RIYADH, 13 December 2004 — In a historic move for two Arab neighbors, Saudi Arabia and Yemen signed a series of accords here yesterday to strengthen political and economic cooperation, while renewing the pledge to combat terrorism.
RIYADH, 14 December 2004 — A high-profile businessman-cum-politician, Amar Singh, vice chairman of AB Corp with Big B (Amitabh Bachchan) and closely associated with Indian cinema, is currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia to attend Sir Syed Day celebrations organized by India’s Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (Riyadh chapter). General secretary of Samajwadi Party, Singh enjoys good friendship with Big B, Subrata Roy of Sahara India Group and Ambani’s family, which owns giant Reliance Company.
Reaping a windfall from record prices for its crude exports, Saudi Arabia yesterday announced a 2004 budget surplus of SR98 billion ($26.1 billion) and set a balanced budget for 2005 fiscal with revenues and expenditures projected at SR280 billion ($74.6 billion).
The Tatwir group led by Abdul Rahman Al-Jeraisy, the current chairman of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, won the election to the RCCI board, initial results late last night showed.
Saudi businesswomen made history yesterday by casting their votes for the first time in the board election of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry. A large number of women turned out fervently to vote at the chamber’s women’s section. Women are not eligible to take part in the forthcoming nationwide municipal elections.
RIYADH, 27 November 2004 — A Saudi ophthalmologist who usually has her eyes on the eyes of patients will now have the eyes of the world upon her as she has been named “Arab Woman of the Year.” Dr. Selwa A.F. Al-Hazzaa has become the first Saudi woman to win the prestigious award for excelling in a male-dominated bastion of medical sciences and community service.
RIYADH- Pilgrims and travelers to Saudi Arabia are finding their camera cell phones to be unwelcome visitors. Security officials are conducting intensive searches for the mobile phones equipped with cameras at border points and airports. Now, many pilgrims are thinking twice about bringing their camera cell phones along after hearing of confiscations at entry points.
RIYADH, 19 November 2004 — Saudi Arabia will host an AIDS workshop on International AIDS Day on Dec. 1 as part of efforts to increase public awareness about the disease and to ensure more care and dignity for patients suffering from it. This will be the first workshop of its kind in the Kingdom to discuss various aspects of the disease in an open forum, a change of approach on the part of the state-owned health institutions.
RIYADH – Pakistanis living in Riyadh celebrated Eid Al-Fitr in a traditional way, despite the changes in lifestyle brought about by modern trends. Most Pakistani expatriates preferred to wear traditional dresses, colorful bangles and henna patterns during the celebration. Scores of men, young and old, were seen chewing betel quids, picnicking in the desert and holding gossip sessions.
RIYADH, 17 November 2004 — Firework displays on Sunday night as part of the Eid celebrations illuminated the sky with a sparkling rainbow colors. A huge crowd of men, women and children assembled at Malaz Stadium and at two other places in Riyadh to watch the fireworks. The firework shows began at about 9 in the evening at Malaz Stadium and also at locations in the Suwedi and Oraiza districts of the city. The entry to the displays and to other events such as traditional dances and dramas were organized by the Riyadh governorate and municipality and are free to all.