RIYADH – Two 18-month-old Indian twins, whose parents have been detained by police for their alleged involvement in the murder of a run-away Nepalese maid, are sick and have been crying to see their mother. Police arrested Roy Joseph and Biji Thomas three weeks ago. The twins are currently in Riyadh in the care of friends of their parents and are living on milk formula and baby feeds. “A group of friends and colleagues of the Indian couple have sought the intervention of the National Society for Human Rights in the case,” said John Thomas, a family friend.
Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Abdul Aziz Khoja has left the country because of threats made against him. An Arab diplomat confirmed the news of Khoja’s departure but refused to elaborate. According to reports, Ambassador Khoja left Beirut on Aug. 17 after the Saudi Embassy had formally notified the Lebanese Foreign Ministry of a “threat of attack against the ambassador’s residence, his person, the embassy or other Saudi interests in Lebanon.”
RIYADH, 19 July 2006 — A Saudi retail giant, Al-Othaim Holding Company, has announced plans to open an additional 30 stores at a cost of billions of riyals within the next four years to take advantage of the growth in the retail sector. These stores including 10 supermalls to be opened by 2010 that will allegedly provide jobs to over 1,300 Saudi youths.
RIYADH, 7 July 2006 — An art exhibition focusing on the Kingdom’s desert life entitled “The collection of the Desert Dew” is currently under way in Riyadh. The second day of the three-day exhibition featuring some 114 high-value pieces of art by Dr. Nada Abdul Rahim Farhat drew a big crowd yesterday. The artist has portrayed desert life using an array of artistic talent.