SUSRIS Daily News – Excerpts from International Media Reports
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Ahab Case Shouldn’t Be in U.S., Judge Says  [Jul 30]
“A state judge threw out several lawsuits Thursday related to a continuing dispute between Saudi conglomerate Ahmed Hamad Al Gosaibi & Brothers Co. and Saudi billionaire Maan al-Sanea.  New York Supreme Court Justice Richard Lowe III said three lawsuits, including two by United Arab Emirates-based bank Mashreqbank against Ahmed Hamad Al Gosaibi & Brothers and its general partners, should be litigated outside the U.S.. ..’We are pleased with the court’s ruling and, in particular, with its recognition that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the better forum for the resolution of the parties’ differences,’ said Robert Serio, a lawyer for Mr. Sanea.  In a statement, Eric Lewis, a lawyer for Ahab, said Ahab believes the decision is wrong as a matter of both law and policy and that it is considering its options. He said Ahab has strong grounds for appeal..”  [Complete Report]

UN Urges Saudi Arabia to Stop Expelling Somalis  [Jul 30]
“The UN refugee agency has urged Saudi Arabia to stop deporting Somalis, saying 2,000 people have recently been sent to Mogadishu.  The UNHCR says those forced back to the Somali capital are at risk.  There is almost daily fighting there between Islamist militants and government troops backed by African Union peacekeepers.  The UNHCR has asked all countries not to deport people to south and central Somalia.  Most of this region is under the control of the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab group and its allies.  The government only runs a few parts of the capital..”  [Complete Report]

SUSRIS Daily News – Excerpts from International Media Reports
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Abdullah’s Tour Expected to Ease Regional Tensions  [Jul 29]
“Saudi politicians and experts have concurred that King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz’s regional tour will close Arab ranks and clear the atmosphere following a pledge he made at the Kuwait Arab summit in January 2009 calling for solidarity in the Arab world.. ..King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz visits Syria and Lebanon this week as part of a flurry of diplomatic efforts to contain a potentially explosive situation in Lebanon where there are growing fears of a new sectarian conflict.  The Saudi monarch, who is also visiting Egypt and Jordan, is scheduled to meet with Syrian leader Bashar Al Assad today before heading to Beirut tomorrow for brief talks with Lebanese leaders..”  [Complete Report]

Syria-Saudi Ties Not Washington’s Business: Syria  [Jul 29]
“The Syrian government advised the United States Thursday against interfering with a visit by Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah to Damascus and said the two countries ‘know better’ how to stabilize the Middle East.  Abdullah will hold talks with President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian capital before they travel together to Beirut on Friday to try to calm tension over a tribunal to try suspects in the 2005 assassination of Lebanese statesman Rafik al-Hariri.  U.S. State department official Philip Crowley said on Wednesday Washington hoped Syria would play a constructive role in the region and would respond to the Saudi monarch’s concerns about Iranian ‘threats’ to Middle East stability.  ‘Obviously, King Abdullah has played a significant leadership role in the region. So his prospective travel to Syria and to Lebanon is consistent with his search for peace,’..”  [Complete Report]

Kingdom Ready to Expand Iraq Ties: Naif  [Jul 29]
“Saudi Arabia is ready to cooperate with Iraq in all areas‭, ‬Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Minister Prince Naif said on Wednesday after holding talks with Iraqi Ambassador Ghanim Al-Jameeli.  ‘We are very much concerned with the Iraqi people and we have been working for the protection of Iraq’s security and stability,’ Prince Naif said.  He emphasized the Kingdom’s solid stand on Iraq,  adding that Saudi Arabia works only for the goodness of the war-torn Arab country.  ‘We are looking forward to the day when Iraq will be ruled by its people and there will not be any foreign presence,’ the minister said..”  [Complete Report]

WWF Apologizes to Kingdom Over Vandalism  [Jul 29]
“The environmental group WWF said Wednesday that it had apologized unreservedly after an employee vandalized Saudi Arabia’s conference nameplate at a UN climate meeting last month.  WWF International acknowledged that the incident, which sparked an uproar at a meeting of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Bonn, Germany on June 11, was gravely offensive to Saudi Arabia.. ..WWF said an employee of its British branch was involved in taking and distributing ‘offensive photographs’ featuring the official nameplate..”  [Complete Report]

JPMorgan Will Open Full Saudi Arabian Branch in Emerging-Market Expansion  [Jul 29]
“JPMorgan Chase & Co. plans to become the first U.S. bank to open a full-service commercial branch in Saudi Arabia this year, six years after Citigroup Inc. exited a venture in the world’s biggest oil exporter.  The firm, building on an investment banking office, is adding services to attract more corporate and institutional customers, said Daniel Cotti, the New York-based bank’s executive for global trade services. It obtained a full commercial banking license from the Saudi government in 2005 and is now the only U.S. financial firm to hold one. The expansion is part of a plan to accelerate growth in emerging markets also including Asia, South America and Eastern Europe..”  [Complete Report]

SUSRIS Daily News – Excerpts from International Media Reports
[Links to full articles were active on the date posted here]  

CPA Gains Membership in International Body  [Jul 28]
“The Saudi Consumer Protection Association (CPA) recently became the newest member of Consumer International (CI), a global federation of consumer groups, after its assembly accepted a CPA application to join.  ‘We feel that it is a positive action that will help us get consultation from CI and its other members to better do our jobs and provide local consumers with the best service and awareness possible,’ said CPA President Dr. Mohammed Al-Hamad.  Al-Hamad also said CI’s expertise is another impressive aspect of the organization, which is now in its 50th year of operation.  Commenting on other initiatives that CPA is currently involved in, Al-Hamad explained that cracking down on counterfeit products is a top priority, in which he is currently holding several meetings with local authorities to counteract..”  [Complete Report]

King Visits Egypt Today on the First Leg of His 4-Nation Tour  [Jul 28]
“Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmad Nazif has welcomed the visit of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to Egypt.  He described meetings between King Abdullah and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak as ‘always producing benefits for the people of their countries’.  ‘The level of coordination and understanding between the two countries is reflected in the King’s wish to detail to the Egyptian president talks he held during his tour of Europe,’ Nazif said.  ‘Coordination between them is continuous, and addresses regional issues, developments in Darfur and Sudan in general, developments in Somalia and Iraq, the situation in Palestine and other important issues.’..”  [Complete Report]

12% Annual Growth Expected in Saudi Franchising Market  [Jul 28]
“Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy are paying off as the country’s franchising industry, estimated to be worth SR3.75 billion, is expected to grow at an annual rate of 12 percent.  The robust growth forecast underlines the increasing economic contributions of the franchising industry in Saudi Arabia and its strong potential to become the most popular non-oil business sector in the region, said Diya Abdo, Project Manager, Saudi International Franchise Exhibition and Conference (IFEC 2010), Riyadh Exhibition Company (REC).  The IFEC 2010, the third international exhibition and conference for the franchise industry in Saudi Arabia, sought to complement the surge in franchising activity by providing a platform for international franchisers, entrepreneurs, agents, business owners and investors from the Middle East and other regions to discuss the most promising franchising opportunities and to address important issues..”  [Complete Report]

Saudi Aramco Awards Yanbu Refinery Works to Tecnicas, Daelim Industrial  [Jul 28]
“Saudi Aramco, the biggest state- owned oil company, awarded contracts at the planned 400,000 barrel-a-day Yanbu refinery in Saudi Arabia to companies including Tecnicas Reunidas SA and Daelim Industrial Co.  Tecnicas Reunidas will do work on the coker unit, Daelim will build the gasoline and hydrocracker units and SK Engineering & Construction Co. will work on the crude unit, Saudi Arabia’s state oil company said today in a statement. Tecnicas said separately it got $700 million contract.  ‘Signing these contracts represents a critical milestone,’ Motassim Al-Ma’ashouq, Aramco’s executive director of new business development, said in the statement.  Aramco is boosting refining capacity to meet demand at home even as returns from processing crude oil have narrowed, Chief Executive Officer Khalid al-Falih said in January. The plant will cost $10 billion to $12 billion, John Sfakianakis, chief economist at Riyadh-based Banque Saudi Fransi said in April..”  [Complete Report]

SUSRIS Daily News – Excerpts from International Media Reports

Cleric: Employ Only Muslim Maids in Saudi Arabia  [Jul 27]
“A Saudi cleric said only Muslim housemaids should be allowed in the country and they should be kept segregated from men in the home, an online news site reported on Tuesday.  ‘If there is a need to import workers as female domestics, they should be Muslims,’ Shaikh Yousuf Al Ahmad, a strong opponent of men and women mixing in the kingdom, told the sabq.org website.  He also said female domestics should cover themselves in the home, and that, following Islamic requirements for Saudi women, they should also be required to have a male relative guardian, or mahram, with them in Saudi Arabia.. ..He gained notoriety earlier this year when he called for the Grand Mosque of Makkah to be torn down and rebuilt with separate entrances and areas for men and women.  His latest comments are directed at the huge foreign labour pool in the country, accounting for an estimated 8 to 10 million of a population of about 25 million people..” [Complete Report]

Minnesota Promotes Saudi Arabia Export Opportunities  [Jul 27]
“The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is highlighting export opportunities in Saudi Arabia for food and agricultural companies.  The department and the U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council are sponsoring a seminar in Minneapolis on Tuesday on exporting to Saudi Arabia, which imported almost $700 million dollars in U.S. agricultural products last year.  David Callahan, vice president of the council, says the Saudi government is phasing out local production of water-intensive crops, thus limiting expansion of its agricultural sector.  Minnesota agriculture exports have been outpacing total U.S. agricultural exports to Saudi Arabia for the last seven years. Top Minnesota products going there include sauces, condiments, vegetables and animal feed..”  [Complete Report]

Saudi Arabia May Be Proper Forum for al-Sanea Suit, Judge Says  [Jul 27]
“Saudi Arabia may be a more appropriate location for claims in a lawsuit filed in the Cayman Islands against Saudi billionaire Maan al-Sanea by members of the kingdom’s Algosaibi family, according to a court decision.  In the lawsuit, the Algosaibi group alleged Al-Sanea misappropriated $9.2 billion from the group’s units in part to fund his Saad Group of Companies. Al-Sanea has denied any wrongdoing, saying Algosaibi was aware of the borrowing. Smellie stayed the litigation until a committee appointed by the Saudi government rules on related petitions made there by the Algosaibi family. Smellie’s decision couldn’t be immediately confirmed in Cayman Islands electronic records or by a clerk contacted at the courthouse.  Units of the two Saudi family groups have borrowed at least $15.7 billion from more than 80 regional and international banks, including Paris-based BNP Paribas SA, New York-based Citigroup Inc. and Arab Bank Plc in Amman, Jordan, according to documents provided by lenders..”  [Complete Report]

Food Security Focus of Saudi-Mauritius Talks  [Jul 27]
“Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Mauritius discussed food security and ways of boosting bilateral trade in talks with senior officials during a three-day visit to the Indian Ocean country.  Mohammed bin Ali Al-Ali, who is based in Pretoria, South Africa, also talked in general about the need to increase relations with the island nation in other key areas as well.  ‘Trade relations are becoming more important than politics,’ Al-Ali said after a working session with Mauritius Minister of Industry and Commerce Showkutally Soodhun.  ‘Regarding food security, we can see how Mauritius can help us in planting our crops and exporting them to Saudi Arabia,’ Al-Ali said.  The meeting took place at the minister’s office in Port Louis in the presence of  Malek Ghawas, the attaché at the Saudi Embassy, and Yasine Mohabuth, an adviser to the Mauritius minister..”  [Complete Report]

Saudi King to Visit Lebanon Amid Tensions: Government Official  [Jul 26]
“Saudi King Abdullah will visit Lebanon on Friday and will urge rival parties to exercise restraint amid tensions over the possible implication of Hezbollah in the murder of ex-premier Rafiq Hariri, a government official said on Monday.  ‘The visit comes amid efforts to ease tensions in the country,’ the high-ranking official who did not wish to be identified told AFP. ‘He is going to tell all the parties to remain cool.’  He was referring to mounting fears of a conflict in Lebanon following last week’s announcement by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah that he knew the UN tribunal probing Hariri’s 2005 murder was set to indict Hezbollah members.. ..Saudi Arabia was a key supporter of the slain Hariri and holds sway with his son Sa’ad Hariri, who is Lebanon’s current prime minister.  The Saudi king’s hours-long visit will be his first to Lebanon since 2002.  It is part of a regional tour that will also take him on Thursday to Syria, which, along with Iran, backs Hezbollah..”  [Complete Report]

Defence Teams Still Rescuing Saudi Flood Victims  [Jul 26]
“Saudi Civil Defence teams say they are continuing to rescue victims stranded by recent torrential rains and floods in the Asir and Jazan regions in the south, and Taif, a summer resort in the west of the country.  More than 15 people have died and five others have been reported missing after the rains and flooding, while tens of others in villages across the region have been injured, authorities said.. ..The Saudi authorities said they had also cut power to affected areas to prevent people from electrocuting themselves.  The Civil Defence said it had already rescued about 400 people stranded in the flooded villages.  Helicopters were also dropping parcels of food into the villages which were isolated by the floods.  However the Civil Defence said it had received emergency rescue calls from more than 1,900 people..”  [Complete Report]

Saudi Envoys in Europe Meet in London  [Jul 26]
“Saudi Ambassador to UK Prince Muhammad bin Nawaf on Monday emphasized the role of ambassadors’ in strengthening the Kingdom’s political, economic and cultural relations with other countries.. ..He said the meeting would discuss the five-year strategy for diplomatic work, a unified strategy for Europe and the operation plan for Saudi missions in the continent. He hoped the meeting would come up with good recommendations to strengthen the Kingdom’s position in the comity of nations..”  [Complete Report]

Chinese Universities to Set Up King Abdullah Chairs  [Jul 26]
“Two leading Chinese universities have expressed their intent to establish chairs and research centers on interfaith and cultural dialogue named after Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.  The University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) and Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU) have presented applications to the Saleh Al-Sagri, Saudi cultural attache in Beijing, in this regard. There are 80,000 students at SYSU and 30,000 at UIBE, including Saudis.  Al-Sagri said more than 30 Chinese universities had expressed their desire to enroll Saudi students.  ‘Chinese universities have so far signed 35 agreements with their Saudi counterparts to exchange expertise,’..”  [Complete Report]

Four Dead in Bomb Attack on al-Arabiya TV in Baghdad  [Jul 26]
“A suicide car bomber has killed four people in an attack near the Baghdad offices of the Saudi-owned pan-Arab news channel, al-Arabiya.  Officials say those killed included security guards and cleaning staff.  An al-Arabiya reporter said the bomber detonated his device after passing through an initial security gate.. ..Al-Arabiya, which is perceived by extremist groups as being too pro-Western, has been targeted in the past.  In October 2006, a car bomb targeting the channel’s previous bureau killed seven people and wounded 20.  And in February 2006, presenter Atwar Bahjat and two of her colleagues were murdered in the town of Samarra as they covered the bombing of a revered Shia shrine..”  [Complete Report]

SUSRIS Daily News – Excerpts from International Media Reports
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UNESCO Panel to Consider Al-Diriyah For World Heritage List  [Jul 25]
“Al-Diriyah, a small town on the northwestern outskirts of Riyadh that served as the capital of the Saudi royal family from AD 1744 to 1818, is one of the candidates for UNESCO World Heritage Site status during the UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre’s annual 10-day meeting. This year’s meet is taking place in Brasilia.. ..According to the chroniclers of Nejd, the city of Al-Diriyah was founded in AD 1446 by Mani Al-Mraydi, an ancestor of the Saudi royal family. Al-Diriyah is part of the Turief District Development Plan that aims to turn the district into a major cultural and tourist center of international repute..”  [Complete Report]

Saudi Families Stranded Abroad  [Jul 25]
“More than 598 Saudi families consisting of more than 1,822 members are currently stranded in a number of foreign countries, a Saudi welfare society looking after Saudis abroad announced.  The situation can arise where some Saudis travel to foreign countries with the intention of entering into temporary marriages. However, foreign wives are not allowed to enter the kingdom with their children.  ‘There are large numbers of Saudi sons and daughters who have been born under Misyar, Misfar, tourist and other kinds of marriages, which are permissible under Sharia rulings in these countries and on which Saudi travellers depend,’.. ..Talking to Gulf News, chairman of the society Dr Tawfiq Bin Abdul Aziz Al Suwailam said the society was providing financial help to these families including educational expenses and health care.  He said the society will provide air tickets, accommodation and sustenance for three months to those wishing to come to Saudi Arabia before handing them over to one of the domestic welfare societies..”  [Complete Report]

SUSRIS Daily News – Excerpts from International Media Reports

Saudi Cleric: Women Can Forego Veil in Anti-Niqab Countries  [Jul 24]
” A leading Saudi cleric hit out at France for moving to ban face-veils, but approved Muslim women foregoing veils when visiting a country which outlaws them, a Saudi paper reported on Saturday.  The cleric’s ruling was in response to a question from a Saudi woman in France about how to respond to a movement there to ban full-face veils. Governments in Spain and Belgium are also considering bans.  ‘It is illogical and unreasonable that the French government undertakes such a thing, which is condemned by neutral people, not just Muslims, because the secular state assures freedom of religion,’ Shaikh Aed Al Qarni told Al Hayat.  ‘The state has to respect religious rituals and beliefs, including those of Muslims,’ he said in an interview.  However, he added, if Muslim women are in a country that has banned the niqab, or full-face veil, or if they face harassment in such a place, ‘it is better that the Muslim woman uncovers her face.’..”  [Complete Report]

Foreign Ships Threaten to Boycott Saudi Ports  [Jul 24]
“Owners of foreign ships have threatened to boycott Saudi ports and use other Gulf ports if the current crisis in unloading cargo at Dammam’s King Abdul Aziz Port continues unabated.  The ship owners said some ships have had to wait up to three weeks, and in some cases an entire month, to unload cargo, something they say is resulting in huge costs. They, along with shipping agents and businessmen, have called on Minister of Transport Jabara Al-Seraisry, who is also chairman of the General Ports Authority, to intervene and resolve the crisis.. ..Most companies at the port are facing labor shortage and have been unable to deal with the sudden increase in workload due to the summer and upcoming Ramadan.  Abdullah Al-Hamad, deputy director of the port, has set up a working team to follow up on the situation and resolve the crisis..”  [Complete Report]

SUSRIS Daily News – Excerpts from International Media Reports
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Saudi in Talks For Project Liberty-Type Spy Planes  [Jul 23]
“L-3 Communications Holdings Inc is in discussions with Saudi Arabia on a potential order for a fleet of spy planes similar to ones used by the US Air Force, chief executive officer Mike Strianese said.  “Saudi Arabia is interested in the Project Liberty-type system,” Strianese said on Thursday in an interview at the Farnborough Air Show, near London. The kingdom may consider “a handful” of planes for internal security, he said.. ..The US Defense Department is preparing to ask permission from Congress for an arms package for Saudi Arabia that includes military airplanes, navy vessels and missile defense systems, Navy Vice Admiral Jeffrey Wieringa, head of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, said in an interview in Farnborough on Wednesday.  The potential sale of the Project Liberty spy planes would be part of that package..”  [Complete Report]

Saudi Tops Foreign Direct Investment Recipient in Mideast: UN Report  Jul 23]
“Saudi Arabia came eighth among top 10 recipients of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the world in 2009, making the oil-rich kingdom the top FDI destination in the Middle East, a UN report said.  According to the World Investment Report (WIR) of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), released in Riyadh on Thursday, Saudi Arabia lured 36 billion U.S. dollars in foreign direct investments last year, Saudi-based Arab News newspaper reported Friday.  “Being the largest FDI recipient in the region, Saudi Arabia has projected impressive growth last year and it has earned investor confidence from global entrepreneurs,” Taffere Tescfachew, chief of the Office of UNCTAD Secretary-General and Strategy and Policy Coordination, was quoted by the paper as telling a news conference in the Saudi capital.  The report that covered 192 countries was released simultaneously in 42 countries worldwide..”  [Complete Report]

Raytheon Wins Saudi TOW Missile Contract  [Jul 23]
” Raytheon has been awarded a $55 million contract by the U.S. government to deliver TOW 2A radio frequency missiles to Saudi Arabia.  The tube-launched, optically tracked, wireless-guided missile includes an RF transmitter added to the missile case and an RF receiver in the missile.  The contract is part of the U.S. foreign military sale to Saudi Arabia’s national guard.  The weapon has been around since the early 1970s and was first used by the U.S. military in Vietnam. But it has undergone successive upgrades and variant developments, including that of the TOW 2A variant..”  [Complete Report]

Nike Signs Saudi Arabia Distribution Deal [Jul 23]
“Saudi Arabian retailer and wholesaler Sun and Sand Sports has entered a distribution agreement with sporting goods giant Nike.  The deal includes the distribution of apparel, footwear and accessories in the country.  Abdul Aziz Hassan Baqer, chairman of Gulf Marketing Group, said: “Sun and Sand Sports already has the distinction of being the Nike distributor in UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. The addition of Saudi Arabia is a significant milestone achieved.”  The agreement was signed at the Gulf Marketing Group office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates between Karsten Koehler, Nike’s distributors business director and Abdul Aziz Hassan Baqer, chairman of Gulf Marketing Group..”  [Complete Report]

SUSRIS Daily News – Excerpts from International Media Reports
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Saudi Aramco Extends Bids for Yanbu Refinery Unit  [Jul 22]
“tate oil giant Saudi Aramco has asked firms to extend the deadline for bids to build one of the units at the 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) Yanbu refinery, industry sources said on Thursday.  The Yanbu project accounts for just under a quarter of the country’s planned expansion of around 1.7 million bpd of refining capacity on top of the current 2.1 million bpd.  The state-run firm [SDABO.UL] had previously asked engineering firms to extend the validity by 60 days to July 26 for bids for contracts for the Yanbu project.  The deadline has been pushed back further for the coker unit, the sources said, but it remains unchanged for other units..” [Complete Report]

Shoura Chairman Condemns UN Double Standard  [Jul 22]
“The Kingdom has called on the United Nations to intervene and stop ongoing Israeli settlement building in Palestinian territories.  Shoura Council Chairman Abdullah Al-Asheikh said the UN needed to stop Palestinian rights being violated. He was addressing delegates at the third World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, which concluded in Geneva on Wednesday.. ..“The Middle East region is still witnessing continuous Israeli occupation and its daily violations of the rights of the Palestinian people, who live under oppression, destruction and genocide,” said Al-Asheikh.  “We see that those who speak the language of law and call for the application of the principles of human rights, justice and equality, ignores all of that when it comes to Israel. This double standard policy is shown in its ugliest form, and thus we see that the Palestinian individual is deprived of his least rights,”..”  [Complete Report]

West Unruffled by Saudi, UAE Nuclear Aims  [Jul 22]
“Oil powers Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have joined the race to gain nuclear energy, but in sharp contrast to nearby Iran, their ambitions are unlikely to worry the West.  Sanctions are piling up against OPEC member Iran as the international community seeks to force it to contain its nuclear activities. On Monday, the European Union is expected to adopt the latest set of measures.  No-one disputes that Iran, in common with its fellow Middle Eastern oil producers, has an urgent need for more sources of power generation to prevent it burning fuel oil to meet surging domestic energy demand.  The problem is the suspicion Tehran is on the road to building a nuclear bomb, whereas Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are credited with only wanting peaceful power..”  [Complete Report]

Saudi Arabia Pavilion Becomes Favorite of Chinese Tourists  [Jul 22]
“A survey shows that among the 300-plus pavilions at the Shanghai World Expo, the Saudi Arabia Pavilion has become the favorite pavilion of Chinese tourists, beating out the Japan Pavilion, according to news from the China News Service.  Since the Shanghai World Expo opened two months ago, the total number of visitors has exceeded 25 million, and the number of daily visitors reached between 350,000 and 500,000 in July.  The survey was conducted by the Horizon Research Consultancy Group, who came to the conclusion by conducting surveys in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Chengdu, Dalian, Xi’an and Jinan. The survey shows that the China Pavilion, Saudi Arabia Pavilion and Japan Pavilion received the highest evaluations and the China Pavilion and U.S. Pavilion are the most anticipated pavilions..”  [Complete Report]

SUSRIS Daily News – Excerpts from International Media Reports
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Saudis Buy Sikorsky Helicopters  [Jul 21]
” Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry ordered three Sikorsky S-70i helicopters with options to purchase a dozen more.  The order makes Saudi Arabia the launch customer for the new aircraft, which is an international version of Sikorsky’s Black Hawk, used by the U.S. Army and the armed forces of more than two dozen other countries.  “We are proud to announce the sales launch of the S-70i international Black Hawk to our valued customer, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior,” Michael Ambrose, vice president of international military programs at Sikorsky, said. “The S-70i helicopter continues the legendary Black Hawk history of providing safe and reliable transportation for militaries around the world with exceptional value.”..”  [Complete Report]

China, Saudi Arabia Celebrate 20th Anniversary of Diplomatic Ties   [Jul 21]
“China and Saudi Arabia Wednesday celebrated their 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties at a reception here Wednesday.  Senior Chinese political advisor Wang Zhizhen and the Saudi Ambassador to China, Yahya A. S. Alzaid, addressed the reception.  Wang, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, spoke highly of the development of Sino-Saudi relations.  She said China is ready to make joint efforts with Saudi Arabia to deepen the friendly and mutually beneficial cooperative ties between the two nations.  She also said China hopes to develop the bilateral strategic relationship..”  [Complete Report]

S.Korea Firms Win Billion-Dollar Saudi Cable Deal  [Jul 21]
” A South Korean consortium has won a one-billion dollar deal to lay fibre optic cables in Saudi Arabia, a state trade promotion agency said Wednesday.  Korean Middle East Engineering, a joint venture of four South Korean businesses in the kingdom, was named main project contractor by Saudi Arabia’s Integrated Telecom Company, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency said.   The project is to set up a national network in Saudi Arabia and also to connect the country with Sudan, Yemen, Oman and the United Arab Emirates by undersea cable by December 2013, the agency said in a statement.  “Since the Dubai debt crisis, Saudi Arabia is becoming an attractive market for South Korean businesses,” said Lee Kwan-Seok, head of the agency’s Korea Business Centre in the Saudi capital Riyadh..”  [Complete Report]

Egypt-Saudi Power Grid Link Cost Seen at $1.5 bln  [Jul 21]
“A project aimed at linking the power grids of electricity-hungry countries Egypt and Saudi Arabia to help meet peak-time demand is expected to cost about $1.5 billion, an Egyptian official said on Wednesday.  An international tender for work on the project is scheduled for January 2011, Electricity Ministry Undersecretary Aktham Abul Ela said.  Egypt will send Saudi Arabia electricity through the connection in the afternoons and Saudi Arabia will send electricity to Egypt in the evenings, taking advantage of the difference in the countries’ peak use hours, he added.  He said the two countries would split the cost of the project — which aims to exchange 3,000 megawatts of electricity between the countries through direct current electrical lines — based on the amount of work on their land..”  [Complete Report]

SUSRIS Daily News – Excerpts from International Media Reports
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Raytheon Signs $55m Deal for Saudi National Guard  [Jul 20]
“US defence contraction Raytheon Co has secured a $55m contract to supply wireless-guided missiles to the US government as part of a foreign military sale to Saudi Arabia’s National Guard.  The weapons are known as TOW missiles, which stands for tube-launched, optically-tracked, wireless guided 2A radio frequency missiles, and are favoured for their precise targeting.  “On today’s battlefield, potential targets are hiding in caves, behind boulders or in the mountains,” said Shawn Ball, TOW international business development manager, Raytheon..”  [Complete Report]

Investors Bet on Saudi Arabia’s Economic Boom  [Jul 20]
” Saudi Arabia is drawing strong interest from the private equity sector thanks to a a large and young population, a growing economy and a government dedicated to achieving wider economic diversification.  Saudi Arabia ranks favourably in the Insead-Booz and Company survey on the regional private equity industry, which indicates that a large majority of general partners are looking to invest in the GCC this year. But though many of GCC countries are relatively wealthy, they lack the critical mass of in terms of population and size of economic activity, the survey indicated.  Saudi Arabia scores in this aspect.  A number of international private equity firms have said they expected to open offices in Saudi Arabia in the coming months..”  [Complete Report]

Kingdom Holding Net Grows 47% on Revenue From Hotels  [Jul 20]
” Kingdom Holding Co., an investment company controlled by Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, said second-quarter profit advanced 47 percent on revenue from global hotel operations and units inside Saudi Arabia.  Net income increased to 135.4 million riyals ($36.1 million) from 92.1 million riyals in the year-earlier period, the Riyadh-based company said in a statement to the Saudi bourse today. The company is “experiencing improving results from its hotel operations and its domestic entities,” it said.  Kingdom Holding restructured some of its management and business to drive growth after struggling through the global financial crisis..”  [Complete Report]

SUSRIS Daily News – Excerpts from International Media Reports
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Saudi Sabic Q2 Net Profits up Versus ’09  [Jul 18]
“Saudi Basic Industries Corp., one of the world’s biggest chemical companies, says its net profits more than doubled in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the same period last, boosted by higher sales and production.  SABIC said in a statement Sunday net profits climbed to 5.02 billion riyals ($1.34 billion) in the second quarter compared to 1.81 billion riyals in the corresponding period of 2009.  The company said new projects, such as its joint venture plant with China’s Sinopec, boosted production that contributed to the second quarter gains. Commercial production at the Tianjin facility began in May.  Operating profits climbed to 9.14 billion riyals in the quarter compared to 4.08 billion riyals in the same period a year earlier..”  [Complete Report]

Aramco, Dow Extend Project Deadline  [Jul 18]
“Saudi Aramco [SDABO.UL] and U.S. group Dow Chemical Co (DOW.N: Quote) extended to Monday a deadline for companies to qualify for bidding to build a giant petrochemical project, industry sources said.  The plant, which would be one of the largest in the world, is part of the Saudi state firm’s ambition to develop its petrochemical industry as the kingdom seeks to move away from over-reliance on oil revenues.  One source from an international engineering firm took the extension of the deadline, previously set for July 6, as a signal the project was definitely going ahead in spite of earlier doubts about the cost.  “Definitely, the project is moving … There is a whole team working on it,” the source said.  Originally the plant was to be built at Ras Tanura, home to the world’s biggest offshore oil facility, and would have been integrated with an expansion of the refinery there.  Neither Aramco or Dow Chemical, the largest foreign investor in Saudi Arabia’s energy sector, has officially said there has been a change of plan..”  [Complete Report]

SUSRIS Daily News – Excerpts from International Media Reports

World Bank Providing Help to Green SMEs in Kingdom  [Jul 16]
“The World Bank is providing funding for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) involved in renewable energy and cleaner production projects in the Kingdom.  The International Finance Corporation (IFC), member of the World Bank Group, signed off on a SR75 million investment in Saudi Orix Leasing Company (SOLC) last week to expand sustainable energy financing and increase access to finance for smaller businesses in Saudi Arabia.  “The loan will help SOLC, the largest private leasing company in Saudi Arabia, increase the number of leases it provides to small and medium enterprises that are investing in energy efficient, renewable energy and cleaner production projects,” said Walid Almurshed, IFC’s country manager for Saudi Arabia.  Under the agreement, IFC will also provide advisory services to help SOLC increase its sustainable energy finance portfolio in Saudi Arabia..”  [Complete Report]

Riyadh Fighting Home-Grown Terrorism  [Jul 16]
“Saudi Arabia, which has long suffered from the presence of terrorists within its borders, says it has tightened its grip on hardline Muslim scholars who consider anyone who does not follow their ideology to be an infidel.  The kingdom said it had done this through measures such as giving the press more freedom, and intensifying the activities of the King Abdul Aziz Centre for National Dialogue.  The centre holds discussions throughout the year on issues which provoked political, intellectual and religious furore.  A number of Saudi analysts, writers and academics told Gulf News the transfer of more than 2,000 schoolteachers to administrative positions in the past two years was due to their attempts to teach students about Al Qaida.  Local Arabic daily Okaz, commonly believed to be the mouthpiece of the government, last Monday quoted Abdul Rahman Al Halaq, adviser to Prince Mohammad Bin Naif, assistant Interior Minister for Security Affairs as saying that the decision to remove these teachers from the classroom was clear proof that the kingdom was tightening its grip on people who spread devious thoughts..”  [Complete Report]

Toshiba, U.S. Firms to Jointly Bid on Saudi Nuke Projects [Jul 16]
“Japan’s Toshiba Corp. (TSE:6502) said Monday that it has reached an agreement with Shaw Group Inc. of the U.S. and a subsidiary of U.S. utility Exelon Corp. to jointly make proposals for nuclear power plants in Saudi Arabia.  The trio aims to win orders by offering a full package that includes equipment procurement, construction and operation of the power plants.  The partners intend to market Toshiba’s Advanced Boiling Water Reactor, which has a proven track record in Japan, but they may choose instead to use Toshiba subsidiary Westinghouse Electric Co.’s AP1000 pressurized-water reactors.  Saudi Arabia has shown an interest in nuclear power generation, having launched in April a government arm to oversee nuclear power and renewable energy projects. But the Middle Eastern nation has not yet announced any specific plans to build nuclear reactors..”  [Complete Report]

SUSRIS Daily News – Excerpts from International Media Reports

Specter Renews Push to Let U.S. Citizens Sue Saudi Arabia Over 9/11  [Jul 14]
“Sharpening his tone on long-standing allegations that Saudi Arabia helped fund the 9/11 attacks, Sen. Arlen Specter (D., Pa.) said Wednesday that he would press for enactment of legislation to make it easier for U.S. citizens to sue the kingdom for damages.  Specter said he was convinced by evidence developed by the 9/11 Commission and in litigation against the government of Saudi Arabia that Saudi officials knew government financial support of Islamist charities would end up in the hands of terrorists.  “I believe that this is what the evidence shows,” Specter said.  Specter made his remarks after a Senate subcommittee hearing on legislation that would expand the circumstances under which U.S. citizens could sue foreign governments accused of supporting terrorists. Specter is sponsoring the bill along with Sens. Charles Schumer (D., N.Y.) and Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.)..”  [Complete Report]

Saudi Nuclear Drive Gains Momentum  [Jul 14]
“Saudi Arabia’s decision last week to sign a nuclear cooperation pact with France marks a major step forward for a pan-Arab drive toward nuclear power, even as the United States strives to rein in Iran’s nuclear ambitions.  Jordan is talking with Areva of France and Mitsubishi of Japan, among other companies, to acquire the technology required to build the Hashemite kingdom’s first nuclear power generating plant.  Earlier this month, the United Arab Emirates, which is the Arab state furthest down the path of developing nuclear energy, issued licenses to the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corp. to start preparing a site for a nuclear power facility. In December, the Emirates awarded a South Korean consortium a $20.4 billion contract to build and operate four 1,400-megawatt nuclear power plants..” [Complete Report]

Kingdom Top Terror Finance Fighter  [Jul 12]
“Saudi Arabia has won the first position among Arab countries and 10th among G20 countries in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) report on its compliance with international resolutions on combating money laundering and terror financing.  “We are happy over the international recognition of the Kingdom’s efforts in fighting money laundering and terror financing,” said a statement issued by the Council of Ministers following its weekly meeting here.  The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, emphasized the danger posed by the two types of crimes to national and international financial systems.  The FATF and Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force have endorsed the report citing a high degree of Saudi Arabia’s compliance to 40 anti-money laundering (AML) resolutions and nine anti-terror funding resolutions..”  [Complete Report]

Joint Saudi-Japanese Push for Education Urged  [Jul 12]
“A Japanese parliamentarian has called for strengthening Saudi-Japanese joint investment in higher education, the engine of development.  “The relation between the two countries has to move further focusing on human resources rather than material resources,” said Toshiaki Koizumi, a member of the House of Representatives.  He made this comment while presenting a paper on “Saudi Arabia and Japan: A Dialogue for Future,” at a seminar that was held on the sidelines of Tokyo International Book Fair. Koizumi said the two countries have to increase joint investment in education. Saudi Arabia is the guest of honor at the show.  Speaking on the topic “Saudi-Japan partnership relations,” Yousuf Al-Shaer, a Saudi academic, stressed the importance of in expanding joint investment in industries and facilitating visit visas to business delegations from both countries..”  [Complete Report]

Shaw, Toshiba, Exelon Join to Pursue Saudi Nuclear Deals [Jul 12]
“Shaw Group Inc., Toshiba Corp. and Exelon Nuclear Partners, a unit of Exelon Corp., said Monday they inked a teaming agreement to pursue nuclear power contracts in Saudi Arabia, the world’s top oil exporter.  The three firms are seeking opportunities to provide services to design, engineer, construct and operate new nuclear electric generating plants in the Arab world’s largest economy, the companies said Monday in a statement posted through Business Newswire.  Toshiba and Shaw would provide design, engineering, procurement and construction while Exelon would provide operations and related services for the projects.  Last week, the Saudi cabinet agreed to sign a nuclear cooperation accord with France. The move came after the world’s oil producing powerhouse took a step toward building nuclear power plants in April, establishing a new city devoted to research and application of nuclear technology, King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, or KACARE..”  [Complete Report]

SUSRIS Daily News – Excerpts from International Media Reports
[Links to full articles were active on the date posted here]

King Abdullah Postpones Visit to France  [Jul 11]
” Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah has postponed a visit to France that would have seen him open an exhibition of Saudi’s archaeological treasures at the Louvre museum and possibly attend the July 14 national day festivities.  A spokesman at the kingdom’s embassy in Paris confirmed on Friday that the visit had been postponed and a new date had not yet been set. He declined to give further details.  The Saudi state news agency SPA reported on Saturday the visit “has been postponed to a date to be determined, at the earliest time convenient for the two sides,” citing a government official.  French daily Le Monde reported Friday that the visit has been postponed, citing an unnamed French official as saying that the trip had never been formally decided..”  [Complete Report]

U.S. And Saudi Arabia Old Friends  [Jul 11]
“In late June, U.S. President Barack Obama welcomed King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia to the White House.  The 2 men discussed the security problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan, stated their strong support for the efforts of the P5+1 with regard to Iran’s nuclear program, and urged Iran to meet its international obligations under UN Security Council and IAEA resolutions. They expressed their hope that proximity talks between Israelis and Palestinians will result in 2 states living side-by-side in peace and security, and reaffirmed the importance of efforts to prevent violent extremism.  The 2 countries have a history of working together, dating back to the beginning of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.. ..”We will continue to work together,” said President Obama, “to expand the people-to-people contacts, the educational programs, the commercial ties, the business people who are working together in both countries so that not only do our governments remain strong partners but our people are continually enriching both countries.”..” [Complete Report]

Saudi Index Hits Two-Week High  [Jul 11]
“Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All-Share Index (TASI) hit a two-week high on Sunday, buoyed by steady earnings and end-of-week gains in world equities and oil prices as similar sentiment lifted most Middle East bourses.  Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) climbed 1.1 percent to SR90.50. The petrochemicals producer is forecast to make a second-quarter profit of SR5.62 billion according to a Reuters poll.  The benchmark rose 0.66 percent to 6,241 points, its fourth gain in five days. Sector activity was mixed with 8 out of 15 sectors closing with gains ranging from 0.18 percent by the Cement Sector to 1.46 percent by the Petrochemical Industries Sector. Losses ranged from 0.02 percent in Energy & Utilities to 2.27 percent in Media & Publishing.  The overall market breadth was negative with 57 advancers against 68 decliners giving it an AD ratio of 0.83, the Financial Transaction House (FTH) said in its daily market commentary..”  [Complete Report]

SUSRIS Daily News – Excerpts from International Media Reports
[Links to full articles were active on the date posted here]

Saudi Probes 11-Year Oil Smuggling Operation  [Jul 10]
“Saudi Arabia is investigating a smuggling operation that illegally exported discount-priced oil to Europe for more than 11 years, the Saudi newspaper Okaz reported on Saturday.  Unnamed companies had bought discounted oil under the guise of using it to produce chemicals domestically, but instead they shipped it to unidentified destinations in Europe, the paper said.  Okaz did not say how much oil had been smuggled out of the Red Sea industrial port of Yanbu. A committee with representatives from the petroleum ministry, the interior ministry, Saudi Aramco, the state oil company, and three other bodies are investigating the case, Okaz said.  Officials from the oil ministry could not be contacted and an interior ministry official declined to comment on the report..”  [Complete Report]

Saudi Arabia is Set to Become World’s Leading Transport and Logistics Hubs  [Jul 10]
“Saudi Arabia’s strategic location and large-scale infrastructure development will position the Kingdom as one of the world’s leading transport and logistics hubs, according to a report of Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority. With its unique strategic location straddling the markets of east and west, KSA is recognizing its potential as a leading global transport and logistics hub.  The nation already boasts numerous land and sea routes to Eastern Europe, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and North Africa plus East Asia. However, SAGIA, in collaboration with domestic and international partners, is now making substantial investments in a sophisticated transportation network that will leverage KSA’s competitive advantages.  Saudi Arabia’s rapid domestic development spearheaded by the planned Economic Cities means there’s strong demand for sector growth. The cities alone could contribute an additional 86-129 million tons per annum (or approximately 30% of the expected growth in cargo flow through KSA)..”  [Complete Report]

FDI in Arab Countries Falls by 15.1 Percent in 2009  [Jul 9]
“The Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation indicated that foreign direct investment (FDI) in 18 Arab countries dropped 15.1 percent to about $80.7 billion in 2009 from $95.0 billion in 2008.  The report, published by Bank Audi’s MENA Weekly Monitor, was entitled “Investment Climate in the Arab Countries for 2009.”  According to the report, the decline was due to the continuing impact of the global financial and economic crisis on FDI flows worldwide.. .. The report indicated that Saudi Arabia attracted the largest chunk of FDI in 2009 amounting to $35.5 billion or 44.0 percent of the overall FDI into the 18 countries..”  [Complete Report]

SUSRIS Daily News – Excerpts from International Media Reports
[Links to full articles were active on the date posted here]

Saudis Raise The Ante in Mobile Desalination  [Jul 8]
“Saudi Arabia has pushed forward in its efforts to turn seawater into drinkable water, re-launching the world’s largest floating desalination plant, with another floating plant close behind.  Each barge has a production capacity of 25,000 cubic meters a day. The first, originally deployed in 2008, was launched on Wednesday in Yanbu, a major Red Sea port in the Al Madinah Province of western Saudi Arabia.  The gamble is that floating barges can come to the rescue of water-starved regions.  The stakes are high, the costs are frequently prohibitive, the technology is controversial, the environmental impact is debatable and parched areas of the world, from California to Australia, are watching closely.. ..Many large coastal cities in developed countries are considering the feasibility of seawater desalination, due to its cost effectiveness compared with other water supply options, which can include mandatory installation of rainwater tanks or stormwater harvesting infrastructure.  But it is in Saudi Arabia that the push has been the hardest and, arguably, the most creative.  Such as putting desalination plants on barges, and steering them toward the places that need fresh water the most..”  [Complete Report]

Saudi Income Set to Surge in 2010  [Jul 8]
“Strong crude prices will sharply boost Saudi Arabia’s income in 2010 and allow it to revert into a fiscal surplus after suffering from a deficit in 2009 because of lower oil prices and high spending, local studies showed Thursday. Saudi Arabia, the largest Arab economy and the world’s top oil exporter, had assumed a conservative price of around $45 for its crude in the 2010 budget but prices are projected to average nearly $70 a barrel, they showed.  “The fiscal and balance of payments’ outlooks are both comfortable. Incremental gains in oil output coupled with stronger output of high-value condensates will keep export earnings growth robust,” the Saudi American Bank (SAMBA) said.  “Oil revenue will rise in line with exports and non-oil earnings should be supported by increasing private sector import activity..”  [Complete Report]

Saudi Investors Have Limited Chance for BP Stake, Economist Says  [Jul 8]
“Saudi investors have a limited chance to buy a stake at troubled BP Plc, said John Sfakianakis, Chief Economist at Banque Saudi Fransi.  Saudi newspaper Al-Eqtisadiya said on July 7 that a group of Saudi investors were eying a 10 percent to 15 percent stake in the company without mentioning where it got the information. Sfakianakis said such an acquisition was unlikely.  “It is difficult to imagine that they will get a stake, as the company has not expressed to individual investors in the country any intention to sell shares,” he said..”  [Complete Report]

‘Country to Become a Knowledge Hub’  [Jul 7]
“Saudi Arabia is making steady steps to become a center for producing and exporting intellectual capital, according to Amr Al-Dabbagh, governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA). Speaking at a forum organized by the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce in London, he underscored Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah’s efforts to promote education and training. “The Kingdom is going to become a center for producing and exporting intellectual capital, instead of a center for consumption and importing. A number of initiatives have been taken to make Saudi Arabia a knowledge-based society,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted Al-Dabbagh as telling Saudi and British businessmen and women.” [Complete Report]

Saudi Investors Eye 10-15 Percent Stake in BP [Jul 7]
“Unnamed Saudi investors seek to buy a stake worth 10 to 15 percent in British oil company BP dealing with a massive U.S. oil spill, a Saudi newspaper said in an unsourced report on Wednesday. A delegation of Saudi investors will be heading to London for direct talks with BP, said al-Eqtisadiyah, the main business daily in the top oil exporter. It did not reveal its sources or names of the investors, saying only some of the delegation members were from the energy industry. The report came as BP Chief Executive Tony Hayward was due to meet investors and UAE oil industry officials in Abu Dhabi..” [Complete Report]

Plea Deals Sends New York Imam To Saudi Arabia [Jul 7]
“A New York-based Muslim cleric who pled guilty to lying to federal authorities in a recent terror case has left the U.S. as part of his plea deal. Imam Ahmad Afzali and his wife were booked on a flight Monday bound for Saudi Arabia. Afzali pleaded guilty to lying about terror suspect Najibullah Zazi and a plot to blow up New York City subways, trains and Times Square. Zazi has since pled guilty to conspiring to detonate explosives in the U.S. Afzali lied to federal agents when asked if he had tipped off Zazi that the FBI was on to his plot. Evidence showed Afzali called Zazi on September 11th of last year, one day after federal authorities had contacted Afzali..” [Complete Report]

Jamal Khashoggi to Head Prince Alwaleed’s News Channel [Jul 7]
“Prince Alwaleed bin Talal appointed journalist Jamal Khashoggi to head a new news channel that is scheduled to be launched in the near future and is owned by Alwaleed. The prince confirmed that the channel will be independent from Rotana Holding and will focus on development in the Kingdom and Arab world on the political, economic and social fronts. The channel will run 24 hours with reporters from the Arab world broadcasting from different bureaus to cover news from the region and the world. It will also highlight the talents of young people in various fields. “We no longer have a void in the Arab world as it is now heavily occupied, therefore the new news channel is going to become an addition and an alternative for viewers. Our personal aim is to achieve this,” said Alwaleed. The exclusive and modern news channel will be one of the largest locally and regionally. It will have a specialist team to cater to different viewing needs..” [Complete Report]

MasterCard Signs Three-Year Deal with Saudi League [Jul 7]
“MasterCard Worldwide and Saudi Professional League Commission Tuesday announced a three-year sponsorship deal of the Zain Saudi League starting with the 2010-11 season. MasterCard is the official card of the Zain Saudi League with exclusivity rights in the financial services sponsorship category. “This is a strategic collaboration with MasterCard, which is renowned for its international football commitment and long standing association with some of the world’s most famous football events. We are very pleased to have the Zain Saudi League among such a prestigious list as we believe the League will reap significant benefits as a result of this long term collaboration with MasterCard. This sponsorship agreement demonstrates the attractiveness of the Saudi league to a leading multinational company like MasterCard and also contributes to the development of football practice in the Kingdom,” said Mohammad Al Newaser, CEO, Saudi Professional League Commission..” [Complete Report]

General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE) Eyes for Growth in Saudi Arabia  [Jul 6]
“General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE) Hopes to make Saudi Arabia a manufacturing hub in the Islamic world as the company seeks to build its revenue from last year’s total of $3 billion.  General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE) is focused on building its Saudi investments in manufacturing, job creation and energy development, said Akram Hamad in an interview with Bloomberg. “By 2013, Saudi Arabia will be the manufacturing hub for GE in the Islamic bloc,” he said.  General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE) and other U.S. companies are hoping to expand in the region’s largest economy as Saudi Arabia is implementing a $400 billion stimulus package to boost economic growth and build out its infrastructure. Saudi Arabia’s stimulus package is the largest out of the G20 in terms of its GDP.  “There are a lot of projects and the government is playing a key role in stimulating the economy,” Hamad said. “We are not afraid about any slowdown in business,” saying that the company’s revenue in Saudi Arabia should exceed last year’s number..”  [Complete Report]

SUSRIS Daily News – Excerpts from International Media Reports
[Links to full articles were active on the date posted here]

Saudi Readies Nuclear Energy Agreement With France  [Jul 5]
“Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia and France are preparing to sign an agreement on cooperation in civilian nuclear energy, Saudi state media said on Monday.  Both countries have been in talks for more than one year but have yet to disclose details about the cooperation.  The Gulf Arab state has said it is looking at various energy sources to satisfy rising domestic demand and has set up a nuclear research centre, the King Abdullah Atomic City.  The Saudi government has mandated the head of the research centre to sign a draft agreement for cooperating with France on peaceful development of nuclear energy, state news agency SPA said after a weekly cabinet meeting.  It gave no details or time frame..”  [Complete Report]

Alstom, SNCF Well Placed for $12.6 Billion Saudi Rail Contract  [Jul 5]
“Alstom SA and partner Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer Francais are well placed to win a Saudi Arabian contract for a high-speed rail link between Medina and Mecca, Les Echos reported, without citing anyone.  Consortiums from Germany, China and South Korea have pulled out of the bidding, leaving a Spanish group as the only competition, according to the newspaper.  The contract will be worth at least 10 billion euros, Les Echos said, citing Alstom Transport head Philippe Mellier..”  [Complete Report]

Israel Trying to Block U.S.-Saudi Arabia Defense Contract  [Jul 4]
“Israel is trying to prevent a big defense contract between the United States and Saudi Arabia from going through, a senior defense source told Haaretz. The deal includes the purchase of scores of new F-15 fighter jets and the upgrading of the 150 F-15s already in the Saudi air force.  The source said Israel expressed a number of reservations to the Americans over the past month, and the issue is expected to come up in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s meetings in Washington on Tuesday.  Defense Minister Ehud Barak raised the deal in meetings with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and National Security Advisor General Jim Jones two weeks ago in Washington. Israel also made its reservations clear at a meeting in Tel Aviv between top Israeli defense officials and a delegation led by U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy..”  [Complete Report]

SUSRIS Daily News – Excerpts from International Media Reports
[Links to full articles were active on the date posted here]

Saudi’s SRO Gets 2 Bids For Mecca-Medina Railway’s Second Stage [Jul 3]
“Saudi Railways Organization said Saturday it has received two bids for the second stage of a 450-kilometer railway that will link the holy cities of Mecca and Medina to Jeddah. The two bidders for the contracts are Al Rajhi Group and AlShoula Group, SRO said in a statement.  The $1.4 billion in contracts will involve laying tracks, installing signals, and communications, operation and maintenance.  Upon completion of construction, the bidder is required to operate and maintain the entire infrastructure for 12 years.  A group of advisers and consultants including Scott Wilson Group PLC (SWG.LN) will first study the technical proposals, then look into the submitted financial bids.  In April, SRO said it extended the deadline for bids for the second stage from April 30 to July 3. The extension, which was requested by bidders, won’t affect completion of the Haramain project slated by the end of 2012, it said..”  [Complete Report]

SUSRIS Daily News – Excerpts from International Media Reports
[Links to full articles were active on the date posted here]

Saudi Oil Can Help Thwart Iran  [Jul 2]
“Saudi Arabia has been an awkward partner for the United States because of its undemocratic political system, oppressive treatment of women, and financing of fundamentalist Islamic schools in other countries. But despite their differences, these two unlikely partners have joint interests that are hardly trivial. When Saudi King Abdullah visited the White House this week, the outlines of what should be a common agenda became clear.  Discussing Iran’s nuclear program was the Saudi monarch’s highest priority. He reportedly expressed skepticism that economic sanctions will dissuade Iran from developing nuclear weapons and suggested that “alternative measures’’ should be considered. However, Saudi officials have consistently opposed any military attack on Iranian nuclear sites. A war in the Gulf would be dangerous for the Saudi kingdom..”  [Complete Report]

Saudi Aramco May Cut Heavy Oil Price as Refiner Profits Drop  [Jul 2]
“Saudi Arabian Oil Co., the world’s biggest crude exporter, may cut the official selling price of its August-loading Heavy grade to Asia as processing profits for refiners producing fuel oil have declined.  Arab Heavy, the country’s densest grade, may drop by 35 cents a barrel from the July price, according to the median estimate of a survey of nine refiners from Japan, Taiwan, India, China and South Korea. The company, known as Saudi Aramco, is expected to issue prices next week. Arab Light, Aramco’s largest export type, may drop by 10 cents a barrel, said the refiners, who asked to remain unidentified, citing company policy.  Saudi Aramco will seek to increase the gap between Heavy and Light grades to better reflect the decrease in fuel oil profits and the increase in gasoil margins. This spread between the products, known as the black-white differential, increased from $17.32 a barrel on June 1 to a high on June 21 of $20.42..”  [Complete Report]

Saudi Arabia May Cut August Crude Prices to Asia  [Jul 2]
“Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia is expected to lower the prices of all its crude grades heading to Asia for August on slow demand from regional refiners and intensifying competition from Russian ESPO crude.  Among the seven refiners and traders polled by Reuters, four said the differentials for light grades would likely fall more than medium and heavy grades as naphtha cracks slumped to eight-month lows.  “I expect Saudi to cut differentials across the board again, as the sentiment for both light and medium grades is not so good,” said a trader with a Northeast Asia refiner. Last month, Saudi Arabia cut July official selling prices (OSPs) across the board for its crudes to Asia, with the prices of Arab Medium and Arab Heavy dropping to their lowest in 17 months.  However, it failed to lift market sentiment. Other sour grades also traded at wider discounts for August loading..”  [Complete Report]
 

SUSRIS Daily News – Excerpts from International Media Reports
[Links to full articles were active on the date posted here]

EU Envoys to Focus on Riyadh Ties [Jul 1]
” In what can be called a historic moment for Saudi Arabia and Europe, the European Commission’s office in Riyadh will host the first meeting of European ambassadors to discuss foreign policy matters with special reference to Saudi-EU relations on July 4.  The meeting will be held for the first time at the premises of the Commission’s office as per the provisions of the Lisbon Treaty and not at the embassy of Belgium, which holds the EU’s rotating presidency from July 1 (today).  “All of the 134 EC’s delegations worldwide will have more teeth on foreign policy issues following the implementation of the treaty,” said Ambassador Luigi Narbone, chief of the EC delegation in Riyadh, on Wednesday. He pointed out that the ambassadors of all 19 member states of the European Union currently posted in Saudi Arabia would attend the meeting..”  [Complete Report]

First Lady of Al Qaeda Arrested by Saudi Authorities  [Jul 1]
“Heila al-Qusayyer is being called the “First Lady of Al Qaeda.” The middle class Saudi mother, now in police custody, allegedly ran a cell of 60 militants, and recruited young women to its ranks. She also raised money – as the main fundraiser for Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula she used Islamic charities as a front to take donations of cash and jewelry that then went to funding jihad, or holy war.  Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister called the case an alarm bell, a sign that authorites need to rethink counterterrorism strategy and monitor a whole new profile of jihadis: the middle-aged mother.  Analysts say it represents a significant change for Al Qaeda in Saudi Arabia. “Females have not been real Al Qaeda operatives…in early training manuals it says what the role of women should really be and that was more functioning as nurses or supporter roles,”..”  [Complete Report]