AHSA, 31 March 2008 — The General Directorate of Environmental Health issued this week a license to three Saudi youths to open the Eastern Province’s first Saudi-run barbershop, Al-Watan newspaper reported yesterday. The three youths graduated from a vocational institute in Ahsa with diplomas in hairdressing. Abdullah ibn Muhammad Al-Arfaj, an official at Ahsa Municipality, expressed happiness at the endeavor and wished the youngsters success. Khaled Al-Dosary, head of the vocational institute, said that several Saudis youths have, in recent years, left the institute with diplomas in hairdressing.
Mental Hospital Sued for Holding Sane Man
JIZAN, 31 March 2008 — The Court of Grievances in the southern Asir region has postponed the hearing of a case filed by a sane man who was detained in a mental hospital for 25 days, Okaz newspaper reported yesterday. Hussain Muhammad Kamey said his son had him admitted in the mental hospital to take control of his wealth by showing him to be incompetent in managing his wealth. Kamey is suing the hospital for not properly checking his mental status.
Labor Office Red Tape Irks Businessmen
JEDDAH, 31 March 2008 — Businessmen visiting the Labor Office in Jeddah are complaining of a lack of employees there and a barrage of red tape, Al-Watan newspaper reported. The investors also claim they are asked to meet conditions that they say contradict Shariah law — such as compulsory insurance. The investors are now threatening to file lawsuits against the Labor Office claiming their businesses are being harmed.
