ARABIALINK Daily News – SAUDI ARABIA – Excerpts from International Media Reports
[Links to full articles were active on the date posted here]
Saudis Demand Government Jobs in Rare Protest [Aug 29]
“Some 200 unemployed Saudi university graduates staged a rare protest in the capital Riyadh demanding the Gulf state give them jobs, Saudi media said on Sunday. Unemployment hit 10.5 per cent last year in Saudi Arabia, according to official data, and creating jobs for a fast-growing native population of more than 18 million is one of the biggest challenges facing the country’s leadership. Saudi newspapers carried pictures of graduates from state universities gathering on Saturday in front of the education ministry to demand jobs .. .. With a population officially at 27.1 million, Saudi Arabia offers its nationals several social benefits. But many Saudis are forced to work as taxi drivers, private security guards or other low-paid jobs to make ends meet. The kingdom does not publish regular jobless data..” [Complete Report]
Crown Prince Sultan on Leave Abroad [Aug 29]
“Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz, who was for much of last year out of the country for medical treatment and rest, went abroad on Saturday for vacation, state news agency SPA said. Sultan, who is also defense minister and deputy prime minister, left the Kingdom for a “private holiday” for an unspecified time, SPA said in a brief report, citing a royal court statement. It did not say where he was going. Earlier this month the royal court said Riyadh governor Prince Salman bin Abdul-Aziz was recuperating after successful spine surgery in the United States and would return home soon..” [Complete Report]
Bangladesh, Saudi Firms Eye Joint Venture Investment [Aug 29]
“Leading business conglomerate Beximco has set up a joint venture with a Saudi firm to invest nearly $1 billion to upgrade Bangladesh’s sole oil refinery. “Beximco and Marasel Company Ltd of Saudi Arabia will jointly submit interest for funding an upgradation project of the Eastern Refinery Limited,” a statement from Beximco said. State-owned Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) invited offers in July from international firms and financial institutions to finance the $900 million project near Chittagong port. “The fund from Beximco and Marasel are likely to be accepted if the terms and conditions are found favourable,” a senior official of BPC told Reuters..” [Complete Report]
Maid Torture Report Arrives in Kingdom [Aug 29]
“The Sri Lankan Embassy received on Saturday the medical report regarding the Sri Lankan housemaid who was found with 24 nails and needles embedded in her legs, arms, hands and forehead, allegedly pushed into her body by the Saudi couple she worked for as a method of punishment. A video statement from the victim translated into Arabic language was also handed over to the Saudi Embassy in Colombo for necessary action. “We have the report regarding L.T. Ariyawathi, a 49-year-old domestic aide who came to Riyadh in March for employment under a Saudi sponsor,” an embassy official told Arab News, adding that this would facilitate the mission to take up the Case with the Foreign Affairs Ministry here requesting action against the employer. Although the mission knows the details of the Saudi sponsor, the official said it is not protocol to contact him directly..” [Complete Report]
Sabic Signs Technology Licensing Agreement With Germany’s Lurgi [Aug 29]
“Saudi Basic Industries Corp., the world’s largest petrochemicals company, signed an agreement with Germany’s Lurgi GmbH for the technology licensing and engineering to produce oleo-chemicals at a plant being built by its unit Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Co. The plant in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, will start operations by the end of 2013, Saudi Basic Industries said in an e-mailed statement today..” [Complete Report]
