The six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Europe have set out a new vision of relationship following the opening of a high profile Eurogolfe Conference here last night. “People in the Gulf should take up the challenge and play their role in globalization, while retaining their identity,” said Prince Turki ibn Mohammed Al-Kabeer, assistant undersecretary for political affairs and head of the department of International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
RIYADH, 26 May 2007 — Gulf governments have been urged to step up efforts to fight pirated media and stolen pay-TV channels in the region. “We have problems in the Gulf, even in Saudi Arabia, with compounds having cable systems that do not pay us for our content,” said Greg Sweeting, Showtime’s vice president for legal and business affairs. Sweeting urged the authorities to work aggressively to safeguard intellectual property rights and combat piracy. “The enormous problem of piracy is threatening to undermine jobs, expertise and massive investments brought to the region by legitimate entertainment providers.”
RIYADH, 17 May 2007 — Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, who was named as the new governor of Makkah by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah yesterday, announced the research and academic programs of the newly established world-class Alfaisal University last night. The curriculum of the university, which its founders hope will meet the highest international academic standards, has been designed in cooperation with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Several thefts and burglaries have been reported this month in the Riyadh region, including three this week alone when burglars stole large amounts of cash and jewelry from the house of a local resident. Burglars robbed the home of Saqavath Ali, a Saudi Investment Bank (SAIB) employee. Speaking to Arab News, Ali said that he had filed a complaint with local police but recovery of his belongings — including gold jewelry, a computer, a gas cylinder and other household items — looks remote.