RIYADH, 20 December 2005 — Riyadh Governor Prince Salman has called for more reforms and measures to bring back Saudi funds invested abroad. While chairing a meeting here yesterday to discuss tourism development projects in the region, he said tourism industry would play a big role in strengthening the economy and increasing job opportunities for Saudis. He emphasized the need for setting up more tourist projects and facilities across the country in order to attract tourists.
Private Airline Planned in Hail
JEDDAH, 20 December 2005 — Hail Governor Prince Saud ibn Abdul Mohsen yesterday announced plans to launch a private airline company named Northern Airlines in the region within five years. He made this comment while meeting with Abdullah Al-Muqbil, deputy transport minister for road affairs. He also announced plans to build the Hail-Leena-Rafha Road, Hail-Madinah Expressway and Hail-Qassim Expressway.
Sudanese Honor for Abdullah Al-Turki
MAKKAH, 20 December 2005 — Abdullah Al-Turki, secretary-general of the Muslim World League, has won the Sudanese president’s prize for the best dawa worker. Turki has received a message from Sudanese Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Mubarak Majdoub informing him that he has been selected for the prize in appreciation of his efforts in spreading the message of Islam.
Trial Begins in Harassment Case
RIYADH, 20 December 2005 — The trial of the 10 men arrested for harassing two girls in Al-Nahda began in a Riyadh court, Al-Riyadh reported. The family of the accused men attended the hearing. All defendants pleaded not guilty saying that they were at home when the incident occurred. Many Saudis were outraged when a video clip of the harassment was distributed by wireless communications. It showed a clip of four men harassing two girls who were exercising.
Six Businesswomen Vie for EPCCI Seats
DAMMAM, 20 December 2005 — Six businesswomen announced yesterday their intention to run in polls to the board of directors of the Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry. A chamber source said the women were among 53 candidates who will vie for 12 seats on the board.
Bank Fires Employees for Embezzlement
JEDDAH, 20 December 2005 — Two bank employees were sentenced to six months in jail and fired from their job for using their position at the bank to steal SR500,000 from a 70-year-old bank client, Al-Madinah reported. An investigation was started after the client complained to the bank about the missing money. The two bank employees confessed to the crime, and later the bank discovered that they had stolen money from numerous accounts.
Pediatric Diabetes Awareness Day
JEDDAH, 20 December 2005 — King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Jeddah is sponsoring a pediatric and diabetes awareness day tomorrow. The activities include learning about diabetes in children, nutrition and diabetes, insulin, how to care for your teeth and free consultation from the hospital diabetes team. All educational activities are in Arabic. There will be free tests for blood sugar level, cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index and vision screening.
Beggary: ‘Two Strikes and You’re Out’
JEDDAH, 20 December 2005 — A source from the anti-beggary department in Jeddah said that the office will impose severe punishment on beggars arrested twice, the daily Al-Riyadh reported. The office will investigate the case of beggars arrested for the first time and determine whether they are eligible for aid. Beggars arrested a second time will receive a punishment that could include jail time, a fine and deportation.
