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.
Alfaisal University and the Security Forces Hospital yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding that will mark the beginning of a research and academic collaboration between the two institutions. The MOU underlines the areas of cooperation between the two organizations, which include medical studies, research and training, that will eventually fuel the growth of the Saudi education sector.
RIYADH, 15 March 2007 — Saudi Arabia and South Africa have set out a new vision of political and economic relationships following summit-level talks on a range of issues. The two countries also agreed to give a new boost to trade and investment relations and, in the presence of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, signed an agreement on Tuesday to avoid double taxation. South African President Thabo Mbeki also witnessed the signing ceremony. Terrence Manase, a spokesman for the South African president, said, “The visit will improve political and commercial ties and will consolidate relations in other sectors.”
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah held wide-ranging talks with South African President Thabo Mbeki, who arrived here yesterday on a two-day official visit. The talks focused on bilateral, regional and international issues.
RIYADH, 13 March 2007 — Almutlaq’s Furniture, the sole dealer for the brands “Natuzzi”, “Gautier”, “Calligaris”, “Alf”, “La-z-boy” and “Warde” in Saudi Arabia, opened its new showroom on Olaya Thalatheen Street in the capital city yesterday. The move comes as Almutlaq’s Furniture seeks to address the increasing demand for its elegant furniture as well as offer its valued clients the newest designs of the Italian Natuzzi and French Gautier brands. The new showroom will also provide after-sales services, including delivery and installation.
The Belgium-based Energy Charter, a unique institution for the promotion of international cooperation in the energy sector, has planned to hold talks with the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to negotiate their accession. Saudi Arabia and the five Gulf countries are not signatories to the Energy Charter Treaty, but they hold observer status of the Charter that provides a multilateral framework for energy cooperation on global level.
The three widows of the Frenchmen killed by unidentified gunmen on Monday, as well as two children of one of the women, returned to France yesterday, said Alain Guepratte, a spokesman of the French Embassy.