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~~~~~~~~ [ Aug 2] ~~~~~~~~~
13 Saudi Students Pave Way in Quest for Women's Rights [Aug 2]
"Saudi women were barred from diplomatic careers, and until recently could not even study international relations or political science at Saudi universities. The Ministry of
Foreign Affairs opened jobs to women in 2005, but few landed coveted foreign policy positions. That could soon change because of a unique partnership launched this year
by The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and Dar
Al-Hekma College, the first private college for women in Saudi Arabia. This week, 13 Saudi women completed a crash course in international diplomacy, blazing a brazen path for the future of their country, where women still can't drive or vote - nor, in many cases,
travel, work, or see a doctor without permission from a male guardian.. ..The six-month program - split between Dar
Al-Hekma in Jeddah and the Fletcher School - is the first
known journey by an American university into training Saudi women to become diplomats. The new opportunity for women to represent their country could spur further gains in women's rights in Saudi Arabia, a key US ally, and allow the kingdom to become more competitive in a global society, officials at both schools said.."
[more]
Saudi Palaces Eyed for Tourist Hotels [Aug 2]
"Saudi Arabian tourism officials say they're considering turning some of the country's traditional palaces and buildings into luxury hotels. Officials of the Saudi Commission
on Tourism and Antiquities, including Deputy Secretary General for Investment Salah
Al-Bukayyet, returned this week from visits to such "traditional hotels" in Spain and
Portugal and say it could be done in Saudi Arabia as well, the Saudi Gazette reported.
Al-Bukayyet said his team's visits to the Baradors Hotels in Spain and Bosadas in
Portugal showed the potential for turning archeologically preserved palaces and former royal buildings into destination tourism attractions. The Gazette said the SCTA's visit
lasted six days as Saudi officials met with Spanish and Portuguese tourism leaders and traditional hotel operators. If such conversions were to happen in Saudi Arabia, it
would be accomplished by a private sector-government partnership.." [more]
Women Can Issue Fatwas, be Muftis, says Senior Sheikh [Aug 2]
"A senior member of the Board of Senior Ulemas has said women are allowed to join the board in order to break the monopoly held by men. Sheikh Abdullah
Al-Manea said
women have the same Shariah obligations in creating religious edicts or ‘Fatwas.’ 'I don’t see anything in Shariah law which prevents women from becoming a scholar, mufti
or working in any consultative body if she is courteous,' said Al-Manea in an
Al-Watan interview. 'Women share in the responsibility of discussing social issues.' He said as
long as they do not provide an opportunity for men to view them with lust there is nothing stopping them from becoming the head of an organization.. ..Abdul Rahamn
Al-Zenadi an Islamic culture teacher at Imam Muhammad Bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh said 'We have in the Kingdom several Saudi women who are authorities on
Shariah law. ' 'Several law professors are stressing they are more capable of giving edicts than many muftis who appear on some satellite channels,'.."
[more]
Saudis Invest in $9 Billion Oil Refinery Plant in Egypt [Aug 2]
"Egypt’s state-owned oil company - along with other unnamed investors -will spend $9 billion over five years to build an oil refinery complex in the north of Egypt, the
country’s petroleum minister recently told Reuters. The refinery will have a capacity of 350,000 barrels per day (bpd) and should begin operations by 2010, said Minister
Sameh Fahmy. It will be located either in the city of Port Said or the town of
Gamassa. The minister declined to reveal the identity of investors that would join the state-run Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation
(EGPC) in the project. 'Most probably, the non-Egyptian stake in the project will be held by Gulf oil investors, specifically from
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia,' said Magdy Sobhi, senior economist at Al-Ahram Center for Strategic Studies. 'The general trend in the Gulf these days is to pour in oil
investments overseas.'.." [more]
Saudi Bourse Ignores First Half Results [Aug 2]
"Saudi stocks resumed their downward trend last week after rebounding the previous week despite better than expected results for the first half of the year. The Tadawul All-Share Index
(TASI) plunged 3.75 percent, closing at 8,740.74 points from 9,080.87 points in the previous week. TASI is currently 20.82 percent lower than the year’s start.. ..“The market has been influenced negatively by investors’ hesitancy resulting from external factors, foremost Iran’s conflict with the West and falling crude prices,” the BIG
said. “Barring any adverse regional developments, the market is set to rebound, given the fall of stock prices to attractive buying levels,” it added. The stock market turnover
was over SR38.78 billion last week.." [more]
~~~~~~~~ [ Aug 1] ~~~~~~~~~
Saudi Arabia May Invest $90b to Expand and Boost Power Network [Aug 1]
"Saudi Arabia will invest $90 billion to expand and enhance its power network.. ..It is studying a restructuring plan to develop its electricity industry area and open up the
power market to the private sector and local investors. The government is also studying a plan to complete its national grid linking all the provinces by 2011.The Saudi
Electricity and Cogeneration Regulatory Authority (ECRA) has already embarked upon a comprehensive plan to develop the industry to move to a competitive market where
supply and demand controls the market process. The restructuring plan is based on international best practices after studying other countries' experiences. Saudi Arabia
needs 2000 MW of electricity annually to meet its local demand which requires investments of SR10 billion. Demand for electricity and fresh water is expected to increase by
7 per cent annually.." [more]
Islam Has Nothing to do With Terror – UK Envoy [Aug 1]
"Islam has nothing to do with terrorism, said British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia William Patey in a meeting with reporters here Wednesday night. 'We distinguish between
Islam and groups which adopt violence,' he said, praising the Saudi-British cooperation in combating terrorism. 'There is an excellent cooperation between the two countries
in the field of information exchange and experts’ visits as well as training or technical
knowhow,' Patey said. He rejected allegations that terror groups in some foreign countries were being financed from inside Saudi Arabia. 'The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has succeeded in their quest to stop home financing of these
groups,' the envoy added. Saudi Arabia has been fighting terror since May 2003. It foiled at least two major plots since 2006 to hit major oil facilities. Last April, more than
170 people were arrested for planning attacks on oil and industrial facilities, including some who had been training as pilots in preparation for possible suicide operations.."
[more]
Last Cluster Bombs Destroyed in Lebanon with Saudi Aid [Aug 1]
"The last cluster bombs planted by Israel in the July 2006 war with Hezbollah were destroyed Wednesday with financing from Saudi Arabia. Saudi Charge D’Affairs in
Lebanon, Fayez Wafa detonated the last remaining unexploded Israeli cluster bomb in the city of Tyre after speaking about the strong relations between Lebanon and Saudi
Arabia.. ..The July 2006 conflict was sparked by the capture of two Israeli soldiers by
Hezbollah. Israel responded with a 34-day military offensive and a blockade of all major
entry points in and out of the country, killing around 1,000 Lebanese according to the BBC. Israel dropped an estimated 1 million cluster bomblets in southern Lebanon, 90
percent were dropped in the last three days of the conflict, a report from Landmine Action stated in July 2007.."
[more]
~~~~~~~~ [ Jul 31] ~~~~~~~~~
Appeals Court Upholds Flogging and Jail Verdict for Researchers [Jul 31]
"A Saudi appeals court upheld a jail and flogging verdict against a biochemist and his female student whose research contact was ruled to be a front for a telephone affair that
led her to divorce her husband. The biochemist, Khalid Zahrani, said yesterday he found out this week from the court offices that three judges had approved the verdict. He
was sentenced last year to eight months in prison and 600 lashes and his student to four months in prison and 350 lashes for establishing a telephone relationship that the
court said led her to divorce her husband. The man said the only recourse left to him was the Supreme Judicial Council, a court of cassation that only views cases if requested
by King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia. He also hopes for intervention from the government's Human Rights Commission.. ..Rights groups and Saudi reformers
have criticised what they say is an arbitrary justice system, based on uncodified Islamic sharia law, unsuited to the needs of a country of 25 million people. There are less than
1,000 judges, all of them religious scholars.." [more]
Expectations Low as Businesswomen Ready for RCCI Vote [Jul 31]
"For the first time ever, Saudi businesswomen are preparing to be voted into the board of directors of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(RCCI). Following
elections in Jeddah and the Eastern Province, this will be the third time that Saudi women will be able to run for office at a Saudi chamber. Businessmen and businesswomen
will compete to grab 10 seats in the election scheduled on Oct. 15. Wafa’a Al-Sheikh, assistant director at the
RCCI, said no businesswoman has so far officially nominated
herself to partake in the poll.. .. Saudi women own nearly 70 percent of bank accounts in the Kingdom with deposits totaling SR100 billion. However, only SR60 billion of this
money has been invested. There are also 34,000 trade records registered under the names of Saudi women, who own 20 percent of private companies in the Kingdom.
Although the elections seem very exciting, some businesswomen, judging by the outcomes of previous elections, expressed doubt that women would win any seats in the
upcoming vote.." [more]
Few Hopes for Palestine Peace [Jul 31]
"As the United States renews its peace efforts on Wednesday with both Palestinian and Israeli negotiators, officials from the two sides as well as analysts seemed sceptical of
any possible achievement this year. In the latest in a series this year, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice planned to meet with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and
then sit down with her and former Palestinian prime minster Ahmad Qurei for an extended discussion, on Wednesday. But remarks from both Olmert and Qurei about the
possibility of a comprehensive deal this year painted a gloomy picture of a possible achievement. Olmert was quoted on Monday as saying a full agreement that includes occupied Jerusalem was not within reach this year but it was possible that differences over borders and refugees could be bridged.. ..'Facts on the ground and the American
failure to invest enough in time and effort for the talks to success give the impression that no advancement will be recorded,'.."
[more]
Saudi Bourse to Name Investors With 5% Stakes [Jul 31]
"The names of investors with stakes of 5 percent or more in firms listed in Saudi Arabia are to be published starting next month to boost transparency, the market operator
said on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia’s stock market, TASI, the largest in the Arab world, is dominated by day traders and has been trying to improve transparency and gain
more institutional investors since a market crash in 2006. Like other Gulf Arab exchanges, the Saudi market has been tainted by allegations of insider trading and manipulation of stock prices. A list of the largest shareholders in publicly traded Saudi firms would be updated at the close of trading each day beginning on Aug. 16, the
operator, Tadawul, said in a statement on its website. 'This service by Tadawul aims to increase the level of transparency and disclosure in market dealings,'.."
[more]
Kingdom’s Inflation Expected to Ease in 2009 [Jul 31]
"Saudi Arabia’s inflation fell slightly in May but is likely to average 11-12 percent this year and is expected to ease to around 10 percent in 2009. With government spending
brisk, and the prospect of an early US interest rate hike receding, domestic liquidity growth is likely to remain pronounced, according to Samba Financial Group’s monthly
monitor for August which was released yesterday. Recent official figures put 12-month consumer price inflation at 10.4 percent in May, down slightly on the 10.5 percent
registered in April. The continued buoyancy of food prices and rents remains the most immediate cause of inflation. For Saudi Arabia, the key food variable is the price of
rice, which has soared this year as a result of climatic events and export bans by key producers, though it has begun to moderate somewhat.."
[more]
~~~~~~~~ [ Jul 30] ~~~~~~~~~
Fraud Office Wins Saudi Arms Appeal [Jul 30]
"The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has been cleared of unlawfully surrendering to pressure from Saudi Arabia when it dropped a corruption inquiry into a lucrative arms deal..
..The SFO was investigating allegations that BAE, one of the world's largest arms-makers, ran a £60 million 'slush fund' offering sweeteners to officials from Saudi Arabia in
return for lucrative contracts as part of the Al-Yamamah arms deal in the 1980s. It took the case to the House of Lords after the High Court upheld a judicial review challenge
brought by two campaign groups, Corner House Research and Campaign Against Arms Trade. Two judges in the High Court ruled that the Saudi threat was a 'successful
attempt by a foreign government to pervert the course of justice in the United Kingdom'. Lord Justice Moses and Mr Justice Sullivan said the SFO and the Government made
an 'abject surrender' to 'blatant threats'. But Lord Bingham said the director was confronted by 'an ugly and obviously unwelcome threat' from the Saudis and had to decide
what, if anything, he should do. His eventual decision was one he was lawfully entitled to make.."
[more]
Boeing Explores US-Saudi Aerospace Potential [Jul 30]
"US aircraft giant Boeing hosted a conference of aerospace suppliers in Riyadh on Monday. Seven Saudi and 16 US companies were represented at the event which was
intended to introduce the US companies to Saudi aerospace companies and identify areas of potential industrial cooperation and future development. 'Boeing is excited
about promoting aerospace cooperation between US and Saudi companies,' said Ahmed
Jazzar, president of Boeing Saudi Arabia. 'Continued advances in Saudi industrial
capability not only spur development in Saudi Arabia but opens new avenues for the US industrial base.' While the conference introduced interested US companies with
counterparts in Saudi Arabia with the objective of exploring areas of cooperation and future work, the meetings helped familiarize US companies with their Saudi
counterparts and Saudi Arabia's goals of 'Saudization' in the fledgling aerospace industry.."
[more]
Saudi Arabia Says Games Team Will Not Include Women [Jul 30]
"When Saudi Arabia's Olympic team appears in Beijing next month, it will be conspicuous for the absence of women. Rashed
al-Heraiwel, head of the Saudi delegation,
confirmed no women would be in the lineup, apparently due to opposition by powerful clerics to women's participation in sport.. ..Three years ago, the Ministry of Education
-- where religious conservatives hold sway -- rejected proposals to introduce physical education for girls in the school system. Women cannot join gyms unless they cater specifically for them, and there are few of those. They are not allowed entry to sports stadiums to cheer on teams.. ..,a Saudi opposition activist called for a strong response
against Riyadh's stance on women participation. 'Bar countries that ban women athletes,' wrote Ali al-Ahmad in the International Herald Tribune in May, addressing the
Olympic sports authorities.." [more]
Saudi Religious Police Ban Pet Cats and Dogs [Jul 30]
"Saudi Arabia's religious police have announced a ban on selling cats and dogs as pets, or walking them in public in the Saudi capital, because of men using them as a means
of making passes at women, an official said on Wednesday. Othman al-Othman, head of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice in Riyadh,
known as the Muttawa, told the Saudi edition of al-Hayat daily that the commission has started enforcing an old religious edict. He said the commission was implementing a
decision taken a month ago by the acting governor of the capital, Prince Sattam bin Abdul
Aziz, adding that it follows an old edict issued by the supreme council of Saudi
scholars. The reason behind reinforcing the edict now was a rising fashion among some men using pets in public 'to make passes on women and disturb families,' he said,
without giving more details. Othman said that the commission has instructed its offices in the capital to tell pet shops 'to stop selling cats and dogs'.."
[more]
Saudi Urges Importers to Increase Rice Stocks [Jul 30]
"The Saudi government has proposed that rice importers consider raising their stocks of the grain by 50%, two importers said yesterday, but it was not immediately clear if
the industry will heed the call. Inflation in Saudi Arabia is just off a three-decade peak. It imported 958,000 tonnes of rice in 2007, making it the world's sixth-largest buyer,
according to the US Department of Agriculture. 'This is just an idea that the commerce and industry ministry floated at a recent meeting with rice importers,'.. ..The government said in May it would swiftly provide land for stockpiling basic staples and would increase global investments to ensure its long-term food security.."
[more]
Oil Falls to $121, Lowest Since May [Jul 30]
"Oil fell more than $3 a barrel towards $121 on Tuesday, touching the lowest price since mid-May, as signs of weakening demand outweighed a disruption to Nigerian oil
output. The drop also coincided with a firmer US dollar, which may have reduced the appeal of commodities to some investors, and comments from OPEC’s president that
oil could fall to $70 or $80 in the long term.. ..The president of OPEC, Chakib
Khelil, on Tuesday called the current price 'abnormal' and said he did not think the producer
group should consider cutting output should prices continue to fall as markets were now balanced. Khelil said oil could fall to $70 to $80 in the long term, if the US dollar
continued to strengthen and geopolitical concerns eased. Oil has fallen from a record peak of $147.27 on July 11, pressured by signs that high prices and an economic
slowdown are curbing demand especially in the US.." [more]
Indonesian Embassy Concerned Over Surge in Maid Abuse Cases [Jul 30]
"The Indonesian Embassy reported yesterday that it logged 102 reported sexual assaults of Indonesian maids in the first half of 2008. 'This is in addition to 156 cases of
physical torture reported to the embassy from January to June this year,' said Sukamto
Javaladi, labor attaché at the Indonesian Embassy. 'The Indonesian Embassy is seeing
a steady upward trend in the number of reported cases of sexual assaults, while thousands of our women also suffer working inhumane hours for almost no pay with many
enduring abuse by their Saudi employers.'.. ..Javaladi said the embassy had been assured by senior Saudi officials that they would take stern action, including
imprisonment, against those employers who violate maids’ rights. 'The problems faced by these women workers are not limited to the Kingdom. Rather, complaints abound
in all Gulf countries, or even beyond,' said a report released by the Indonesian Migrant Workers Association recently. According to the report, more than 1.5 million
Indonesians are currently working in the Middle East, 90 percent of them as housemaids.."
[more]
Saudi Arabia Aims to Wrap Up National Power Grid by 2011 [Jul 30]
"Saudi Arabia is studying a restructuring plan to develop its electricity industry and open up the electricity market to the private sector and local investors. The government is
also studying a plan to complete its national grid linking all the provinces by 2011. It will invest $90 billion to expand and enhance its power network. The Saudi Electricity
& Cogeneration Regulatory Authority (ECRA) has already embarked upon a comprehensive plan to develop the industry to move to a competitive market where supply and
demand controls the market process. The restructuring plan is based on international best practices after studying other countries’ experiences. Saudi Arabia needs 2000
MW of electricity annually to meet its local demand which requires investments of SR10 billion. Demand for electricity and fresh water is expected to increase by 7 percent
annually.." [more]
~~~~~~~~ [ Jul 29] ~~~~~~~~~
Qaeda Wants Saudi King Killed Over Interfaith Call [Jul 29]
"A key al Qaeda figure has said Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah should be killed for calling for an interfaith dialogue that amounted to joining a Western crusade against Islam.
'Hurrying to kill this wanton tyrant (King Abdullah) who has announced himself to be a leader of atheism would be among the most pious acts,' Abu Yahya
al-Libi said in a
video posted on Monday on Islamist websites often used by al Qaeda supporters. The message followed a groundbreaking Saudi-sponsored interfaith conference in Spain this month in which King Abdullah called on followers of the world's major faiths to turn away from extremism and seek reconciliation.. ..'This in fact is a call to turn one's
back on Islam and ... to look for commonalities with Judaism and Christianity so whatever the three agree on would become the new modern religion which would be
allowed to be propagated,' Libi said. Libi frequently issues messages on behalf of al Qaeda which appears to be grooming him as a top group spokesman since he escaped
from a U.S. jail in Afghanistan in 2005.." [more]
Saudi Arabia to Keep Fuel Oil Exports on Ice After Summer [Jul 29]
"Saudi Aramco won't sell any spot fuel oil after its peak summer demand season, on rising requirements from domestic utilities and new secondary refining units, traders said
on Tuesday. Saudi Arabia's state oil firm, which typically offers at least two 80,000 tonne parcels of fuel oil onto the spot export market monthly outside the summer period,
will absorb these parcels for its domestic market. This could further tighten the fuel oil crack against Dubai crude, which has halved since the start of the month on prospects
of smaller flows from the West. 'We are hearing that they will not be offering the usual one or two cargoes in the spot market because of growing domestic demand from the
power sector,'.. ..Apart from Qatar, all Gulf states are short of gas. Traders said they were still uncertain how long the halt on fuel oil exports would last.."
[more]
Call for Women-only Industrial Areas in Saudi Arabia [Jul 29]
"A leading Saudi Arabian businessman and member of the country’s Shura Council has called for the creation of women-only industrial zones to generate more jobs for Saudi
women. 'Many Saudi women are now involved in small-scale industries,' the Arab News newspaper quoted Abdul Rahman
Al-Zamil as telling the Al-Madinah Arabic daily.'Women can play a big role in light industries, such as gold, jewellery and foodstuffs,' he said. Stating that women should be given production areas within and near cities,
Al-Zamil said women were usually recruited for light industries, and asked: 'Why don’t we develop women-only industrial zones for this purpose?'.. ..According to him, the
women-only industrial areas initiative would be crucial not only in terms of creating jobs for women but also boosting Saudi Arabia’s non-oil revenues.."
[more]
KSA Urges Darfur Political Settlement [Jul 29]
"Saudi Arabia on Monday backed an Arab League initiative for a political settlement to the Darfur problem. Chairing the weekly Council of Ministers’ session, HRH Crown
Prince Sultan, who recently met with Ali Othman Muhammad Taha, Sudanese Vice President and special envoy of the Sudanese President, said that an important
agreement on giving the political initiative priority has resulted from last week’s meeting between Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa and Sudanese President Omar Hasan
Al-Bashir.. ..As per Resolution 1593, the situation prevailing in Darfur since July 1, 2002 was recently referred to the prosecutor of the International Criminal
Court (ICC).." [more]
Rules Restrict Saudi Women’s Studies Abroad [Jul 29]
"The Ministry of Higher Education has been unmoving in its policy to require that a male relative accompany a female student on a scholarship to a university in a foreign
country. Women who are attending universities at their own expense are not required to have a
mahram. But every female student on a scholarship is not only required to
have a male relative with her, but to have the man present his passport to the Saudi embassy to have it recorded and approved. All of this ensures that the woman has an
appropriate guardian but also that the tuition money is used properly. Unfortunately, this policy leaves many women unable to attend a Western university.. ..more and
more women are now able to go abroad for their undergraduate studies or to pursue their master’s or doctorate degrees. With more women entering the workplace and the
Saudi government easing its restrictions on gender segregation, women see a wide horizon in employment opportunities. But at the same time it is counterproductive to have
stringent rules in place that deny many Saudi women an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a foreign education that their fathers and brothers experienced.."
[more]
Human Rights Body to Study Plight of Stateless Tribes [Jul 29]
"The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has decided to study the problems of certain “stateless” tribes living in the Kingdom without citizenship,
Al-Watan newspaper
reported. 'Over the coming months, a high level committee of HRC officials will look into complaints of these people, who call themselves Saudi
Bidoons,' said HRC
spokesman Zuhair Al-Harithy. The word Bidoon comes from the Arabic expression,
'bidoon jinsiya,' which literally means 'without nationality.' 'The HRC will hold a
meeting to discuss the committee’s findings and then submit a final report to concerned government departments so that the Bidoons can get their rights in full,' he said,
adding that the group’s major demands include obtaining Saudi citizenship and a right to own property.."
[more]
~~~~~~~~ [ Jul 28] ~~~~~~~~~
Saudi Aramco to Sell 41 pct More Crude Oil to Sinopec This Year [Jul 28]
"Saudi Aramco is expected to sell 41 pct more crude oil to China Petroleum & Chemical Corp
(Sinopec) this year, the official China Daily reported. Mohammed Al-Madi, regional vice-president and chief representative of Saudi Aramco in Beijing, was quoted as saying that Saudi Aramco is looking to deliver 32.4 mln tons of crude, equivalent to
650,000 barrels per day, to Sinopec, compared with nearly 23 mln tons in 2007. The Saudi company expects to increase exports to 1 mln bpd by 2010 and 1.5 mln bpd by
2015, he said. Saudi Aramco is an equity partner in Sinopec's 5 bln usd Fudian refinery and chemical project, due to enter operations in early 2009.."
[more]
Looming Labor Crisis Economists Say [Jul 28]
"Economists, contractors and recruiters cautioned that the private sector in the Gulf and in Saudi Arabia in particular, will face a labor shortage in the coming years,
Al-Hayat Arabic Daily reported. Economists like Abdulaziz Al-Daghistani said low wages have remained constant in the region for the last three years and will force laborers to
leave the Kingdom and will most likely not return. Laborers are more likely to move to European countries where they are offered better wages as well as better benefits than
in the Gulf and Saudi regions. Countries like France and Britain have laws which protect laborers from abuse and exploitation something the Gulf region countries do not
enforce strongly, he said. He said the problem is already apparent in Dubai.."
[more]
Riyal Revaluation Would Be Positive Step, Say Experts [Jul 28]
"..In an article published recently in The Financial Times written by Martin
Feldstein, professor of economics at US-based Harvard University, the author provided evidence
of how revaluating or even de-pegging could be a prime solution against inflation. In the report Feldstein states, “The riyal’s peg to the US dollar is raising Saudi inflation by
increasing the cost of imports as the dollar declines relative to the euro, the yen, and other global currencies. The 15 percent decline of the dollar relative to these currencies
during the past year meant that the prices paid by the Saudis for the goods that they bought from Europe, Japan, and elsewhere rose by more than 15 percent. He added
that the large US trade deficit is likely to continue to force the dollar to decline against major currencies resulting in a continuation of imported inflation in Saudi Arabia and
other countries that tie their currencies to the dollar.." [more]
Ethiopia Invites Saudis to Invest in Tourism [Jul 28]
" Ethiopia, with its vast investment potential in tourism, holds bright prospects for investors. 'We want Saudis and other Arabs to explore the country and develop its tourism
at a time when the number of overseas visitors is on the increase,' Mohamoud
Dirir, Ethiopia’s culture and tourism minister, told Arab News in an interview here last week.
'We encourage Saudi investors to visit and explore, as we don’t consider them as foreigners. After all, our cultural ties are historically strong,'.. ..United States Agency for
International Development (USAID) has meanwhile launched its new multi million dollar ecotourism program, with a view to contributing to the development of Ethiopia’s
unique and potentially very “lucrative” ecotourism sector. The five-year program will protect natural resources and cultural heritage sites, as well as improve the livelihoods
and quality of life of local communities. Up to $14 million will be available for
it.." [more]
~~~~~~~~ [ Jul 27] ~~~~~~~~~
Smart People and Smart Ideas are Key to Saudi Arabia's Future [Jul 27]
"Combining smart people with smart ideas is the key to the future of Saudi Arabia, Craig R. Barrett, Chairman of Intel Corporation, a leading advocate for improving
education, said in an exclusive interview in The Report: Saudi Arabia 2008.. ..'Saudi Arabian global competitiveness will come about in three ways: by setting aside the oil
resources, the human resources and the investment in education and R&D,' he explained. 'The type of things that are happening in King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology will be integral. It's all about putting smart people together with smart ideas.' He said that in visits to the Kingdom he had seen necessary steps being taken to
ensure young Saudis are being adequately equipped to work the ICT field.."
[more]
Saudis Face Soaring Blood-Money Sums [Jul 27]
"Badr al-Hasnani was 18 when he got into a fight with a soccer rival and fatally stabbed him. He confessed and was sentenced to death by beheading, as prescribed by
sharia, or Islamic law. For more than two years, Hasnani has been in a juvenile detention center awaiting execution while his family has tried to save him. The parents of the
victim, Majid al-Mahmoudi, have three options under sharia: to demand punishment, to spare Hasnani's life to receive blessings from God, or to grant clemency in exchange
for diyah, or blood money. The Mahmoudis agreed to accept diyah, setting the sum at $2 million in cash, much more than Hasnani's family can afford. Hasnani's case
highlights the growing trend of exorbitant blood-money demands, which many say are fueled by greed and tribal rivalries. Last month, tribal leaders in the central city of
Kharj demanded nearly $11 million to pardon a man who had killed a member of their tribe. Officials, clerics and writers have spoken out against the excessive requests,
saying an ancient Islamic practice meant to financially support those who lose loved ones has been corrupted.. ..To deal with the problem, the government recently set up the
Reconciliation Committee, which works to lower the diyah requests and find wealthy donors to help the families of death row inmates unable to pay. Using a combination of
religious preaching and mediation by influential tribal sheiks and prominent clerics, the committee says it has spared nearly 150 lives since its inception.."
[more]
Soap Opera Shakes Arab Customs [Jul 27]
"Every evening for the past four months, a tall young man with soulful blue eyes has been stealing hearts across the Middle East, from the refugee camps of the Gaza Strip to
the gated mansions of Riyadh. But it's not just the striking good looks of
Mohannad, hero of the hugely popular Turkish TV soap "Noor," that appeal to female viewers. He's
romantic, attentive to his wife Noor, supportive of her independence and ambitions as a fashion designer — in short, a rare gem for women in conservative, male-dominated
surroundings.. ..Some Muslim preachers in the West Bank and Saudi Arabia have taken notice, saying the show is un-Islamic and urging the faithful to change channels. But
all the same, the show may be planting seeds of change.. ..In Saudi Arabia, the only country with ratings, about three to four million people watch daily, out of a population
of nearly 28 million, according to MBC, the Saudi-owned satellite channel that airs the show dubbed into Arabic for Middle East audiences.."
[more]
College Admission Rate Up By 22 Percent [Jul 27]
"This year’s college admission rate of seconday school graduates will increase by 22 percent to enhance the number of graduates in fields needed by the labor market,
Al-Watan reported Saturday. The Undersecretary of Education Affairs at the Ministry of Higher Education, Muhammed Bin Abdul Aziz
Al-Auhali, said the increase brings the
total of admitted applicants to 86 percent and is set for professional colleges such as pharmacy, IT, engineering, medicine and dentistry. Last year the percentage of
applicants was increased by 10 percent for the same reasons, he said.."
[more]
New Line of Defense for Saudis Abroad [Jul 27]
"Saudis now have a new line of defense in case they are arrested abroad. Saudi Embassies and Consulates will work to help the defendant financially. A set of measures has
been endorsed by Kingdom authorities which define procedures to be undertaken in case a Saudi is held by foreign officals abroad such as Embassies offering legal counsel
reported Al-Madina Arabic daily on Saturday. Embassies will be required to provide legal advice and legal representation in court, especially in contract disputes or issues
pertaining to civil status. If the Saudi is not able to afford the court expenses, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to bear the brunt of the expenses after a review of the charges.If the charges stem from undisciplined or negligent behavior the ministry will inform the Saudi ahead of time that they will not cover the expenses.. ..This decision comes after
the Ministry of Higher Education which has granted 17,268 Saudi students scholarships to study abroad, as part of the King Abdullah Scholarship Program on Friday.."
[more]
Saudi Arabia to Spend $20bn on ICT Sector [Jul 27]
"Saudi Arabia has become the top investor in Information and Communications Technology
(ICT) with projections to spend $20 billion on ICT sector this year. Overall,
Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) is set to spend $73 billion on ICT which will reach over $95 billion in the next three years and the region is projected to overtake
the US in ICT spending, the figures released by the Global Insight suggested. During 2008, purchases of ICT products and services within will overtake the US, according to a
recent report by international research company, Global Insight. As the economy in the United States slows down, due in part to the weak dollar, businesses in the Middle
East are experiencing 5 percent growth, compared to 4 percent in the US, with the Middle East and Asia-Pacific becoming the two fastest growing regions in the world.."
[more]
Arab Aid to Palestinians Often Doesn't Fulfill Pledges [Jul 27]
"..Now, even with oil prices more than six times higher and the Palestinian Authority bordering on financial ruin, only a handful of Arab countries are sending even a small
portion of the money they promised, according to data examined by The Washington Post. Out of 22 Arab nations that made pledges, only three -- Algeria, Saudi Arabia
and the United Arab Emirates -- have contributed funds this year, while oil-rich countries such as Libya, Kuwait and Qatar have sent nothing and still owe the Palestinian
government more than $700 million in past-due pledges. The Palestinian Authority uses the contributions to help pay salaries for civil servants, health-care specialists and
other workers in the Palestinian territories. European governments, the World Bank and the United States have provided more than three times as much money as Arab
countries this year to keep the government afloat, but officials said the Europeans and the World Bank have virtually depleted their resources, leaving a funding gap of about
$800 million for the rest of 2008.." [more]
OPEC Chief: Oil Prices May Fall to $70 [Jul 27]
" Oil should be trading at between about 70 US dollars to 80 dollars per barrel if the dollar strengthens and the Iranian nuclear crisis is defused, Chakib
Khelil, rotating
president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), said Saturday. He made the prediction in his brief remarks to reporters, noting "there could be
volatility ... but normally long-term oil prices should move in that lower direction without the interference of geopolitics or of the US monetary policy."
He said the recent meeting between senior US diplomat William Burns and Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili in Geneva and the strengthening of dollar were the
main factors that helped push the oil prices down rather than changes in supply and demand. 'I do not see a fall in demand ... (and) supply is the same,' said Khelil who is
also Algeria's Minister of Energy and Mines.." [more]
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