a Saudi man who was arrested by them and later collapsed and died at their center last month — started in Tabuk yesterday.. ..An official medical report cleared commission members of any wrongdoing. The report mentioned that he died of a heart attack due to a medical condition. However the family of the deceased is pressing charges, exercising their private rights, and the commission members are now on trial for the death that occurred in their custody.." [more]

Saudi Says Moral Police Custody Deaths Overblown [Jul 2]
"Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef has played down recent cases of prisoners dying in the custody of religious police and said media was exaggerating 'simple negative things', a newspaper reported on Monday. Following a spate of unexplained deaths, Saudi media have criticised the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice – whose wide powers enforce bans on drugs, alcohol and prostitution – and called for it to be disbanded. Clerics say the group is key to ensuring the rule of Saudi Arabia's austere form of Sunni Islam, often termed Wahhabism.." [more]

23 Saudi Fatah al Islam Members Killed [Jul 2]
"Secretary-General of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) factions and head of Fatah Movement in Lebanon, Brigadier General Sultan Abul Ainain, informed Asharq Al-Awsat that 23 Saudi members of Fatah al Islam group were killed, according to the latest official figures. They were buried together in a mass grave in Nahr al Bared camp. Abul Ainain revealed that the information obtained from various Fatah al Islam members who had turned themselves in indicated that the group had 43 Saudi members, of whom 23 were killed during the armed clashes with the Lebanese army.. ..The secretary-general also disclosed that a Saudi militant, who has yet to be named, has recently surrendered to Fatah movement at the Nahr al Bared camp. The movement has handed him over to the Lebanese army in coordination with Saudi Embassy in Beirut.." [more]

Special Security for Oil Plants Soon [Jul 2]
"Saudi Arabia will soon have special security units to protect its oil plants, Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Interior Minister, said in Riyadh on Sunday. Saudi security forces foiled an apparent suicide car bomb attack on a major oil production facility in the eastern town of Abqaiq in February 2006. Addressing the Shoura (Consultative) Council, Prince Naif said the government is exerting all efforts to eliminate terrorism in the Kingdom.. ..The minister said more work needs to be done in regard to the sources that have financed terrorism in the Kingdom.." [more]

Israel Govt Ends Economic Blockade of Palestinians [Jul 2]
"The Israeli government ended an economic blockade of the Palestinians as it released some $50 million in frozen tax funds to the government of President Mahmoud Abbas. Israel and the international community have been trying to support Abbas since Hamas routed his Fatah movement and violently seized the Gaza Strip last month. The infighting has left the Palestinians with two rival governments — the isolated Hamas regime in Gaza and Abbas’ emergency Cabinet in the West Bank. Israel has frozen roughly $600 million, mostly customs duties that it collects on behalf of the Palestinians, since Hamas won Palestinian elections in January 2006.." [more]

Prince Alwaleed Featured in Time’s List of the World’s 100 Most Influential People [Jul 2]
"Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, chairman of Kingdom Holding Company (KHC), is featured in Time Magazine’s List of the World’s 100 Most Influential People. Quoting Time magazine, KHC said in a statement yesterday that Alwaleed is included in the “Power Givers” category for “blending generosity with thoughtful activism to make contributions that count.” The magazine also said that the prince “helped raise the profile of Islamic history and culture around the world.” As an avid supporter of peace all over the world, Alwaleed had donated $20 million to Georgetown University to support and expand its Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding.." [more]

Oil floats above $70 [Jul 2]
"Oil prices held above $70 a barrel on Monday, underpinned by tight gasoline inventories in the United States and expectations of a recovery in refinery use in the world's top consumer. Crude was little moved by security concerns that rippled through European financial markets after failed car bombing attempts in London and an attack on Glasgow's airport over the weekend, weighing on stocks and boosting government bonds. U.S. crude fell 46 cents to $70.22, after settling on Friday at the highest price since August.. ..Oil has been supported this year by violence in Nigeria and Iraq that has cut supplies, as well as traders' concern that Iran's dispute with the West over its nuclear work could affect the country's oil exports.." [more]

Saudi, Canadian Businessmen Clinch Deals to Bolster Trade [Jul 2]
"Saudi Ambassador to Canada Abdul Aziz Al-Sowaiyegh promised to issue entry visa on the same day to Canadian businessmen who intend to visit the Kingdom provided that all the necessary documents are submitted. The move is expected create significant opportunities for Canadian and Saudi investors to boost their exports of goods and services and two-way investments. The Saudi ambassador called on the Canadian businessmen to invest in Saudi Arabia and take advantage of the economic boom there.." [more]

Unprecedented Trial Against Feared Religious Police Opens in Saudi Arabia [Jul 1]
"Four men, including three members of Saudi Arabia's religious police, went on trial Sunday for their alleged involvement in the death of a man in detention — an unprecedented case against a powerful force long resented for intimidating people. The religious police enforce the kingdom's strict Islamic lifestyle, patrolling public places to ensure women are covered, the sexes don't mingle, shops close five times a day for Muslim prayers and men go to the mosque and worship. The man's family is demanding the death penalty.." [more]

Eden Blossoms in Saudi Desert [Jul 1]
"On barren desert in Saudi Arabia, British engineers and scientists are to build a stately pleasure dome five times bigger than Cornwall's Eden Project. The vast, covered 'garden of ages' will re-create the 400-million-year-old history of our planet's plants, trees and flowers. The dome - near Riyadh, the capital - will cover more than 24 acres and become the world's largest indoor garden.. ..The project - run on renewable energy and using a minimum of water - is intended to revitalise tourism.." [more]

Saudi Puts Call Out for 13,000 Doctors [Jul 1]
"Saudi Arabia is looking to recruit 13,000 family doctors for its new family and community health system that will see the kingdom plan 2,000 health centres within the next three years.. ..the country has signed contracts with Egyptian authorities for 4,000 family doctors, Saudi's deputy health minister for planning and development said.. ..The ministry plans to focus on educating new doctors and will send Saudi students to Arab countries such as Egypt, Sudan and Tunisia to study family medicine for one year.." [more]

Expert Urges Change in Saudi Dollar Peg [Jul 1]
"A top Saudi financial analyst has said he is surprised by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states in general and Saudi Arabia in particular continuing to peg their currencies to the falling US dollar. The dollar's declining value against major currencies has been blamed for contributing to imported inflation in the Gulf countries.. ..'Pegging the Saudi riyal with the dollar is not a sacred matter that cannot be changed. It is a legacy of previous eras when the government was the official sponsor and supervisor of the country's economic development, which requires maintaining continuing financing from the oil revenues generated in dollars,' Al Suwayed noted.." [more]

Al-Kurdi Calls for Broadening Scope of CSR [Jul 1]
" Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) should go beyond donations for a humanitarian cause and address issues in the current context, a member of the Shoura Council has observed. Speaking to Arab News on the occasion of the 4th CSR summit that takes place in Dubai today, Usama Al-Kurdi, member of the Shoura Council, called for the establishment of a separate entity to promote the CSR concept in the Kingdom. He said member organizations of the chambers of commerce should similarly make institutional arrangements dedicated to the CSR program.." [more]

Siniora, Saudi King in Talks [Jul 1]
"Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz held talks yesterday with Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora about Lebanon’s security and political problems, a media report said. The two leaders discussed the situation in Lebanon as it battles Islamist militants and deals with a protracted political crisis, as well as co-operation between the two countries.. ..Siniora travelled to Jeddah from Cairo, after a European visit which took him to France and Italy.." [more]

Gulf Oil Income Fuels Takeovers [Jul 1]
"Rising oil incomes will spur foreign acquisitions by Gulf-based petrochemicals companies over the next few years, according to an HSBC study. The recent takeover of US-based GE Plastics by Saudi Basic Industries for $11.6 billion overtook DP World's acquisition of British ports group P&O for $6.8 billion in March 2006 as the largest cross-border deal from the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC).. ..The European and Asian chemical industries are seen as most likely target for acquisitions because of their strategic fit with the Gulf chemicals industry.." [more]

Kingdom Among 140 Countries in WHO Tobacco Control Meeting [Jul 1]
"Saudi Arabia, along with 140 countries, are meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, this week to discuss tobacco regulations in member countries. The conference aims to follow up on the commitment of the member countries to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). Saudi Arabia has signed the treaty and became a member on June 24.. ..Outcomes of the meeting will help countries to strengthen their tobacco control programs and practices through indoor smoking bans, comprehensive tobacco advertising bans and strict regulations of tobacco products.." [more]

Arab League, Hemaya Team Up Against Piracy [Jul 1]
"The Arab League has liaised with the private sector in efforts to crack down on widespread counterfeiting and piracy that cost the region around $50 billion annually. A landmark agreement to that effect was signed between Arab League and Hemaya Universal at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) yesterday which led to the holding of the first Arab Consumer and Brand Protection Forum in the Kingdom sometime in May next year.. ..The Arab Forum for Consumer Protection is set to embark on roadshows to raise consumer awareness about the ill-effects of buying counterfeit goods.." [more]

The SUSRIS project -- an independent, private-sector information resource - offers objective, comprehensive news and information on the history, breadth and depth of the US-Saudi Arabia relationship.
< Read More About SUSRIS >