ARABIALINK Daily News – SAUDI ARABIA – Excerpts from International Media Reports
[Links to full articles were active on the date posted here]
Over 3.8 Million Umrah Pilgrims Arrive [Sep 4]
“Over 3.8 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia via sea, air and land entry points from all over the world since February to perform Umrah, according to a report from the Haj Ministry. The report said field teams from the ministry have carried out 33,500 inspection tours so far to follow up on the accommodation and safe departure of pilgrims, reported Al-Watan daily on Friday. It also revealed over 15,700 men and women pilgrims who got lost were guided by the ministry’s staff to their accommodations. Egyptians account for the largest number of pilgrims followed by Pakistanis, Jordanians, Turks, Iraqis and Syrians..” [Complete Report]
Saudi Embassy Denounces Thai Cop’s Promotion [Sep 4]
“Saudi Arabia denounced the promotion of a senior Thai police officer indicted in connection with the disappearance of a Saudi businessman in Bangkok 10 years ago. The decision by Thailand to promote Lt. Gen. Somkid Boonthanom, a regional commissioner, to the post of assistant national police chief could seriously jeopardize efforts to restore normal relations between the nations, a statement issued late Friday by the Saudi Embassy in Bangkok said. Riyadh downgraded diplomatic relations after the murder of four members of its diplomatic staff in Bangkok in 1989 and 1990, and the 1990 disappearance of businessman Mohammad Al-Ruwaili. No one was brought to justice in any of the cases..” [Complete Report]
King Abdullah Of Saudi Arabia Awarded FAO’s Agricola Medal [Sep 4]
“King Abdullah Bin Abd-al-Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia has been awarded FAO’s Agricola Medal in recognition of his support for improving world food security as well as for his contribution to agricultural development in Saudi Arabia over the last decade. FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf conferred the medal upon King Abdullah during a ceremony at the Royal Palace in Mecca today, noting that as a result of the King’s consistent commitment to achieving sustainable food security Saudi Arabia witnessed a remarkable 4.5 percent growth rate in agricultural output earlier this decade.. .. FAO’s Director-General paid tribute to the generous contributions made by the King in support of the Organization’s efforts to tackle world hunger..” [Complete Report]
Saudi Shares Climb Most in Six Weeks After U.S. Jobs Data Beat Estimates [Sep 4]
“Saudi Arabian shares rose the most in seven weeks after U.S. and European markets rallied on reports reassuring investors that the recovery in the world’s biggest economy is not waning. The Tadawul All Share Indexgauge advanced 1.9 percent to 6,274.71 at the 3:30 p.m. close in Riyadh, the biggest gain since July 10. Saudi Basic Industries Corp., the world’s largest petrochemicals maker, known as Sabic, rallied the most since July 21. “In the wake of a strong end of the week for western markets, especially U.S. data, the Saudi market confirms so far the will to test seven-week highs and positioning for a post- Ramadan spike as volumes increase a bit,” said John Sfakianakis, chief economist at Banque Saudi Fransi in Riyadh. U.S., European and emerging-market stocks rose this week as better-than-estimated growth in U.S. private employment and manufacturing raised optimism the world’s biggest economy will avoid a recession..”[Complete Report]
