|
~~~~~~~~ [ May 24] ~~~~~~~~~
Saudi Rights Activist Seized by Secret Police [May 24]
"Outspoken rights activist and Saudi professor Matrook Al Faleh has been taken into police custody, his wife said on Friday. Saudi Arabian secret
police arrested Al Faleh on Monday at King Saud University in Riyadh, days after he publicly criticised treatment of two activists at a Saudi prison. Al Faleh's wife, Jamila Al
Uqla, said police informed her that he was in custody on Monday, but that police now denied this. 'I keep calling the
secret police, but they keep denying they're holding him at their facility,' she told CNN. Human Rights Watch said Al Faleh was targeted for his
comments on prison conditions.." [more]
$500mn Food Aid from Saudi [May 24]
"Saudi Arabia donated half a billion dollars to a UN World Food Programme appeal to battle the global food price crisis, helping it reach a $755mn
goal, the WFP said yesterday. The agency said in a statement that 'high food prices represent the biggest challenge that WFP has faced in its 45-year history with about 130mn being pushed into hunger.'.. ..'The Saudi donation will keep many people from dying, others from slipping into
malnutrition and disease, and will even help to stave off civil unrest,' Sheeran said. The agency said the Saudi donation puts the kingdom 'at the
forefront of the large-scale, high-level, multilateral UN action by the global community.'.."
[more]
Speculation, Caution Reign at Arab Stock Markets [May 24]
"Arab stock markets remained cautious as investors sought fresh moving factors, financial analysts said yesterday. 'Regional markets appear to be
in a consolidation phase with wary investors searching for new clues to decide their future moves,'.. ..The Tadawul All Share Index of the Saudi stock exchange shed 1.1% this week, closing at 9,672.62 points from 9,783.19 points last week. The Tadawul is currently 12.4% lower than the year’s start,
according to the weekly report of Riyadh-based Bakheet Investment Group (BIG). However, BIG expects the soaring oil prices which broke several
record highs this week to have a positive impact on the Saudi stocks in the coming months, given Saudi Arabia’s status as the world’s largest crude
exporter.." [more]
Naif: Justice Will Run Its Course in Terror Trials [May 24]
"Interior Minister Prince Naif said the trial of terror suspects under custody would take place soon after the completion of the related procedures.
'The counseling of the suspects is still continuing,' Prince Naif said, referring to the ministry’s efforts to reeducate terror suspects influenced by
extremist ideologies.. ..The government announced on an earlier occasion its plan to deploy 35,000 well-trained officers to protect vital installations
across the country, including oil refineries. The first group of 1,554 officers who were attending special training courses graduated in March. Saudi
security forces have arrested 56 suspects of different nationalities for allegedly planning to attack various sites outside the holy cities of Makkah and
Madinah during the Haj season last December. The men were reportedly in the process of rebuilding an
Al-Qaeda network in the Kingdom to
launch another wave of terror attacks across the country.." [more]
~~~~~~~~ [ May 23] ~~~~~~~~~
Qaeda Video Berates Saudi King Over Faith Dialogue [May 23]
"An al Qaeda leader has accused Saudi Arabia in an Internet video of giving in to Islam's Western enemies by calling for moderation and a dialogue
with Jews and Christians. The message from Abu Yahya al-Libi came as Saudi Arabia was reported to be planning a conference of senior world Muslim clerics this year to promote moderation and fight extremism, after King Abdullah called in March for an inter-faith dialogue. 'He who is
called the defender of monotheism by sycophantic clerics is raising the flag of brotherhood between religions ... and thinks he has found the wisdom
to stop wars and prevent the causes of enmity between religions and peoples,'.. ..'By God, if you don't resist heroically against this wanton tyrant ...
the day will come when church bells will ring in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula. And the case of Qatar is not far away from you,' Libi said. He
was referring to Qatar's decision in March to allow the opening of the first church in the U.S.-allied Gulf Arab state.."
[more]
US Role in Oil Installations Protection Limited to Technical Operations [May 23]
"Saudi Interior Minister Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz has stressed to Asharq
Al-Awsat that the advice program his ministry is implementing with
detainees in Saudi jails who were influenced by the misguided ideology is continuing. Answering a question about the security agreement which Saudi Arabia signed with the United States for protecting the oil installations, Prince Naif said, 'The Americans' role is confined to technical
operations, as the agreement stipulates. As to protecting Saudi oil installations, only God and then the Saudis protect them.'.."
[more]
Florida Republican Denounces Proposed Saudi-U.S. Nuclear Pact [May 23]
"Fears that Iran's nuclear program will spark a dangerous regional nuclear race are intensifying, with a leading Republican in Congress criticizing a
proposed nuclear deal between Washington and Saudi Arabia. 'The potential consequences of spreading nuclear technology, facilities, and know-how to yet another unstable regime in the Middle East are alarming,' Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, the ranking Republican on the House
Foreign Affairs Committee, said in a statement yesterday. 'Nuclearizing the most dangerous region in the world poses an enormous and
unnecessary risk that has few or no benefits for this country.'.." [more]
Madain Saleh May Become Kingdom’s First World Heritage Site in July [May 23]
"The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) may approve an ancient city north of Madinah as Saudi
Arabia’s first World Heritage Site as early as the first week of July, an official affiliated with the organization told Arab News yesterday. 'We will be
meeting in Quebec in early July to discuss, among other nominations, Madain
Saleh,' said Veronique Dauge, the head of the World Heritage
Center’s Arab States Unit, in a phone interview from UNESCO headquarters in Paris.. ..The Thamudis and Nabateans occupied Madain
Saleh, with its 132 chambers and tombs carved into rocky outcroppings about 300km north of
Madinah, between 200 B.C. and 200 A.D. Remnants of
walls, towers, water conduits and cisterns are scattered across the premises.."
[more]
New Saudi Labour Contract Aims to Curb Agents' Role [May 23]
" Saudi Arabia will start implementing a mandatory unified labour contract effective June 1. 'The unified contract, which is aimed at protecting the
rights of all parties involved, will curtail the role of middlemen and agents in the process of hiring workers from abroad,'.. ..Al Kanhal said that
almost all the countries where Saudi Arabia hires manpower from were briefed on the salient features of the new contract. He said the new contract
contains necessary provisions to protect the rights of all parties involved, such as the worker, the local hiring office and recruitment office in the
respective countries.." [more]
King to Launch SR68bn Projects in Jubail Today [May 23]
"Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah will launch 29 industrial and development projects worth more than SR68 billion in Jubail
today, Prince Saud ibn Abdullah ibn Thunayan, chairman of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu announced yesterday. He said the new
projects belonged to the Royal Commission, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation
(SABIC) and the private sector. He said King Abdullah’s current
visit would give a shot in the arm to the twin industrial cities of Jubail and
Yanbu.. ..'This will result in achieving sustained economic progress,
creating more job opportunities for Saudis and improving the condition of both Saudi individuals and companies,' he added.
Al-Jashi said the
Saudi economy has been making tremendous advancement in recent years. 'It is heading to become one of the largest economies in the world
within the next 10 years.' He said the growing private sector participation as well as privatization of public corporations would strengthen the
Kingdom’s economy.." [more]
There Is a Lot More Than What Meets the Eye! [May 23]
"With crude prices crossing $135 mark and no immediate end in sight to the market turbulence, the question what is pushing the markets to
dizzying heights is very much up on cards. And things much beyond the very fundamentals, it is literally difficult to provide an explanation.
William Engdahl, the author of “A Century of War: Anglo-American Oil Politics and the New World Order,” sheds very interesting light on the
subject. Engdhal looks at the entire situation with a fresh perspective. Not shy of challenging the established theories, he comes up with fatal
counter punches.. ..A June 2006 US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations report on 'The Role of Market Speculation in rising oil and
gas prices,” noted, ' . . . there is substantial evidence supporting the conclusion that the large amount of speculation in the current market has
significantly increased prices,”- and indeed who can deny!.." [more]
~~~~~~~~ [ May 22] ~~~~~~~~~
Blogging for Change in Saudi Arabia [May 22]
"Saudi Jeans is one of the most influential blogs in the Gulf region. It is run by pharmacy student Ahmad Al
Omran, who through his blog hopes to
'be a part of the change that is taking place in Saudi Arabia.' Saudi Jeans focuses on topics such as freedom of expression, human and women's
rights, as well as democracy and justice. Al Omran also runs the yawmyat blog in Arabic and is one of the co-founders of Saudi
Blogs. In addition to
that, he regularly appears in mainstream media through interviews granted to outlets ranging from CNN to the Saudi Gazette or Agence
France-Presse.."
[more]
Al-Zuman, 30, Unfurls Saudi Flag at the Summit [May 22]
"Thirty-year-old Farouq Saad Hamad Al-Zuman planted a Saudi flag on the summit of Mt. Everest on Wednesday, becoming the first Saudi to
conquer the world’s highest peak, press reports said. The green Saudi flag was unfurled at 12.30 p.m. Saudi time.. ..Three members of the 10-person expedition failed to reach the top, with one Japanese climber dying on the way.
Al-Zuman 'has now been fondly nicknamed the ‘Sir Edmund
Hillary of Saudi Arabia’,' said Al-Zuman’s boss and sponsor, Sultan
Al-Bazie, CEO of Attariq Communications. Al-Zuman, a black belt in Tae
Kwondo and professional swimmer, had previously scaled Mt. Rainer in the U.S. state of Washington, Mt. Halealala in Maui, Hawaii, and Mt.
Shasta in California.." [more]
High Expenditure Behind Inflation Spiral in Saudi [May 22]
"Saudi Arabia is stoking inflation in its own economy by keeping public expenditure high and the problem is putting pressure on the government to
revalue its currency against the ailing US dollar, according to economists. As spending is projected to be even higher this year and government measures to tackle the problem have been ineffective, inflation could nearly double to more than eight per cent this year, the highest annual average
in the Gulf Kingdom. While the worsening problem could force Riyadh to consider radical solutions such as a revaluation, economists believe such
a move would not resolve the underlying causes of inflation, mainly soaring rents.."
[more]
Prince Talal Fights Sub-Saharan Poverty [May 22]
"Saudi Prince Talal bin Abdul Aziz, Head of the Arab Gulf Programme for United Nations Development Organizations
(AGFUND) announced a
developmental initiative designed to contribute in fighting poverty in West Africa. The initiative will start by establishing a Bank for the Poor in
Sierra Leone.. ..The model is a spin-off, based on Talal’s 'Banks for the Poor' project across the Arab World, which aims to activate governments roles
in creating a convenient environment for small and micro enterprises, as well as offering non-financial services (such as preparations, technical
support, networking funding institutions and nurturing). AGFUND is cooperating with Professor Muhamad
Yunis, founder of Grameen Bank, as well as private sector partners, so as to implement the model in a number of Arab states such as Jordan, Bahrain, Yemen, Egypt and Syria.."
[more]
Saudis Free to Discard Their Tribal Surnames [May 22]
"The Saudi Ministry of Interior has responded positively to calls made by some prominent academic and religious figures in the kingdom that tribal
surname be replaced with the family names of citizens.. ..Speaking to the local media, the official said it was not mandatory for citizens to produce certificates showing their tribe in order to complete the procedures for issuing new IDs with their family names. 'Citizens need different surnames to
distinguish them from one another,' the official said.. ..The official's clarification came in response to an appeal made by a group of academics,
writers and officials from the southern province of Al Baha to the Ministry of Interior that tribal surnames be dropped from IDs and be replaced
with family names. They cited some examples of the misuse of tribal surnames by some people to display tribal supremacy and arrogance.."
[more]
MWL Prepares for Interfaith Dialogue [May 22]
"A three-day international Islamic conference will begin at the Muslim World League
(MWL) headquarters in Makkah on May 31 in preparation
for the interfaith dialogue called for by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.. ..The MWL chief expressed hope that the conference
would succeed in its objectives. He called on Muslim intellectuals to give their ideas for the successful conduct of the dialogue. Meanwhile, Islamic
cultural centers in different parts of the world have welcomed King Abdullah’s call for interfaith dialogue. 'The Islamic
societies and organizations in Spain support the king’s call for dialogue as it will contribute to promoting understanding between Muslims and others,' said Dr. Ibrahim
Al-Zaid, director of the Islamic Cultural Center in Madrid.." [more]
Saudi Arabia to Expand Oilfield to Meet Crude Demand [May 22]
"Saudi Arabia is pushing ahead with a costly project to expand its giant Manifa offshore oilfield, which will add nearly 900,000 barrels per day of
heavy crude and meet an expected sharp growth in global demand for this type of crude. The project is part of a programme to lift the world oil
superpower's crude output capacity to 12.5 million bpd at the end of 2009 from around 11.3m bpd currently to maintain its position as the
dominant oil supplier. The project has already prompted plans to build two large refineries with a combined output capacity of 800,000bpd to
handle heavy crude, while work is under way to construct a 41-kilometre causeway to link the field to the hub of the Gulf Kingdom's hydrocarbon
industry on the eastern coast.." [more]
Bush’s Visit Fails to Jump Start Middle East Peace [May 22]
"US President George Bush’s recent visits to Israel, timed to coincide with that country’s 60th anniversary celebrations, and to the World Economic
Forum, held in the Egyptian resort of Sharm El-Sheikh, were meant to consolidate the Middle East peace process. At least, that’s what White House
spokespersons tell us. Instead, it served to expose his partisanship like never before. Whereas the US president’s pro-Israel bias is well-known,
during previous visits to this region, he has sought to maintain a flimsy façade of being an honest broker. In the past, he has used diplomatic-speak to persuade major players that he wants the best for all concerned and is sincere about getting the peace process back on track. On this occasion, he
didn’t even bother to keep up the pretence.." [more]
~~~~~~~~ [ May 21] ~~~~~~~~~
Saudi Backs Lebanon Deal [May 21]
"Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Lebanon, whose country backs the Beirut government, said on Wednesday that Riyadh supports the agreement
reached between rival leaders in Qatar to end an explosive political crisis. 'Saudi Arabia announces its support for the agreement between the Lebanese in Doha. We are very happy that this accord has been reached,' Abdul Aziz
Khoja, who is currently in Riyadh, told AFP. Regional
powerhouse Saudi Arabia backs the cabinet of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora, who also has the support of the United States and other Western
powers.." [more]
GCC Leaders Emphasize Commitment to Peace Plan [May 21]
"GCC leaders held a consultative meeting here yesterday and emphasized their commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative. The peace plan, originally
proposed by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, offers Israel normal ties with Arab states in exchange for its withdrawal from all
occupied Arab territories and for the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. The leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain,
Oman, Kuwait and the UAE warned against the danger posed by Israel’s lukewarm attitude toward Arab and global peace overtures, its defiance of
UN Security Council Resolutions, the expansion of Jewish settlements and the Israeli siege of Gaza. The GCC statement comes after US President
George W. Bush’s announcement that a Middle East peace settlement could be reached by the end of this year.."
[more]
Does Opec Have Too Much Power [May 21]
"As consumers continue to encounter rising living costs and higher prices at the petrol pumps, Gordon Brown has heaped some of the blame on
Opec, the cartel of oil producing countries which produces around 40 per cent of the world's crude oil.. ..But while it may seem like Opec has the
world over a barrel, other factors are at play. Some would argue that Brown's attack contains more than a hint of wishful thinking. After all, it is
much more reassuring to think Opec is holding back the supply of oil, than to believe that the world's oil fields are simply running dry. If the latter
is true, there would be little Opec could do to tackle high oil prices.."
[more]
Saudi Arabia Cancelled Results of Tender Won by RZD [May 21]
"Saudi Arabia has cancelled results of the tender won by Russian Railways,
RZD, RIA Novosti reported with reference to RZD CEO Vladimir Yakunin. “It isn’t the problem of technology or
RZD. It is the problem of international relations,” Yakunin explained. Together with partners, RZD
counted on laying in Saudi Arabia the rails of 2,400km worth roughly $2 billion. The project headlined North-South is the most large-scale in the
Middle East. Saudi Arabia needs the rails to develop phosphate and bauxite deposits in the north of the country and reduce oil dependence of
economy. The preliminary tender for the railway construction was held in April of 2006. Eighteen companies bid at it together with
RZD.." [more]
Saudi Company to Invest in $250 Million Construction Project in the West Bank [May 21]
"The organizer of a Palestinian investment conference says a Saudi company will invest in a $250 million construction project in the West Bank.
Conference organizer Hassan Abu Libdeh says the project would formally be announced Thursday. He identified the Saudi company as Al Ard Al Qabeda. Company official Fawaz Abdel Hadi says the construction will include office and apartment towers, malls and a hotel in the West Bank
town of El Bireh, adjacent to Ramallah. Abu Libdeh and Abdel Hadi say the Palestinian Investment Fund will be a partner in the project.."
[more]
HRW Demands Immediate Release of Saudi Activist [May 21]
"Human Rights Watch has demanding the immediate release of a Saudi rights activist after the university professor was arrested in Riyadh on
Monday. The New York-based advocacy group said on Wednesday that Saudi secret police apprehended Matrook
Al-Faleh on the premises of
King Saud University where he teaches political science. The arrest took place after he publicly criticised conditions in a prison where two other
Saudi human rights activists are serving jail terms.. ..Al-Faleh’s fellow activists, Abdullah
Al-Hamid and Isa Al-Hamid, are serving prison sentences
for supporting a demonstration in front of Buraida prison by relatives of long-term detainees held there without charge or trial.."
[more]
SAGIA Chief Reaches Out to Canadian Investors [May 21]
"Amr Al-Dabbagh, governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority
(SAGIA), wound up a four day trip to Canada recently, which
began in Vancouver and passed through the country's four major commercial centers. The aim of the trip was to strengthen trade ties between the
two countries and highlight Greenfield opportunities in Saudi Arabia, as the Canadian government begins its initiative of expanding its foreign
investment base and looking beyond its traditional trade markets such as the US to markets which share the same synergies. 'We had fourteen
meetings in Montreal alone in just one day, the interest from Canada is so strong,'.."
[more]
Saudi Arabia Celebrates 75 Years of Aramco [May 21]
"Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah yesterday opened Saudi Aramco’s 75th anniversary celebrations at its premises here and
commended the company’s role in providing adequate oil supplies to ease the international energy crisis. 'This Saudi company has been trying
efficiently to support the Kingdom’s international policy in the field of providing suitable energy to confront global crises and, God willing, it will
continue to play the same role,' the king said in his opening address at the ceremony.. ..Abdullah also referred to the historic decision taken by King
Abdul Aziz to sign the concession agreement between Saudi Arabia and Standard Oil of California in 1933, protecting the Kingdom’s interests
including training and employing Saudis. He said the government’s flexible policy toward Saudi Aramco had played a big role in its tremendous
progress.." [more]
~~~~~~~~ [ May 20] ~~~~~~~~~
Oil Heads Towards $128 Despite Saudi Move [May 20]
"The oil price rose back to more than $127 a barrel yesterday while oil ministers from other Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec)
criticised Saudi Arabia’s decision to raise its output. Oil ministers from Iran, Iraq, Libya and Qatar said that Saudi Arabia’s decision to increase oil output by 300000 barrels a day was unjustified.. ..Saudi Oil Minister Ali
al-Naimi said in Riyadh following a meeting between US President George
Bush and Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah on Friday the kingdom would raise output by 300000 barrels a day, or 3,3%, to 9,45-million barrels a day next month. Some experts say Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, made a nominal output increase to meet orders and not because of US
prompting. Bush said on Sunday in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, where he attended the Middle East gathering of the World
Economic Forum, that the Saudi response was insufficient to address US energy needs and help bring inflation under control.."
[more]
Dollar Fall Sends Saudi Tourists to US, Asia [May 20]
"The weakness in the US dollar will push more Saudi holidaymakers to turn to the US and Asian countries instead of European destinations this
summer, a leading Saudi travel operator said yesterday. Some 5mn Saudis are expected to travel abroad this summer but many will avoid Europe
because of high prices after the Saudi riyal declined with the dollar.. ..Record inflation in nearby destinations such as the United Arab Emirates,
popular with Saudis seeking to escape the austere lifestyle in the strict Islamic kingdom, is backing this trend.. ..The dollar’s fall has, however, led to
growing interest by Saudis for countries like the US, India, China, South Korea, Australia and Hong Kong. 'These are new markets that never
existed before on the average Saudi traveller’s map,'.." [more]
Relief Goods From Saudi Arabia Arrives in China [May 20]
"The first batch of relief goods donated by Saudi Arabia arrived in
Chengdu, capital city of the earthquake-hit Sichuan Province Tuesday afternoon,
the Chinese Foreign Ministry said. According to the Ministry, the relief goods include 14,000 tents and blankets, instant food, milk powder for children and rescue tools. They are badly needed in the quake-hit area. The relief materials delivered Tuesday is part of the 10 million U.S. dollars
worth of goods provided by Saudi Arabia. Three more batches are to follow. Saudi Arabia has decided to donate another 85,000 tents, 400,000
awnings and 500,000 blankets Tuesday following the previous donations of 50 million dollars in cash and 10 million dollars worth of relief materials
for China's quake zone.." [more]
Saudi Arabia Talks With India to Procure Rice [May 20]
"Saudi Arabia is in touch with Indian authorities seeking lifting of the ban on rice exports to the Gulf nation following shortage of the commodity.
'The Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry is currently in touch with Indian officials on the issue of rice imports,'.. ..India had
banned exports of all non-basmati rice in March this year to meet domestic demand. Even as they negotiate with India to secure rice imports,
importers from both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have approached Thailand to secure rice imports.. ..One of the top rice
buyers in the world, Saudi Arabia imports about 625,000 tonnes of basmati annually, of which 575,000 tonnes come from India.."
[more]
US Visa Extended to 5 Years [May 20]
"Effective from May 17, the United States has agreed to extend the
validity of visa issued to Saudi citizens from two years to five years
in a joint agreement on reciprocal basis, an official source at the
Foreign Ministry told Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Monday. The new 5-year
multiple entry US visa will be granted to Saudi students, businesspeople, and
tourists.. ..The new US visa policy for Saudis would help Saudi students
by traveling between the Kingdom and the US with peace of mind
throughout the expected duration of their stay in the US for school, one
year for English language classes and four years for the academic
program.." [more]
Al-Zuman Is Just 24 Hours Away From Making History [May 20]
" In another 24 hours, Farouk Al-Zuman will make history when he becomes the first Saudi to climb to the summit of Mount Everest, the highest
mountain in the world. 'This has been my dream,'.. ..'The mission and ambition of my life has always been to unfurl Saudi Arabia’s flag on the
summit of Everest one day,' he said. 'I want to set an example for Saudi youth. My team and I are making good progress. We hope to reach the
summit in the early hours of May 21.'.. ..Thirty-year-old Al-Zuman is an economics graduate and studied at Oregon State University in the US.
While in the US, he scaled Mount Rainer (4,300 meters) in Washington. 'Since then, I have been looking forward to scaling Mount Everest.'.."
[more]
~~~~~~~~ [ May 19] ~~~~~~~~~
Oil Prices Creep Up Despite Higher Saudi Output [May 19]
"World oil prices crept toward the 127-dollar level in Asian trade Monday amid predictions of costlier crude despite Saudi Arabia's disclosure that it
had boosted production, analysts said.. ..Saudi Arabia's oil minister, Ali
al-Nuaimi, said Friday the kingdom had increased oil production by
300,000 barrels per day from May 10 in response to orders from customers, mostly from the United States, and will pump 9.45 million barrels per
day in June. But Nuaimi reiterated OPEC's long-standing view that global oil supply was balanced with demand and that market fundamentals
were sound. Saudi Arabia is the biggest producer in the 13-nation Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which pumps about
40 percent of the world's oil. Iran, another major producer, said on Saturday that any output hike by OPEC as requested by the United States
would not affect prices.." [more]
Clothes Giant Plans Female Only Store in Saudi Arabia [May 19]
"H&M, the Swedish retailer, will open the first women-only department store in Saudi Arabia as part of moves to bring more women into the
country’s workforce. The store, which will be H&M’s first in the country, will be staffed entirely by women in what is understood to be a landmark
concession by the Saudi Government. Saudi Arabia has strict laws that prohibit the public interaction of women with men other than their
husbands. These extend to restrictions on working and driving. As the store will be staffed by women, the Government has insisted that only
females will be able to shop there. Small female-run stores already exist in Saudi Arabia but H&M, otherwise known as Hennes &
Mauritz, will be
the first major retail outlet to be staffed by women.." [more]
Gulf Rethinks Currency Ties [May 19]
"If there's one message the Bush administration has been trying to hammer home to Chinese leaders, it is this: A major country with a huge trade
surplus and rising prices should let its currency strengthen with market forces. So why is the administration nearly silent about the fixed exchange
rates of Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf oil fiefdoms? After all, like China, the big powers in the Gulf -- Saudi Arabia and the United Arab
Emirates -- link their currencies to the U.S. dollar, export far more than they buy abroad, and now face inflation imported from overseas.. ..There
are good reasons for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries -- Saudi Arabia, the
U.A.E., Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar -- to move away from
the dollar. Inflation is high and getting higher in the region: almost 10% in Saudi Arabia, close to 15% in the
U.A.E. and 9% in Kuwait. A stronger
currency tends to help fight inflation by making imported goods cheaper. A weak currency does the reverse, and the Gulf countries have tied themselves to the weak dollar.." [more]
Dammam Readies for GCC Summit [May 19]
"The Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia is witnessing three major events within a few days. All preparations are in place for the 10th Consultative
Summit of GCC leaders, oil giant Saudi Aramco's 75th anniversary celebrations and a whirlwind week-long tour by King Abdullah Bin Abdul
Aziz. The GCC Consultative Summit, scheduled to be held in Dammam on Monday, is significant in the wake of the latest developments in the region,
especially in Lebanon.. ..The Consultative Summit, ahead of the regular annual summit in Muscat next December, will strive to iron out a unified
GCC position on major issues and the latest developments in the Arab region, especially in Lebanon, Sudan, Yemen, Iraq and Palestine.."
[more]
Saudi Arabia's Health Insurance Sector Grows 62% in Two Years [May 19]
"The volume of Saudi health insurance sector soared 62 per cent over the past two years, reaching to over to 2.7 billion Saudi riyals at present.
Health insurance, which makes up 32 per cent of the burgeoning Saudi insurance market, tops other insurance sectors in terms of annual growth.. ..cooperative health insurance, a form of health insurance, has been made mandatory in the kingdom. 'The system aims at making healthcare
available for expatriates and their families under an agreement signed between insurance companies and the concerned companies and firms.'
The system is currently expanding to cover Saudi citizens.. ..At present, nearly three million Saudis and foreigners are beneficiaries of the health
insurance system.." [more]
Saudi Student Wins Intel Prize [May 19]
A Saudi student stood out as one of the world’s best scientists “Uniting the World Through Science” in Atlanta, Georgia, USA at the Intel
International Science and Engineering Fair 2008 (Intel ISEF) May 11-16, 2008. Bagging his second win in this renowned international competition,
Saudi students Ahmad Al-Nuaimi won the fourth place in Intel ISEF 2008 in social behavior sciences. Students’ works have been judged by professional scientists. The judges have looked for a communicative presentation, and more importantly, for the basic understanding the students
have of their research and for new knowledge the student has gained through the process.
Al-Nuaimi, a student of Al-Ansar private school in Dammam, represented King Abdul Aziz and His Companions Foundation for the Gifted.."
[more]
Al-Angari Blames Ignorance of Rights for Women’s Plight [May 19]
"Ignorance, lack of awareness about their rights and lack of appreciation by society are why Saudi women are in their current situation. This was
emphasized by Al-Jowhara Al-Angari, vice chairman of the National Society for Human Rights
(NSHR).. ..Al-Angari’s wide-ranging discussion
covered most aspects concerning women and she exhorted them to take an active role in making a difference. 'When a door is locked, it is not going
to open on its own. You’ve got to bang on it, on and on for it to open,' said
Al-Angari. 'Women are afflicted with ignorance. We can’t claim our rights
unless we know them.' Al-Angari said that women in Islam have legal, social, political and civil rights. Islamic tolerance should not be confused
with social norms and traditions.." [more]
Welsh Trade Team Here [May 19]
"..International Business Wales (IBW) has recently visited Jeddah on a Trade Mission..
..IBW brought a diverse delegation of nine companies to the
Kingdom, headed by Vice President of IBW (Middle East), Lee Jennings, who visited Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to underline Wales’ intention to
build stronger ties with the Kingdom and the region. Welsh companies from different industries will be regularly visiting Jeddah to meet with
leading local companies, government officials and the Jeddah and Riyadh Chambers of Commerce and Industry to promote bilateral trade
relations. 'Saudi Arabia has been a very consistent trading partner for us. And for the last five-six years, it has been in top three trading partners list,' said Jennings. 'We are also looking for trade and investment between the investors of Wales and Saudi Arabia,'.."
[more]
~~~~~~~~ [ May 18] ~~~~~~~~~
Saudi Arabia to Increase Oil Production [May 18]
"Saudi Arabia has said that it will increase its oil production to the highest level in two years, following the second visit by President Bush to the
kingdom this year. Production will increase by 3.3 per cent to 9.45 million barrels per day. Oil minister Ali
al-Naimi said: 'In the future, if the need
appears, Saudi Arabia has no objection to producing more.' The extra production is intended to alleviate some of the pressure on the oil price..
..Despite the news, US investment bank Goldman Sachs has forecast that the oil price would average $141 a barrel for the second half of this year.."
[more]
Bush Presses Middle East Leaders to Isolate Iran [May 18]
"US President George W. Bush on Sunday called on Middle East governments to stop Iran and Syria from 'supporting terrorism'. 'Every peaceful
nation in the region has an interest in opposing Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions,' Bush said in remarks prepared for a speech in Egypt. 'To allow
the world's leading sponsor of terror to gain the world's deadliest weapon would be an unforgivable betrayal of future generations,' Bush said.
Iran has repeatedly defended its right to uranium enrichment, saying its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes. Bush also called on nations to
'confront Hamas', which he said is 'attempting to undermine efforts at peace with continued acts of terror and violence.'.."
[more]
Bush Reassures Abbas on Palestinian State [May 18]
"US President George W. Bush on Saturday pledged to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas his determination to help achieve the “dream” of a
Palestinian state, despite stagnant peace talks. 'I commit to you once again that my government will help achieve a dream, a dream that you have, and the truth of matter is, a dream that the Israelis have, which is two states living side by side in peace,' Bush told
Abbas.. ..Bush, who is in the
Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh for talks with world leaders before addressing the Middle East World Economic Forum, said 'it breaks
my heart to see the vast potential of the Palestinian people really wasted.' The WEF meeting, dubbed the Davos of the Middle East, will bring
together 1,500 people, including heads of state, business leaders and ministers from 55 countries, under the theme 'learning from the future.'.."
[more]
BAE Bosses Detained by US Investigators Over Saudi Case [May 18]
"Two senior executives at Britain's biggest defence company were detained last week by American authorities investigating corruption allegations..
..The detentions are part of an investigation by the US Department of Justice into allegations surrounding the £43 billion
al-Yamamah arms deal
with Saudi Arabia. BAE has been accused of making tens of millions of pounds in illegal payments to Saudi officials, although the company
maintains it has always acted lawfully. In December 2006 the Government announced that the Serious Fraud Office was dropping its investigation
into the al-Yamamah deal, prompting political controversy. America is continuing its inquiries.."
[more]
Saudi Importers Threaten Action Against Indian Rice Exporters [May 18]
"Saudi importers have threatened lawsuits against Indian rice exporters for default on commitments and have started negotiating with Pakistan and
Thailand for its rice requirements. Domestic exporters have been faltering on commitments following imposition of export duty on basmati rice by
the Indian government, a top industry official said. With a view to discourage exports, the Indian government imposed an export duty of Rs 8,000 a
ton on basmati rice exports. It has also lowered the minimum export price
(MEP) on export from USD 1,200 to USD 1,000 a tonne.." [more]
Universities Get Saudi Grant for Study of Islam [May 18]
"Two of the Britain’s best known universities are to set up research centres aimed at promoting a better understanding of Islam. Cambridge and
Edinburgh universities will share a £16mn endowment from Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Abdulaziz
al-Saud, a member of the Saudi royal family and
chairman of the Kingdom Foundation, a charitable and philanthropic foundation set up to alleviate suffering around the world. Both universities,
members of the 20-strong Russell Group, which represents the leading research institutions, will set up study centres with the aim of fostering better
understanding between the Muslim world and the West.." [more]
Saudi Embassy in US Celebrates Graduation of Class 2008 [May 18]
"The Saudi Arabia Cultural Mission in the United States will celebrate the graduation of class 2008 of about 400 Saudi students in the US.
It is the first batch of students sent on the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for scholarships. Saudi cultural attaché in the US, Dr.
Mohammad Al-Esa, said more than 17,000 Saudi students have been studying in the US on the King’s scholarship program majoring in medicine,
engineering, law, accounting and management. There are still 3500 girls and 3883 men in the first stage of learning English, 7,983 students halfway
with their bachelor’s degrees, 3,021 students are working on their master’s degrees, in addition to 687 students registered in the doctoral programs.."
[more]
The Story of Oil in Saudi Arabia [May 18]
"As the oil empire Aramco celebrates its 75th anniversary on May 20 graced by King Abdullah, its success story stands out quite unprecedented in
the history of mankind. A trip to a single Aramco oil installation in the harsh desert can give one an idea of the power, the glory, and the sheer
uniqueness of Saudi Aramco. It has been a hugely profitable enterprise that underpinned Saudi Arabia’s might after its unification by late King
Abdul Aziz. Now the country has more than a quarter of the world’s total proven reserves, over 264 billion barrels, and is also the largest producer
and exporter on the planet. It was a story of adventure and bridging of cultures starting in 1933 when the Kingdom granted oil concessions to
Standard Oil of California.." [more]
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