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ABOUT
GULFWIRE |
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GulfWire
is a public service of the National Council on U.S.-Arab
Relations and the U.S.-GCC Corporate Cooperation
Committee
Publisher
Dr. John Duke Anthony
Editor-in-Chief
Patrick W. Ryan
Deputy Editor
Connie R. Trisdale
Editorial Assistant
Margaret Philpot
Research Assistant
B. F. Hammock
GulfWire@ArabiaLink.com
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VISIT
THESE SITES |
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Catalog of
Publications
from the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and
Research
[more]
on ArabiaLink.com
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News
- Region |
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ARAB
LEAGUE CAN'T AGREE ON REFORM PLAN
"Arab foreign ministers failed to agree
[Mar 4] on a new strategy for reform in the
Middle East that was meant to be a response to a
Bush administration proposal. The ministers of
the 22-member Arab League, finishing four days
of meetings, will discuss the plans again when
they meet in Tunisia just before a league summit
March 29-30.. ..Arab nations, led by Egypt and
Saudi Arabia, have denounced the initiative as
an imposition of foreign ideas and have pushed
for Arabs to come up with their own reform
package.." Complete
report..
Also:
ARABS
DIFFER ON HOW TO HANDLE US REFORM PLANS
ARABS
WANT DEMOCRACY, BUT NOT THE BRAND FROM ABROAD
~~GulfWire Link~~
ARABS
AND EUROPEANS QUESTION 'GREATER MIDDLE EAST'
PLAN - GWD Mar 1, 2004
REFORM
AN ARAB AFFAIR, SAYS US OFFICIAL - GWD Mar 1,
2004
EGYPT
COUNTERS US INITIATIVE
"Egypt [Mar 1] launched a
counter-initiative for reform in Arab countries
ahead of a US mission to the region to promote
Washington's broad plan for political and
economic change in the Middle East. President
Hosni Mubarak, who rejected any effort to impose
foreign cultural models for change, said the
Egyptian plan supported reforms that would
respect Arab identities and proceed at a
comfortable pace.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
SAUDI
FOREIGN MINISTER TALKS OF AN EGYPTIAN-SAUDI
PAPER - GWD Mar 1, 2004
IRAQ
CHARTER SIGNED WITHOUT CHANGES
"Iraq's Governing Council will sign an
interim constitution [Mar 8] without any further
changes to the document despite the reservations
of the country's foremost Shiite cleric, Shiite
politicians said. The signing of the
constitution has been repeatedly delayed due to
disagreements between Iraq's religious and
ethnic groups over the document.. ..An elaborate
signing ceremony was cancelled on Friday after
some Shiites objected to a clause that
effectively gives Kurds a veto over the
permanent charter which will be drawn up after
elections next year.." Complete
report..
Also:
U.S.
CONSIDERS LARGER IRAQI GOVERNING COUNCIL
IRAQI CONSTITUTION DELAYED
~~GulfWire Link~~
IRAQ
COUNCIL REJECTS US TRANSITION PLAN - GWD Feb 23,
2004
US
TEAM HEADS TO IRAQ TO MAKE CASE AGAINST SADDAM
"The U.S. Justice Department this weekend
dispatched a high-level team to Iraq to assemble
evidence for war crimes cases against former
Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and members of
his regime.. ..A Justice Department team of
about 50 lawyers, investigators and prosecutors
began departing to Iraq this weekend to begin
culling evidence for war-crimes cases, the
official said on condition of anonymity. The
group -- to be called the Regime Crimes
Adviser's Office -- will report to the Coalition
Provisional Authority headed by U.S.
administrator Paul Bremer.." Complete
report..
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Future
of Global Oil Supply: Saudi Arabia
A
Conference Hosted at the Center for
Strategic and International Studies on
Feb. 24, 2004
[more] |
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US
IN MASSIVE SECURITY BOOST AT IRAQ BORDERS
"Iraqi overseer Paul Bremer announced [Mar
3] a massive increase in border security
following the deadly attacks in the Shiite holy
city of Karbala and in Baghdad. Bremer said $60
million had been earmarked to tighten controls
on Iraq's borders and that hundreds more
vehicles and security personnel would be
deployed to beef up security.. ..the top US
commander in Iraq said [Mar 3] the US had
intelligence warnings of Tuesday's attacks and
probably prevented even greater carnage with
special raids the night before on operatives of
Al Zarqawi.." Complete
report..
RUMSFELD:
TOTAL PROTECTION FOR IRAQIS IS NOT POSSIBLE
"US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said
neither American troops nor fledgling Iraqi
security forces could completely protect Iraqis
from devastating attacks like those against
Shiites this week.. ..Rumsfeld and General John
Abizaid, the head of US Central Command, made
their comments on [Mar 4] amid growing criticism
from Iraq's Governing Council that US-led
occupiers were not doing enough to provide
security following bombs which killed at least
181 people at Shiites' holiest shrines.." Complete
report..
BLOODBATH
IN IRAQ
"A wave of suicide bombings and mortar
attacks on Shiite shrines in Baghdad and Karbala
[Mar 2] killed at least 182 people. US officials
and Iraqi leaders named an Al-Qaeda-linked
Jordanian militant, Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi, as a
'prime suspect' for the attacks, saying he seeks
to spark a Sunni-Shiite civil war in Iraq to
wreck US plans to hand over power to the Iraqis
on June 30.." Complete
report..
IRAQ
HOLDS HISTORIC SHIA FESTIVAL
"Hundreds of thousands of Shia Muslims are
in the Iraqi town of Karbala to mark the
festival of Ashura for the first time in more
than 30 years. The festival was severely
restricted by former Iraqi leader Saddam
Hussein. Ashura is the climax of a 10-day period
of mourning for Shias commemorating the
martyrdom of Imam Hussain, who was killed in
Karbala in the year 680.. ..Many of the devotees
this year have come illegally from neighboring
Iran, which, like Iraq, has a majority Shia
population.." Complete
report..
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Developments
in Iraq at the End of 2003:
Adapting U.S. Policy to Stay the Course
By Anthony H. Cordesman
[Click
Here] |
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US,
EU STRUGGLE FOR DRAFT UN RESOLUTION ON IRAN
"The United States and the European Union's
'Big Three' were searching for a compromise on a
draft UN nuclear resolution on Iran that is not
too harsh but keeps up the pressure on Tehran..
..On [Mar 8], the International Atomic Energy
Agency's (IAEA) Board of Governors begins
meeting to discuss resolutions on Iran and
Libya's previously undeclared nuclear programs -
both of which were supplied by a global black
market linked to the father of Pakistan's atom
bomb, Abdul Qadeer Khan.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
UN
NUCLEAR WATCHDOG FINDS ANOTHER NUCLEAR PROGRAM
IN IRAN - GWD Mar 1, 2004
OMAN-SAUDI
ARABIA BORDER TALKS BEGIN
"The eighth meeting of border authorities
(first grade) between the Sultanate and Saudi
Arabia began at the Royal Oman Police
headquarters in Qurum [Mar 7].. ..The meeting
will discuss a number of topics including what
has been agreed upon at previous meetings,
security cooperation between the two countries
particularly with regard to smuggling and
prevention of infiltration.." Complete
report..
KINGDOM
AND YEMEN TO HOLD JOINT EXERCISES
"Yemen said [Mar 5] it would hold joint
military exercises with Saudi Arabia in the next
few months. Col. Ahmad Ali Abdullah Saleh,
commander of the Republican Guards forces, said
in press remarks that discussions on the
maneuvers with Riyadh were under way.. ..The
exercises, the two countries' first joint
military maneuver, are expected to be held
'within the next few months,' Saleh said.."
Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
BORDER
FENCING TO GO AHEAD WITH YEMENI COOPERATION -
GWD Feb 23, 2004
COOL
RECEPTION TO AL-HURRA ATTRIBUTED TO LACK OF
CREDIBILITY
"The new US-founded Arabic-language
television network Al-Hurra has failed to
capture the attention of viewers, and many think
it will have an uphill struggle convincing them.
Ironically, it is its very mission that turns
audiences off. Launched on Feb. 14 to win the
hearts and minds of Arab audiences for US policy
in the Middle East, the station, whose name
means 'the free', is showing disappointing
ratings as many prefer to get their news
elsewhere.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
US
LAUNCHES ARAB TV CHANNEL - GWD Feb 16, 2004
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News
- Bahrain |
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U.S.
UPGRADES 5TH FLEET FACILITY IN BAHRAIN
"The United States has launched an upgrade
of its naval facility in Bahrain. The facility,
called the P-911 Installation Service Support
Center, will be constructed within the Naval
Support Activity complex.. ..U.S. officials said
the project reflects the intention of the U.S.
Navy to maintain its presence in the Gulf Arab
kingdom for at least another decade.." Complete
report..
HUMAN
RIGHTS GROUP URGES BAHRAIN TO CHECK ABUSE OF
EXPAT WORKERS
"A Bahraini human rights group [Mar. 4]
urged the government to exert more efforts to
protect abused workers following new reports of
harassment against housemaids. The government
had announced plans to set up shelter for abused
maids and an information desk at the airport to
inform newcomers of their rights and provide
them with a contact list, Nabeel Rajab,
president of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights
(BCHR) told Gulf News [Mar. 4]. "However,
nothing has been done so far," he
complained.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
PLEA
TO PROTECT RIGHTS OF EXPATS - GWD Jun 30, 2003
MP
WANTS STRICT APPLICATION OF SHARIA IN BAHRAIN
"An Islamist member of the Bahraini
Parliament intends to propose the introduction
of Islamic Sharia castigations, including
amputating the hands of thieves, to the
kingdom's criminal code in an attempt to
confront what he described as 'the surreal rise'
in crime. MP Jassim Al Saidi claims Bahrain's
secular code is 'too soft to stop the recent
upsurge in all sorts of crimes'.. ..A leading
Bahraini human rights activist however rejected
the proposal saying the idea itself is
'bizarre'.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
BAHRAIN
MP PROPOSES TO SEGREGATE SEXES IN UNIVERSITY -
GWD Feb 9, 2004
ISLAMISTS
EYE BAHRAIN F1 RACE AFTER BIG BROTHER WIN
"After forcing the cancellation of the
'immoral' reality TV show Big Brother,
Bahraini Islamists want to ensure there will be
no champagne-spraying and scantily-dressed women
at next month's Formula One grand prix.. ..'We
have raised these issues with organizers and
they have promised there will be no naked women
and no celebrations with champagne,' said Adel
al-Moawada, deputy chairman of Bahrain's
parliament. 'This is an Islamic country and
celebrations must conform to our
traditions'".. Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
BAHRAIN
TEAMS CHECK 'IMMORALITY' - GWD Dec 29, 2003
ARAB
BIG BROTHER SHOW SUSPENDED
"The Arabic satellite TV channel MBC has
suspended its version of the reality TV show,
Big Brother. The series, which began on 22
February, caused a public outcry in Bahrain
where it was being filmed. On Friday 1,000
people protested against the show and a group of
Bahraini MPs threatened to question the
information minister on the issue. A spokeswoman
for the station told BBC News Online that the
show was unlikely to be put back on air.. Complete
report..
Also:
BAHRAINIS
REACT ANGRILY TO 'BIG BROTHER' SUSPENSION
~~GulfWire Link~~
'NO'
TO BIG BROTHER SAY PROTESTERS - GWD Mar 1, 2004
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News
- Kuwait |
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ISLAM
IS KUWAITI MOVEMENT'S NEW POLITICAL PLATFORM
"The Islamic Constitutional Movement (ICM)
is adopting a new political platform to cope
with changes at the local and regional levels..
..MP Dr Nasser Al Sane was elected as Assistant
Secretary General and Director of Development
Programs.. ..said ICM intends to strike a
balance between playing a watchdog role in
Parliament and presenting beneficial projects
and development programs.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
ISLAMISTS
TIGHTEN GRIP IN KUWAIT - GWD Jul 7, 2003
KUWAIT
PLANS INCOME TAX BILL FIRST TIME
"Kuwait's Council of Ministers has prepared
preliminary draft legislation that will
introduce income tax for the first time ever to
the oil-rich emirate.. ..The Cabinet has
endorsed the draft law and gave it to the
council's economic committee which will send it
to an Islamic law department for study and
recommendations.. ..The law would not apply to
normal employee salaries according to excerpts
of the draft law published in newspapers over
the past two days; but would apply to those
running commercial activities, commission
businesses, real estate, investment, service,
handicrafts or mining activities.." Complete
report..
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News
- Oman |
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OMAN,
GERMANY TO INK PACT TO AVOID DOUBLE TAXATION
"The ninth session of the Omani-German
joint committee will commence here [Mar 6]..
..The two sides will also discuss updating of an
agreement on investment encouragement and
protection signed between the two countries and
will sign an agreement on avoidance of double
taxation between the two countries.." Complete
report..
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News
- Qatar |
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QATAR
RAPS OUTRIGHT REJECTION OF US INITIATIVE
"Qatar [Mar 3] criticized Arab states for
rejecting a US initiative for reform before
knowing its contents, amid efforts here to draw
up a joint Arab counter-proposal for change..
..The Arab ministers were to draft a joint
initiative for Middle East political and
economic reform, which would amount to a
counter-proposal to Washington's 'Greater Middle
East Initiative.'" Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
U.S.
READIES PUSH FOR MIDEAST DEMOCRACY PLAN - GWD
Mar 1, 2004
QATAR
EXTENDS CUSTODY FOR 2 DETAINED RUSSIANS
"Qatari authorities extended by one month
the term of custody for the two Russians
detained on suspicion of involvement in the
murder of Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev.. ..Moscow is
taking active measures to protect its citizens.
Russian lawyers in Doha study case materials and
have established contracts with local firms of
attorneys. Earlier, Moscow requested Qatar to
carry out a medical check of the detainees, but
there has been no clear agreement on the part of
Qatar.." Complete
report..
AMBASSADOR
CONFIRMS CONSUL MEETS RUSSIANS DETAINED IN QATAR
"Russia's Ambassador to Qatar Viktor
Kudryavtsev confirmed on [Mar 3] that the
Russian consul had had a second meeting with two
Russians detained in Qatar. The Russians were
detained by Qatari authorities on suspicion of
having been involved in the assassination of
Chechen separatist leader Zelimkhan
Yandarbiyev.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
TWO
HELD OVER YANDERBIYEV KILLING - GWD Feb 23, 2004
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News
- Saudi Arabia |
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'NO
REFORMS UNDER FOREIGN PRESSURE'
"Saudi Arabia [Mar 1] reiterated its
rejection of foreign-imposed democratic reforms
in the Arab world and said speedy solutions to
the Palestinian and Iraqi issues were the best
route to reforms and peace in the Middle East..
.. The weekly Council of Ministers' meeting..
..'affirmed that Arab states proceed on the path
of development, modernization and reform in
keeping with their people's interests and
values.' Modernization and reform must fulfill
the people's needs and be compatible with 'their
Arab identity.'" Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
BUSH
SEEKS BACKING FOR 'GREATER MIDEAST' PLAN - GWD
Feb 9, 2004
HUMAN
RIGHTS BODY SET TO BEGIN WORK
"The recently established National Human
Rights Association will soon start work to
redress injustices against Saudi women,
according to a female member of the 41-strong
constituent body.. ..At issue are much more
basic 'moral and material rights, such as
helping divorced women win custody of their
children and alimony from their estranged
husbands' in an environment where 'men are
invariably the stronger party in any dispute,'..
..Even more basically, women, like other members
of Saudi society, need to be 'educated' about
their rights and the need to pursue them.."
Complete
report..
Also:
FIRST
INDEPENDENT RIGHTS BODY SET UP IN SAUDI ARABIA
~~GulfWire Link~~
MINISTRY
PLANNING TO SET UP HUMAN RIGHTS SECTION - GWD
May 26, 2003
KINGDOM
SETS LIMITS TO WTO CONDITIONS
"Saudi Arabia has put some 113 reservations
- 73 on imports and 40 on services - on the
table during membership talks with the World
Trade Organization (WTO).. ..the Kingdom
presented the reservations on the basis of
Article 20 of the WTO Charter in order to
protect Islamic values and traditions. The
Kingdom has intensified its negotiations with
the WTO and hopes to become a member of the body
by June. Spelling out Saudi reservations, the
sources said the Kingdom wanted a total ban on
the import of satellite Internet receivers,
pork, alcohol and narcotics.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
GCC
INSIGHTS: SAUDI ARABIA'S ENTRY INTO WTO ALL SET
- GWD Sep 8, 2003
KINGDOM
OPEN TO ALL TOURISTS, SAYS BANDAR
"Saudi Ambassador to the United States
Prince Bandar bin Sultan said his country has
revised its tourism website, adding he was
embarrassed by the announcement on the site that
promoted tourism to the Kingdom - with the
exception of Jews. The move came after
Congressman Anthony Weiner, D-NY.. ..said last
week that the Kingdom's new visa policy outlined
on a tourist website
(www.sauditourism.gov.sa/sct) should be
condemned by American officials. The website,
promoting a new Saudi program to offer tourist
visas to encourage more foreign visitors, listed
four groups not entitled to tourist visas,
including 'Jewish People.'" Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
JEWS
BARRED, SAID SAUDI WEB SITE - GWD Mar 1, 2004
COMMISSION
FOR CHARITY ABROAD
"The Saudi ambassador to the United States,
Prince Bandar ibn Sultan, has said the royal
decree to establish the Saudi National
Commission for Relief and Charity Work abroad is
to ensure that terrorist organizations do not
misuse Saudi donations for humanitarian projects
worldwide.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
PANEL
FORMED FOR CHARITY ABROAD - GWD Mar 1, 2004
KINGDOM
TO FIGURE IN US ELECTION CAMPAIGN: EXPERT
"Saudi Arabia will be an issue in this
year's US presidential election campaign,
according to a campaign expert, after Democrats
accused President George W. Bush of being 'soft'
on the Kingdom. Journalists here were
taking part in a four-way satellite conference
with David Mark, the editor in chief of
Campaigns and Elections magazine, a non-partisan
monthly publication that covers political
consulting and politics.. ..Mark believes that
the November elections are the first since the
end of the Cold War where foreign policy is a
major issue.." Complete
report..
STUDENT
CHARGED WITH TERROR CONSPIRACY
"A graduate student [in the US] from Saudi
Arabia - already jailed on immigration charges -
has been accused of helping to raise funds for a
militant Palestinian organization. Sami Omar
Al-Hussayen was charged with conspiracy to
provide material support to terrorism after
federal prosecutors said he helped run Web sites
that urge people to contribute money to Hamas..
.. Al-Hussayen, 34, has been in a jail near
Boise since being arrested at his Moscow home in
February 2003. He was charged then with student
visa fraud and making false statements to obtain
a visa. On Jan. 9, federal prosecutors won an
indictment adding the new charge.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
U.S.
INDICTS SAUDI STUDENT - GWD Jan 12, 2004
SAUDI
NATIONAL ARRESTED AFTER ACQUITTAL IN US
"Essam Muhammad Al-Mohandis, 33, the Saudi
national and biomedical engineer from Riyadh
recently acquitted of federal charges for
carrying three small sparklers on a flight from
Germany to Boston, was arrested eight hours
after his [Feb 27] acquittal.. ..Federal
officers arrested him for not having a valid
visa. Essam did not have a current visa because
when federal officers arrested him on Jan. 3 at
Boston Airport after they found the three
sparklers in backpack, they revoked his visa..
..customs spokeswoman Janet Rapaport.. ..
Customs officers determined that he needed to be
taken into custody and sent home immediately
after his acquittal.." Complete
report..
Also:
Essam
Al-Mohandis Tells All About His Ordeal in US
~~GulfWire Link~~
SAUDI
NATIONAL FOUND INNOCENT OF CARRYING EXPLOSIVES
ON PLANE IN US - GWD Mar 1, 2004
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ABDULLAH-MUSHARRAF
TALKS FOCUS ON DEFENSE COOPERATION
"Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf
wrapped up a brief visit to the Kingdom [Mar 7]
after discussing issues including possible
defense cooperation with top officials here. His
talks with Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier
and commander of the National Guard, also
covered regional cooperation, the international
situation, Indo-Pak relations, and ways of
strengthening the Organization of the Islamic
Conference (OIC), according to Pakistani
Ambassador Abdul Aziz Mirza. Saudi Arabia and
Pakistan have been pushing proposals to bolster
the 57-member OIC.." Complete
report..
KINGDOM,
KAZAKHSTAN TO BOOST COOPERATION
"The leaders of Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan
[Mar 2] discussed ways of boosting cooperation
between their two countries.. ..Kazakhstan,
which boasts three huge oil fields in and around
the Caspian Sea, is becoming a major exporter.
The Central Asian country's oil fields are
gradually being developed to supply the
international market, with US firms such as
Chevron Texaco and Exxon Mobil playing a
prominent role.." Complete
report..
BUSINESSWOMAN
GETS EPCCI POST
"Dr. Aysha Al-Manie, a prominent
businesswoman, has been elected chairwoman of
the first women's committee at the Eastern
Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry..
..Abdul Rahman Al-Rashid, chairman of the
chamber, said the women's committee would play a
significant role in enlightening businesswomen
about investment opportunities in the
region.." Complete
report..
500,000
TRAFFIC CASUALTIES IN KINGDOM
"..the Kingdom suffers from an estimated
half a million casualties from traffic accidents
annually, 12 percent of which are fatal.." Complete
report..
HISTORIC
ARTIFICIAL HEART IMPLANT
"Ali Al-Enazi has become the first Saudi
living with an artificial heart after a historic
implant operation at the King Abdul Aziz Center
for Heart Disease at the National Guard Hospital
here. This is the first time such an operation
has been carried out in the Arab world.." Complete
report..
STUDY:
20PC SAUDI WOMEN OBESE
"A high-fat diet coupled with physical
inactivity has led to a staggering number of
overweight men and women in the Kingdom, and
obesity - or excess body fat - affects more
women than men. A 1999 study by researchers at
King Saud University revealed that about 20
percent of all adult Saudi females were obese
compared to 13 percent of males. Those numbers
were higher than most other countries.. ..
Physical activity is limited due to a number of
socio-cultural factors.." Complete
report..
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News
- UAE |
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NEW
EMBASSY SYMBOL OF US TIES WITH UAE
"The new US Embassy building in Abu Dhabi,
which was officially opened [Mar 1], will
symbolize America's partnership with the Middle
East, senior diplomats said.. ..The new
facility, dubbed 'The Dunes' as its
architectural design reflects the shape of sand
dunes, encompasses 9,617 square meters housing
300 staff representing eight US government
departments.." Complete
report..
US
PRAISES UAE'S HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD
"The United States has praised the UAE's
human rights record and acknowledged the
country's efforts to ensure better prison
conditions and ban on torture.
In its annual Human Rights Country report for
2003, the US Department of State also recognized
the UAE's tough legislations against child labor
and noted its recent law which bans the
recruitment of children as camel jockeys.."
Complete
report..
UAE
MONEY LAUNDERING LAW SELECTED BY UN AS A MODEL
"The UAE's anti-money laundering law has
been selected by the United Nations as a model
which should be adopted by other states to
contribute to global efforts aimed at putting an
end to the world's most alarming 'white-collar'
crime. According to Michael A. DeFeo,
Consultant, Terrorism Prevention Branch of the
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,
legislative actions of the UAE are considered
highly important to the Vienna-based
international organization dealing with drugs,
crimes and terrorism.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
UAE
RIGOROUSLY IMPLEMENTS ANTI-TERROR AND ANTI-MONEY
LAUNDERING MEASURES - GWD Sep 29, 2003
NEW
ZEALAND ALLOWS UAE NATIONALS TO ENTER WITHOUT
VISAS
"UAE nationals can enter New Zealand and
stay for up to three months without visa, a
senior UAE Foreign Ministry official announced
in Abu Dhabi [Mar 3]. The move by New Zealand
came in response to a UAE request, which is part
of efforts being exerted by the Foreign Ministry
to facilitate the movement of UAE nationals to
various countries around the world.."
Complete
report..
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Link
of the Week / GulfWire
Flashback - Four Years of GW |
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LINK OF THE WEEK
Phonebook
of the Middle East
|
~~~Flashback~~~
..from the GulfWire archive.. |
<<ONE
YEAR AGO>>
GULFWIRE DIGEST #187 WEEK OF MARCH 10, 2003
GCC
BACKS SADDAM OUSTER CALL
"The six-member Gulf Cooperation Council
[Mar. 3] backed a UAE proposal for Iraqi President
Saddam Hussein's exile to save his people from the
horrors of war.. ..The idea, and suggestions that
Iraq should come under temporary UN and Arab
League tutelage once Saddam had stepped down, were
given short shrift by other Arab leaders at the
summit, who refused even to discuss it. However,
in subsequent individual statements, Saudi Arabia,
Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain have cautiously lent
their support to the proposal.."
<<TWO
YEARS AGO>>
GULFWIRE DIGEST #138 WEEK OF MARCH 11, 2002
SAUDIS
DETAIL MID-EAST PEACE VISION
"..Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al
Faisal said that to get 'complete peace' from the
Arabs, Israel should allow the creation of an
independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as
its capital, and withdraw from lands captured in
the 1967 war.." "..The Saudi foreign
minister said that if Israel
were to fulfill the peace proposal requests -
including the creation of an independent
Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital -
then 'it would find complete peace with the Arab
states..'"
<<THREE
YEARS AGO>>
GULFWIRE DIGEST #88 WEEK OF MARCH 19, 2001
LOCKHEED
TO DELIVER F-16S IN 2004
"The U.S. will start delivering F-16 jet
fighters to the UAE in 2004 and the acquisition
will largely bolster the UAE Air Force,
manufacturers of the aircraft said at Idex2001.
Dave Wright, Lockheed Martin spokesman, said
deliveries could take several years as the two
sides have just signed the contract.
"Deliveries will begin in 2004 and it will be
the best F-16 ever produced by Lockheed.. ..it
will be even better than those in service in the
US because this one involves new technology,"
he said. He added that such jets will bolster the
UAE air force and at the same time boost the
partnership. He said the $6.8-billion package,
which involves the purchase of 80 F-16s, includes
delivery, training, construction of air bases and
other related facilities, spare parts and
maintenance..
<<FOUR
YEARS AGO>>
GULFWIRE DIGEST #35 WEEK OF MARCH 6, 2000
REGIONAL
THREATS ASSESSED
The commander of U.S. military forces in the Gulf
region said gains made by reform candidates in
recent elections in Iran are encouraging but the
country still remains the greatest long-term
threat in the area according to Tom Raum writing
for AP on February 29. General Anthony
Zinni, Commander in Chief of U.S. Central Command
told the Senate Armed Services Committee,
"What concerns us is the fact that the
hard-liners still control the military, the
weapons of mass destruction program, the ballistic
missile program, and still control the
intelligence services which still support
terrorism groups." He suggested a
"wait-and-see" approach before improving
relations with Tehran. Regarding Iraq,
General Zinni characterized Baghdad as a
shorter-term threat and opposed easing sanctions,
"What we would end up doing is allowing
Saddam to rearm and his regime to recover and be a
threat in the region again. Whether any effect
would flow down to the Iraqi people is
questionable. I think sanctions relief would
recreate the danger of Saddam in the region that
we faced 10 years ago."
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Business
- Region |
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[GulfWire]
ENERGY FUTURES - 03.05.04
Light Crude (NYM) $37.25 bbl UP from $36.20 bbl on
02.28.04
Brent Crude (IPE) $33.50 bbl UP from $32.35 bbl on
02.28.04
Heating Oil (NYM) $0.9285 gal DOWN from $.9405 gal on
02.28.04
Natural Gas (NYM) $5.52 mmbtu UP from $5.33 mmbtu on
02.28.04
Unleaded Gas (NYM) $1.127 gal DOWN from $1.128 gal on
02.28.04
Source:
CNNfn
The Best Energy Resource in the World:
Country
Analysis Briefs
by DOE/EIA
OPEC
HINTS AT HIGHER OUTPUT
"With world oil prices shooting up, OPEC ministers
are hinting at a possible reversal of the group's decision
to cut output quotas next month.. ..on Feb. 10, the
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries pledged to
cut its combined output quota of 24.5 million barrels per
day (bpd) by one million bpd from April 1. The 11-nation
organization also agreed to eliminate by the end of March
production above the quota, with the excess estimated at
1.5 million bpd. 'If prices continue at their current high
level, OPEC countries are determined to revise their
previous decision,' United Arab Emirates Oil Minister
Obeid ibn Saif Al-Nassiri said.." Complete
report..
IRAQ
SCRAMBLES FOR NEW OIL EXPORT ROUTES
"With oil exports from northern Iraq crimped by the
persistent threat of sabotage, the Iraqi Oil Ministry is
pursuing several options to increase crude exports along
safer routes in the Persian Gulf, including deals to ship
oil to two former foes. The ministry is considering
building pipelines to export limited amounts of crude to
Iran and Kuwait.. ..some analysts argue that the Oil
Ministry risks giving Iran and Kuwait unnecessary leverage
over Iraq's economic lifeblood. They say the ministry
should focus instead on securing and reopening Iraq's
northern pipeline to Turkey and on completing repairs to
the Khor al-Amaya terminal, which was destroyed during the
first Gulf War.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
RESTART
OF STEADY SUPPLY OF OIL FUELS IRAQ GROWTH - GWD Feb 9,
2004
DPA
SHORT LISTED FOR $1B IRAQI FIVE-PORT CONTRACT
"Dubai Ports Authority, Maersk, P&O and a
Kuwait-Iraq joint venture have been short listed for a $1
billion, 10-year contract to manage and develop five Iraqi
ports. In a surprise development, the original tender
floated by Iraqi authorities inviting expression of
interest, has been withdrawn in favor of a new, more
comprehensive version.." Complete
report..
LAW
GUARANTEES SECURITY FOR FOREIGN INVESTMENT
"Buoyed by the new Iraqi foreign investment law,
Basra governorate officials have announced the launch of a
new foreign investment and reconstruction office for
southern Iraq.. ..said Judge Wael Abdul Latif Al Fadel,
governor of Basra and a member of the Iraqi Governing
Council. 'We are opening up the ownership of real estate
and a new residential neighborhood is being offered to
foreign investors for development. We encourage
Dubai-based investors to invest in those lands.'" Complete
report..
GCC
STATES MUST PRIVATIZE WATER FIRMS TO HEAD OFF LOOMING
CRISIS
"The region could be heading for a drought unless
there is an urgent shake up of the government-run
companies, which manage the water pumps. A senior
scientist spoke out against the public sector for allowing
extraction of water wells and reservoirs to far exceed
their refill.. ..Dr Abdulhadi Al Otaibi.. ..In his
research paper, entitled 'Water Resources Issues in the
Gulf Region', presented at the International Desalination
Association (IDA) Forum in Sharjah, the scientist urged
the private sector to break the stranglehold of the public
sector has on the water industry.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
MODERNIZATION
PUTS STRAIN ON GCC WATER RESOURCES - GWD Mar 17, 2003
STRATEGY
TO DEVELOP GCC CHAMBERS
"The private sector will have a lead role in the Gulf
Cooperation Council-European Union Free Trade Agreement
negotiations, First Vice Chairman of Bahrain Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Yousif Saleh Al Saleh said..
..Al Saleh, who received delegates of the GCC Chambers at
BCCI, said that there was need to devise a comprehensive
strategy to develop the GCC chambers as
'institutions.'" Complete
report..
JCCI
CENTER, EGYPT FUND SIGN AGREEMENT
"The Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry's center
for the development of SMEs has signed an agreement for
cooperation with the Egyptian Social Fund for Development.
Under the agreement, the Egyptian organization will
provide technical expertise and consultancy services for
young Saudi entrepreneurs to set up small investment
projects.." Complete
report..
QATAR,
OMAN TO SET UP $82M INVESTMENT FIRM
"Qatar and Oman have agreed set up a joint investment
company with QR300 million ($82.3 million) capital, said a
report. The announcement follows the Qatar-Oman ninth
joint committee meeting held at the Ritz-Carlton Doha. The
company under formation, of which the portfolio is yet to
be specified, will consist of the private sectors with
equally shared 60 per cent stake and the public sector
with 40 percent from both countries.." Complete
report..
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CONGRESSIONAL
CAUCUS ON U.S. BAHRAIN FREE TRADE ANNOUNCED
"A congressional caucus supporting the US-Bahrain
Free Trade Agreement was announced [Mar 3] at a Capitol
Hill press conference.. ..On May 21, 2003, the U.S. and
Bahraini governments officially announced negotiations on
the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement (FTA). [Mar 3]
announcement comes on the heels of a successful first
round of talks in Bahrain and in the midst of the second
round now being held in Washington and expected to
conclude Friday, March 5.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
BCCI
PANEL TO STUDY US FREE TRADE PACT PROGRESS - GWD Jan 19,
2004
BAHRAIN
DIVERSIFYING TO ATTRACT INVESTMENT
"With Bahrain's focus on economic diversification,
the manufacturing sector has grown in importance and
currently accounts for about 11.9 percent of the GDP
(2002). With limited oil reserves, Bahrain's continued
prosperity rests on its ability to diversify its income
stream to attract more foreign investments from the
neighboring countries and others. Some of the
regional countries like UAE and Qatar are rapidly
challenging Bahrain's dominance in its core areas of
banking and financial services. Intense efforts of the
past few years at diversification are bearing
fruits.." Complete
report..
OIL,
GAS EXPERTS TO MEET IN BAHRAIN
"At a time of controversy over Middle East supplies
of oil and gas, about 1,200 industry experts will meet
here from March 7-10 to focus on technical prospects for
exploration and production.." Complete
report..
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INDUSTRY
WORRIED OVER HIGH PIRACY LEVELS IN KUWAIT
"The International Federation of the Phonographic
Industry (IFPI) and the Business Software Alliance (BSA)
has expressed concern over rampant piracy in music and
software in Kuwait during 2003, resulting in a loss of
$100 million to both industries. The IFPI represents
companies that produce and distribute more than 90 per
cent of all recordings by Arab artists.. ..Kuwait has been
named by IFPI and BSA as having one of the highest levels
of piracy within the Gulf states.. ..Out of the 35,000 PCs
sold in 2003, only around 2,000 were uploaded with
original software, according to industry figures.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
KUWAIT
WILL BOOST ECONOMY BY $375 MILLION BASED ON EXPECTED DROP
IN SOFTWARE PIRACY - GWD Apr 28, 2003
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- Oman |
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AL
MAHA PETROLEUM IPO TO HIT MARKET ON MARCH 9
"The 65-percent government-owned Al Maha Petroleum
Products Marketing Company is entering the capital market
on March 9, 2004, with an initial public offering of 3.6
million shares at a price of RO2.520 per share aggregating
to RO9.07 ($23.57) million.. ..Al Maha Petroleum, which is
believed to be a future force to reckon with Oman's oil
industry, has only two shareholders, Oman's Ministry of
Oil & Gas and ABS Lubricants of Abu Dhabi, holding 65
percent and 35 percent stakes.. ..the government is
divesting its 60 percent stake in Al Maha Petroleum to the
general public and five percent to the company's UAE
shareholder.." Complete
report..
GERMAN
GROUP TO EXPLORE OMAN TOURISM VENTURE
"The Oman-Germany joint commission is to meet [Mar 6]
in a bid to boost tourism and investment in the Gulf
state, which is already on a drive to promote itself as a
holiday destination.. ..A high-level German delegation,
including 40 businessmen, will hold two days of talks to
explore opportunities in the country's $1.2 billion Sohar
refinery project.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
OMAN
ALLOCATES $30M TO PROMOTE TOURISM - GWD Oct 13, 2003
OMAN
LAUNCHES 'THE WAVE' - A PREMIUM RESORT DEVELOPMENT
"Oman's largest tourism development to date has been
launched to the international press and has been named
'The Wave'. Stretching along 7.3 kilometers of pristine
beachfront just west of Muscat and occupying 195 hectares
(2 million sq mi), the $805 million (RO 310mn) resort
project is ready for development.. ..With the Sultanate of
Oman contributing the original land and part of the
equity, domestic and international investors are invited
to join forces with the government.." Complete
report..
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QTEL
RECORDS QR2, 26M IN PROFITS
"Qatar Telecom's (Qtel) revenues increased by 18
percent in the year 2003 to stand at QR2, 026m as compared
to the QR1, 720m in the year 2002 while the net profits
recorded by the company for 2003 stood at QR1, 149m, which
was an increase of some 20 percent over the previous year,
Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammad bin Saud Al Thani, its
chairman, announced.. ..'On December 31, Qtel's share
price stood at QR158.40, an increase of 46 percent from
the end of 2002. As part of our drive to provide
world-class services, we invested heavily during the
year.'" Complete
report..
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LANDMARK
GAS DEALS TO BE SIGNED
"Saudi Arabia will sign landmark gas exploration
contracts with Russian, Chinese, Italian and Spanish oil
giants [Mar. 7] to produce natural gas from the Rub
Al-Khali or Empty Quarter.. ..The international oil
companies will partner with Saudi Aramco in the upstream
gas ventures, the Ministry of Petroleum and Minerals said.
The projects are expected to fetch total investments worth
SR75 ($20) billion in five years. The firms will be
engaged in gas exploration and production in three
regions.." Complete
report..
Also:
KINGDOM
SIGNS MEGA GAS DEALS
FINANCIAL
RESULTS PAINT IMPRESSIVE PICTURE OF SAUDI BANKS
"The 2003 financial results for the nine listed Saudi
commercial banks painted an impressive picture of the
Saudi banking sector's performance, with a sizable growth
in profits as well as an expansion in assets base. Net
profits from operations rose by 14.3 percent to SR9.4
($2.5) billion last year compared to the scanty 1.2
percent growth witnessed in 2002.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
KINGDOM'S
BANKS FLOATING ON HUGE LIQUIDITY - GWD Dec 29, 2003
SAUDI
ARABIA'S MONETARY RESERVES CLIMB CLOSE TO THE $25-BILLION
MARK
"Saudi Arabia's monetary reserves, minus gold, have
returned to levels last seen in the 1980s, reaching the
equivalent of $24.46 billion last November, according to
the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA). US dollars
accounted for the lion's share with $19.62 billion.. ..Dr.
Said Al-Shaikh, chief economist at the National Commercial
Bank, said that the growing foreign reserves indicated
that the economy was very sound and would give a very
positive signal to foreign investors.." Complete
report..
EXPERTS
CALL FOR ENDING KACST CONTROL OVER INTERNET SERVICES
"The Riyadh International Communications & IT
Conference 2004 concluded [Mar 3] with a call to take
Internet services away from the control of King Abdul Aziz
City for Science and Technology (KACST) as a regulatory
authority, so that Internet services can become more
accessible to users at reduced rates.. ..the conference
recommended that Internet services should be provided
through ISPs.. ..The move, it is believed, would
facilitate access to Internet at lower rates than the SR3
per hour currently charged.." Complete
report..
40%
SHOPS REMAIN CLOSED IN RIYADH GOLD MARKET
"About 40 percent of the shops in the gold market at
the city center of Batha remained closed [Mar 1] ten days
after the deadline for Saudization of the sector. 'Rest
assured that with the serious warning issued against
violation of the gold shops' Saudization, only those
legally able to sell gold will remain in the business,'
Deputy Labor Minister Ahmad Mansour told Arab News
recently.. ..Shopkeepers were largely unenthusiastic about
Saudization.." Complete
report..
Also:
SAUDIZED
SECTORS REMAIN FAR FROM SAUDIZED
~~GulfWire Link~~
HALF
THE GOLD SHOPS 'EXPAT-OWNED'- GWD Mar 1, 2004
NEW
LICENSING RULES FOR TRAVEL AGENCIES SOON
"New licensing rules are set to hit travel agencies,
already in disarray over government efforts to Saudize 35
percent of the industry's staff. Travel agents told Arab
News [Mar 4] they sought immediate intervention of higher
authorities including provincial governors, seeking longer
grace periods to Saudize jobs after heavy-handed arrests
of expatriate employees of travel agencies in Riyadh sent
shockwaves through the industry.." Complete
report..
Also:
TENSION
GRIPS TRAVEL INDUSTRY AFTER ARREST OF EXPAT STAFF
STOPPAGE
OF SPONSORSHIP TRANSFER JOLTS JOB MARKET
"The government's decision to stop transfer of
sponsorship for all expatriates except for those
technically qualified has jolted the Kingdom's labor
market. Small businesses are complaining of huge financial
losses due to what they must spend in order to bring in
workers from abroad.. ..But many businesses and
individuals have welcomed the new decision, saying that it
will put a stop to trading in visas.." Complete
report..
KINGDOM'S
RETAIL SECTOR CONFRONTS HUGE CHALLENGES
"Day one of the first-ever Jeddah Retail Forum heard
that the sector faces huge challenges as Saudi Arabia
prepares to enter the World Trade Organization and grapple
with a changing environment. The two-day conference..
..reviewed trends and the potential prospects of Saudi
Arabia's retail sector, the largest in the Arab world..
..Improving the retail sector can benefit the Saudi
economy, particularly in terms of job creation.. ..The
Saudi Retail Forum is the first event arranged in Saudi
Arabia by MEED, which will organize about 20 conferences
on various business topics throughout the Middle East in
2004.." Complete
report..
KINGDOM
TO INVITE TENDERS FOR RAILWAY PROJECT
"Tenders for the railway expansion project will be
invited soon after a contract with the legal consultant
has been signed, Transport Minister Dr. Jabara Al-Seraisry
said.. ..The Kingdom has already appointed a consortium
consisting of the Union Bank of Switzerland and the
National Commercial Bank to provide financial advisory
services for the project. The multibillion-dollar project
comprises a land bridge linking Jeddah to Dammam via
Riyadh and another rail link between the holy cities of
Makkah and Madinah via Jeddah. Several international and
national companies have expressed interest in
participating in the projects.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
EIGHT
LOCAL, INT'L FIRMS COMPETE FOR RAILWAY PROJECTS - GWD Jan
13, 2003
KINGDOM
SEEKS FRENCH INVESTMENT IN POWER SECTOR
"Saudi Arabia is inviting French companies to invest
in the Kingdom's power sector. The sector needs SR200
($53) billion for new power projects over the next 20
years. Deputy Minister of Water and Electricity Abdullah
A. Al-Hussayen inaugurated a Saudi-French seminar on
public-private partnership jointly organized by the
Ministry of Water and Electricity and the French Embassy
in collaboration with the French Foreign Trade Advisors
and the Saudi-French Business Council.. ..The dialogue was
in line with the strategic alliance between the two
countries whose foundation was laid during the landmark
visit of French President Jacques Chirac to the Kingdom in
1996.." Complete
report..
AUSTRALIA
HOPES TO RESUME SHEEP EXPORTS
"Australia has submitted draft guidelines for the
resumption of livestock trade with Saudi Arabia in the
hope of stemming its losses, Australian Ambassador Robert
Tyson has said. Canberra last year suspended export of
livestock to Saudi Arabia after the Kingdom rejected a
shipment of Australian sheep found to be contaminated,
sending the 57,000 rejected animals on an epic journey of
the region's seas.. ..The draft document will help to
avoid a repeat of the Saudi-Australian debacle.
Australia's trade with Saudi Arabia was worth $124 million
annually, making the Kingdom the largest market for
Australian livestock.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
SAUDI
SHEEP SHIPMENTS ON HOLD - GWD Sep 08, 2003
KINGDOM
AND NORWAY AGREE TO COOPERATE ON OIL PRODUCTION
"The Kingdom and Norway, two of the world's leading
oil exporters, has agreed to liaise more closely on oil
production. The agreement came during talks yesterday in
Riyadh between Norwegian Minister of Petroleum and Energy
Einar Steensnaes and Saudi Minister of Petroleum &
Mineral Resources Ali Al-Naimi. The two countries have
said they will coordinate their positions and work
together to maintain oil price stability.. ..The talks
between the two follow a call five weeks ago from
Steensnaes, while in Moscow, for OPEC and non-OPEC
producers to join forces to boost production and bring oil
prices down to help the global economy.." Complete
report..
XENEL
SIGNS DEAL WITH TECNIMONT
"Xenel Industries [Mar 3] signed an SR800 ($213)
million contract with Italian Tecnimont to build a
polypropylene plant in the Yanbu Industrial City. The
plant is named Teldene. Owned by the National
Petrochemical Industrial Company (NATPET), Teldene is
planned to start commercial production at the end of 2006
with an annual capacity of 400-420,000 tons.." Complete
report..
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DIFX
SIGNS DEAL WITH FOUR GLOBAL GIANTS
"Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX) took a
giant step forward [Mar 3] with the signing of an
agreement to promote the creation of the regional
exchange. It signed a memorandum of understanding with
four international financial institutions.. ..The DIFX,
the first major international exchange to establish in the
Middle East, will be a fully electronic marketplace for
equities, bonds, funds and derivatives.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
DIFC
REGULATORY BODY IMMINENT - GWD Feb 16, 2004
UAE
INVESTS OVER $11B TO BUILD INDUSTRIAL BASE
"The UAE has pumped at least $11 billion into its
non-oil manufacturing sector over the past three years
within a drive to build an industrial base and ease
reliance on unstable crude export earnings, according to
government statistics. Most of the investments were
channeled by the private sector, which has become the
focus of a government program to diversify the oil-reliant
economy and ensure a stable income in the long term..
..Such heavy investments, which have steadily grown over
the past 15 years, have sharply expanded the manufacturing
sector to become the second largest component of the gross
domestic product after oil and gas.." Complete
report..
NCC
CALLS FOR PRIVATIZING EMPOST
"The National Consultative Council (NCC) [Mar 1]
reiterated the call for privatization of Emirates Post.
The issue of door-to-door mail delivery, raised by council
members from Abu Dhabi, dominated the [Mar 1] session
chaired by Speaker Abdullah Mohammed Al Masood. Mohammed
Rashid Al Nassiri, one of the members, urged the partial
privatization of the corporation, arguing that such a move
would help improve Empost services.." Complete
report..
UAE'S
BANKING SECTOR SETS EMIRATIZATION TARGET
"The UAE's banking sector has been set a formidable
Emiratization target of 50 percent within four years.
Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer, UAE Minister of Communications, is
optimistic the target will be met.. ..The average
Emiratization level in the banking sector was 26 percent..
..The committee set an incremental Emiratization rate of 4
percent a year for the banks, to reach the 50 percent mark
within four years.." Complete
report..
DUBAI
TO ESTABLISH SPORTS CITY TO AIM FOR 2016 OLYMPICS
"Dubai on [Mar 1] unveiled an ambitious project to
develop the Dh7 ($1.9) billion Dubai Sports City, the
world's first multi purpose-designed sports city. The
Dubai Sports City, scheduled to be completed within four
years, will be spread over a 4.6-million-square-meter area
as a cornerstone project of Dubailand, a 185
million-square-meter project.. ..the facility will help
Dubai in its bid for 2016 Olympics.." Complete
report..
BOAT
SHOW ATTRACTS LEADING PLAYERS
"..Marine tourism is growing rapidly in the UAE as
Gulf nationals and Europeans flock to enjoy the pleasant
climate during the winter months.." Complete
report..
DUBAI
TO HOLD REAL ESTATE EXHIBITION
"Dubai will hold an annual real estate exhibition and
conference in collaboration with the Saudi Research and
Marketing Group and sponsored by Eqtisadiah business
daily.. ..The aim is to provide a forum where new ideas
are discussed and investors share their experience of
marketing real estate in the Arab world.. ..The
conference.. ..will start on May 11 and is expected to be
the largest in its kind in the Arab World.." Complete
report..
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