ALKHOBAR, 17 October 2007 — Crown Prince Sultan said yesterday that the newly issued Judiciary Law and Court of Grievances Law were important turning points in the Kingdom’s judicial history. He said the new laws would ensure justice and protect public rights. Prince Sultan made this statement as he opened an international conference on engineering arbitration organized by the Saudi Council of Engineers. “Islam guarantees justice for all,” the prince said. Eastern Province Gov. Prince Muhammad ibn Fahd and his deputy Prince Jalawi also attended the opening session.
“Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah’s allocation of SR7 billion to upgrade judicial facilities and train judges shows the government’s keenness on the issue,” Sultan said, adding that he hoped the conference would discuss the new laws’ positive impact on investment.
“Arbitration and the protection of intellectual property rights are essential not only for engineering and international projects but also for other aspects of life in order to ensure justice and equality,” the prince said.
He urged the conferees to revise arbitration regulations in accordance with Shariah in order to highlight Islam’s tolerance and protect the rights of both Muslims and non-Muslims in trade and human relations.
Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Rabeea, chairman of the engineers’ commission, said the conference was aimed at shedding light on the importance of arbitration in settling conflicts related to economic, industrial, commercial and construction projects.
Rabeea emphasized the importance of adopting arbitration to solve disputes related to economic activities, especially after Saudi Arabia’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Mohammed Fatha, an international arbitrator, said arbitration was a modern method to settle disputes related to engineering and construction contracts.
Kamal Al-Hamd, director of the council’s office in the province, said more than 30 speakers from different parts of the world would address the conference, which will debate 16 working papers.
On Monday, the crown prince launched the website of the Prince Sultan Fund for Supporting Small Projects of Women in the Eastern Province. Hana Abdul Mohsen Al-Zuhair, executive director of the fund, said the organization would provide technical and financial support for women’s projects. Sultan announced the Prince Sultan Charitable Foundation’s donation of SR10 million to the fund.
Also yesterday, while attending Eid festivities at King Khaled Military City in Hafr Al-Batin, Sultan announced plans to build 7,000 housing units for the armed forces in the northern region.
Earlier while attending an armed forces ceremony, Sultan announced his ministry’s plan to establish 2,000 housing units for military officers in the region.
