GCC summit in the Sultanate of Oman

Report sets stages for defense, security strategy progress to protect march of development

GCC follows up unification of homogenous strategy system Report gives account on GCC's most important economic achievements

The 29th annual summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) kicked off in the Omani capital of Muscat on Monday.

The following is a brief introduction to the bloc and its summit:

Headquartered in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, the GCC is a political and economic alliance made up of six Gulf Arab states --Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Qatar and Bahrain.

The bloc was formed at a summit in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi in May 1981 against the backdrop of the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran and the Iraq-Iran war which broke out in 1980 and lasted till1988.

It aims at boosting wide-ranging cooperation between members through collective security, to guard against any outside threat and Islamic extremism. In 1984, the GCC created a collective defense force -- the Saudi-based Peninsula Shield.

Striving for economic integration, the bloc launched a free trade area, which later witnessed a six-fold increase in inter-GCC trade volumes. A customs union was established in 2003 and a common market came into being in 2007.

Convinced by the success of euro zone, the Gulf leaders decided in 2001 to set up a monetary union and adopt a single currency in 2010.

GCC countries pump about 16 million barrels of crude oil per day and possess about 45 percent of the world's proven crude reserves.

The main functioning bodies of the GCC are the Supreme Council, the Ministerial Council and the Secretariat-General.

The Supreme Council is the highest decision-making body of the alliance, consisting of six heads of state. The council's yearly presidency rotates among the six countries in Arabic alphabetical order. The council meets every year-end. Unanimous approval is required for any key decisions.

The Ministerial Council is composed of foreign ministers or other ministers. It proposes policies, works out the agenda of the annual GCC summit and carries out the decisions.

The Secretariat-General, the administrative body of GCC's daily work, is made up of a secretary-general and three assistant secretary-generals. The secretary-general is appointed by the Supreme Council with a three-year term.

The incumbent is Abdul Rahman al-Attiya, a former Qatari Foreign Ministry official.

Economic integration and regional security are expected to top the agenda.

During their 29th summit, the six leaders thrashed out an array of issues, chiefly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the situation in the war-torn Iraq, Lebanon-Syria relations, Darfur in Sudan and the Iran-UAE islands dispute, especially Israel's deadly attack on Gaza started from Saturday.

They are widely expected to announce a final roadmap for the Gulf monetary union, which involves the framework of a unified Gulf monetary authority and the single currency, and examine the implementation of the convergence criteria amid the current global economic crisis.

Beginnings and objectives:

Military cooperation has been the core concern of Their Majesties and Highnesses, leaders of the GCC States, since the very beginning of the GCC; that was because of their firm conviction in the common objective, determination and aspirations, in addition to the geographic facts and common history.

The Chiefs of General Staff held their first meeting at Riyadh on 23 Dhul Qa'dah 1401 H. (21 September 1981) at the request of the Ministerial Council and made several recommendations relating to the enhancement of military cooperation among Member States.

At its 2nd Session held at Riyadh on 14 Muharram 1402 H. (10 November 1981) the Supreme Council reviewed the recommendations of the Chiefs of General Staff and instructed the Defense Ministers to hold a meeting to discuss those recommendations.

In the light of the above, the Defense Ministers held their first meeting at Riyadh 0n 25 January 1982 and approved the recommendations of the Chiefs of General Staff.

Based on the resolutions issued in this connection, the military cooperation continued to proceed upward according to specialized studies that took into account the potentials of the GCC States, the response to the defense requirements and developing feasible work mechanisms based on the results of the lessons derived from the events at the regional and international levels. In addition, the GCC is always keen to follow up and analyze the developments and the military events in the region and our countries.

Achievements:

Over the past years, the GCC States were able to attain the following achievements in the military cooperation:

I. Al-Jazeerah Shield Joint Forces:

The decision to form Al-Jazeerah Shield Force was one of the oldest decisions in the filed of military cooperation. The decision was issued on 23 Dhul-Hijjah 1402 H. (10 October 1982) then followed other decisions for the development of that force to become a mechanized infantry with full fire and fighting logistics. Studies for the development and modernization of this Force have continued and the Force has been renamed as "Al-Jazeerah Shield Joint Forces".

II. GCC Joint Defense Agreement:

The GCC joint action in the military cooperation field achieved a qualitative shift represented in the GCC Joint Defense Agreement that was signed by Their Majesties and Highnesses, leaders of the GCC States at the 21st Session of the Supreme Council (Manama, December 2000). The agreement sets out several pillars, principles and priorities of military cooperation.

The contracting parties confirm their adherence to the GCC Charter and their respect of the Arab League Charter and the UN Charter. They also confirm their intention to defend each other collectively based on the concept that an attack on any member State means an attack against all of them, and that any danger threatening any of them means a threat to all of them. The agreement further provides for the intention of the Member States to enhance military cooperation among them, raise their individual and collective capacities in order to achieve the highest level of coordination of the joint defense concept. The agreement also provided for the continued development of the Al-Jazeerah Shield Force, the follow-up of the joint exercises and attaching importance to the development of a foundation for military industry and encouraging the private sector to invest in this field.

III. Secure Communications:

The issue of setting up and providing secure communication among the armed forces of the GCC States has received special attention. This has led to a study and the installation of cable for military communications, interconnecting the armed forces of Member States.

IV. Interconnection of the Operations Centers of the Air Forces and the Air Defense:

With a view to enhancing the joint air defense, the Operations Centers of the Air Forces and the Air Defense at the GCC States were connected by radar coverage network and early warning system through the Cooperation Belt Project whose first phase was operated towards the end of 2001.

V. Joint Land/Air/Sea Exercises:

Given the importance of joint planning and the performance of joint military exercises, it was agreed that marine joint exercises and other air exercises for the fighters and helicopters be conducted on a permanent basis.

VI. Other Areas of Military Cooperation:

Military cooperation has covered several other areas aimed at enhancing cooperation in the field of support and information exchange, unification of the curricula and publications of the various military courses, mutual benefit from the potentials available at the GCC States, particularly in the area of maintenance and training.

Security Cooperation: Beginnings and Objectives:

Recognizing that the economic development and prosperity of the GCC States can only be achieved within a safe and stable environment, and

Inspired by the firm belief that the security of the GCC States is an integral entity,

Their Majesties and Highnesses, leaders of the GCC States, have instructed Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the Interior Ministers of the GCC States to make contacts and coordination for holding a meeting to discuss and examine the mechanisms and requirements of the security cooperation among Member States.

To that effect, a working group, composed of security experts at the Interior Ministries, was formed. The experts have prepared a draft agenda for the first meeting of Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the Interior Ministers. The said meeting was held in Riyadh on 29th Rabi'I and 1st Jumada'I 1402 H. (23-24 February 1982). This meeting was the beginning of the security coordination and cooperation among the GCC States; several security committees specialized in the various fields of security coordination and cooperation were formed.

The first meeting outlined the principles and objectives of the security cooperation among the GCC States and the need for a comprehensive security agreement to be signed by the Member States.

The declaration of the meeting stressed the unity and interconnection of the security of the GCC States and the collective security principle by stating that " The GCC security is an integral whole, and any attack on any Member State means an attack on all Member States, and the responsibility of confronting the attack on any Member State is a collective one ". The declaration added "The interference by any entity whatsoever in the internal affairs of any member State means an intervention in the internal affairs of all Member States".

Meetings of Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the Interior Ministers were periodically (annually) held and were preceded by meetings of the specialized security committees.

A committee composed of Their Excellencies the Deputy Interior Ministers prepares for the meetings of Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the Interior Ministers.

Exceptional meetings were held during the intervals between the meetings of the Interior Ministers for discussion of security matters that required coordination and consultation. The Interior Ministers have also agreed that a one-day consultative meetings without specified agenda shall be held by the mid of their periodic annual meetings.

Achievements:

The field of the security coordination and cooperation has witnessed advanced steps and achievements covering the various security areas, in general, and all that affects the life of the GCC citizen, in particular and meets the requirements of the other economic, social and youth aspects of the joint action.

Following is the review of the achievements made and steps taken in the field of security cooperation reflecting the general objective of cooperation in this field: the improvement and enhancement of security coordination and cooperation among the GCC States leading to the integration of their security bodies.

I. The Security Agreement:

The GCC Security Agreement incorporates legal articles that deal with the matters of security cooperation among the GCC States. The agreement is binding on the parties that have signed and ratified it according to the provisions of its articles. Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the Interior Ministers of UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman signed the agreement at their 13th meeting in Riyadh. At its 15th session (Bahrain, December 1994) the Supreme Council blessed that step urging other Member States to sign the agreement at the earliest possible time.

II. GCC Comprehensive Security Strategy:

The comprehensive security strategy of the GCC States was adopted in the second extraordinary meeting of the Interior Ministers held in Muscat on 15 February 1987, and was approved by the Supreme Council at its 8th session in Riyadh. The strategy is a general framework for comprehensive security cooperation among Member States.

The strategy outlines the general objectives as well as the tools of implementation thereof.

To enhance coordination and cooperation in the security filed, to update the common security mechanisms and precautions applicable at Member States and to cope with the increasingly growing trans-national crime, Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the Interior Ministers, at their 8th Consultative Meeting (Riyadh, May 2007), have instructed that the GCC Comprehensive Security Strategy be reviewed by a competent committee with a view to updating it. Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the Interior Ministers, at their 9th Consultative Meeting (Doha, May 2008) have approved a draft proposal for updating and developing the 9th comprehensive security strategy that would be submitted to the Supreme Council at its 29th Session to be held in Muscat.

III. Facilitation of Movement and Flow of Goods:

Facilitation of the Intra-GCC movement of citizens and the flow of goods was given due attention since the first meeting of Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the Interior Ministers as this subject has a direct impact on the interests of citizens, fostering the social interconnection among them and supporting the Intra-GCC trade. It is also one of the basic perquisites for the Common GCC Market. The Member States have adopted several resolutions in this vital field, including among others the following:

• Agreement on Intra-GCC movement of GCC citizens using I.D. By virtue of bilateral agreements, the citizens can now move by using smart cards.

• The agreement on the issuance of the electronically readable passports of the GCC citizens.

• Raising the efficiency of the staff working at the borders to ensure a high level of conduct and competency through continued training, along with providing the necessary services at the borders in order to create appropriate conditions for good performance and treatment.

• Urging the border authorities of Member States to provide and develop the technical and technological systems to achieve swift completion of procedures.

• According special treatment to the GCC nationals through giving them priority of finalization of entry and exit procedures. (not in original text).

• Increasing the number of passenger vehicle lanes for arrival and departure to accommodate greater number of the transportation modes at one time, which would facilitate the flow of entry and exit.

• Granting drivers of national trucks carrying goods from any GCC State the required entry visas at the borders without the stipulation of having a sponsor or local agent for the exporting factory, establishment or company in the country of destination.

• Doing away with of the stamping of the passports of the GCC citizens at departure.

• Granting the dependants of the GCC citizens entry visas at the borders after ensuring the validity of their passports or residence permits.

• Granting entry visas for visit purposes to the foreign wives arriving with their husbands from the GCC States provided they have valid residence permits in the countries of residence.

• Limited electronic interconnection of the information relating to the movement of the GCC citizens across the ports.

• Allotting special lanes for the GCC citizens provided with signs at all ports, and stressing the importance of adherence to the actual implementation of this resolution.

• Surprise visits by the high officials of the Passport and Customs Departments and to certain ports to gauge the performance and to identify the requirements for improving performance.

• Keeping questionnaires at all ports for the transiting passengers to write down their comments and assessment of performance and the treatment they received at the ports.

• Completed questionnaires shall be kept in safe boxes for analysis from time to time as a part of the follow-up and monitoring process.

• Giving material and moral incentives to the personnel at the ports, particularly in those member States that do not have such incentives.

• Intensifying the field visits among the personnel at the GCC ports in order to familiarize themselves with the procedures and facilities applied by each Member State at the ports. Such visits facilitate the exchange of experience and expertise, and can be organized through a time schedule to be agreed on.

• Due to the importance of following up the implementation of these recommendations, the Immigration & Passports Department of each Member State submit periodic reports on the implementation of these recommendations and the performance level at the relevant ports to the Deputy Minister of Interior, who in turn will provide the Secretariat General with a comprehensive report to be examined at the meetings of the preparatory committee for identification of the difficulties , exchange of opinions, and for benefiting from that experience to facilitate the implementation of those recommendations.

• Procedures of the Intra-GCC movement of citizens using the Identity card and the multi-purpose smart card are currently being completed.

• The GCC Member States are considering the issuance of a common tourist visa for the GCC States. A technical committee was formed to examine the various aspects of this topic.

IV. Counter- terrorism Cooperation:

Inspired by their primary conviction in the need for combating the phenomenon of terrorism through the regional and international efforts, the GCC States have adopted a security strategy for combating terrorism coupled with extremism in 2002. They have also issued, in the same year, the Muscat Declaration on fighting terrorism. The GCC States have signed the GCC Counter-Terrorism Agreement in 2004. In 2006, a Permanent Anti-Terrorism Committee was formed. It holds periodic (annual) meetings as one of the specialized security committees.

V. Cooperation in the Field of Civil Defense:

Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the Interior Ministers (12th Meeting , Abu Dhabi 22-23 November 1993) have approved two draft laws: “ The Unified Civil Defense Law” and “The Unified Law for Volunteering and Volunteers”, which would serve as reference laws, the latter deals with the conditions, duties and rights of Civil Defense volunteers in the event of occurrence of emergencies or disasters. To enhance cooperation in this respect, an emergency plan for conducting joint simulated exercises was adopted , an awareness committee in the field of civil defense was also formed, in addition to another committee concerned with designing joint training exercises and a third committee for the unification of the safety requirements and preventive supervision.

VI. Cooperation Against Nuclear and Radioactive Risks:

In the field of protecting the GCC countries and citizens from the risks of the nuclear and radioactive disasters, the GCC States have reached the following:

• Prerequisites of the GCC Common Reference Plan for confronting radioactive and nuclear risks have been identified.

• Interlinking Special Operation Rooms in GCC States dealing with emergencies of radioactive and nuclear risks.

• Unification of the practices of dealing with radioactive and nuclear risks in Member States.

• Training the staff to deal with radioactive and nuclear risks.

• Formulating and disseminating preventive programs at the national and Gulf levels about the risks of radioactive and nuclear radiation.

• Forming emergency committees in the GCC States to deal with radioactive and nuclear radiation.

VII. Cooperation in the Field of Drug Control:

The Standard Model Legislation on Drug Control and Psychotropic Substances was approved in 1998, so that governments can benefit from it when updating their legislation. The Model legislation contains articles providing for stern penalties on drug smugglers and dealers. In 2005, a decision on the continued application of the legislation for the next five years was taken. In addition, a joint training plan for the drug control officers was adopted. Also, the team authorized to undertake the study on the measures for reducing demand for drugs and psychotropic substances has finalized the study which is in the phase of final revision.

VIII. Cooperation in the Field of Criminal Investigations and Inquiries:

The GCC States have adopted the following in the field of Criminal Investigations and Inquiries:

• Training in the field of surveillance, investigation and control of economic crimes and the need for coordination between GCC banking institutes and monetary agencies and the Ministry of Interior in each Member State.

• In 2006, the Uniform Reference Law for Prevention of Crimes and Monitoring of Suspects was adopted and implemented for three years.

• There is a study for developing a security database that maintains Intra-GCC electronic connection in the field of Criminal Investigations and Inquiries.

• Studying the idea of establishing a criminal police agency that would undertake coordination and security cooperation among Member States in the field of pursuit of criminals and the apprehension of wanted individuals.

• Seeking to develop and stipulate best standards for the protection of vehicles and minimizing thefts thereof, including the installation of a "chip" that would help locate the vehicle.

• Instructing the GCC General-Secretariat to publish a periodical that tracks and follows up the new criminal methods.

IX. Cooperation in the Field of Traffic:

1. GCC Common Traffic Law

The Common Traffic Law of the GCC States deals with the various traffic issues and affairs. At their 8th meeting, held at Riyadh on 31 October 1989, Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the Interior Ministers of the GCC States adopted The GCC Common Traffic Law as a reference law, to be re-evaluated after three years, provided the GCC States, which implement the law for reference purposes, shall notify the Secretariat accordingly. During that period, it was found out that the GCC States have made use of that law for the issuance or amendment of their traffic laws.

2. The GCC Traffic Week

At their 3rd meeting (Riyadh, November 1983), Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the GCC Interior Ministers approved the organization of the “GCC Traffic Week” with participation of all competent Public and private departments and institutions. The “Week” aims at the raising traffic awareness in all sections of society with a view to contribute towards reducing the number of traffic accidents in the GCC States.

3. Facilitation of Intra-GCC movement of GCC citizens

At their 3rd meeting (Riyadh, November 1983), Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the GCC Interior Ministers adopted the following Resolution:

a) Allowing the GCC citizens to use the driving licenses issued by their States in any of the GCC Member States, and to replace the expired driving licenses with other driving licenses issued by the State where they are residents.

b) Authorizing the Intra-GCC movement of private cars and those rented from the Car Rent Companies in the GCC States, and used by GCC nationals.

c) Authorizing the Intra-GCC movement of trucks according to the provisions of the Economic Agreement.

d) Allowing the Intra-GCC movement of taxies used by GCC nationals from points to be agreed on, provided that such taxies shall not be used for transporting passengers in the State of destination.

e) That resolution came into effect on 28 Rabiea Awal 1404 H. (January 1st 1984).

4. Car Registration Plates and Damaged Vehicles

At their third meeting (Riyadh, October 1986), Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the GCC Interior Ministers adopted the following Resolution:

a) Emphasizing facilitation of Intra-GCC movement of the private cars owned by the GCC nationals using their valid registration plates and traffic license.

b) When a GCC national wants to drop the registration plates of his car in any of the GCC States, the competent authority shall dispatch the plates with the ownership documents to the issuing authority in any of the GCC States.

Similarly, in the case of damaged cars, the competent authority shall return the plates with the ownership documents to the issuing authority.

In addition, at their sixth meeting (Abu Dhabi, October 1987), Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the GCC Interior Ministers adopted the following Resolution:

a) Where a car is damaged in any of the GCC States, the owner, or his representative, can sell the damaged car and request from the competent authority to exempt it from customs duties, provided the plates shall be returned by the Traffic Department to the issuing authority.

b) In the event the original plates are lost in any of the GCC States, temporary plates valid for one week will be issued in addition to a certificate proving the loss of the original plates. Such temporary plates are to be returned by the Traffic Department to the issuing authority at the country of registration.

5. Driving Licenses

• At their third meeting (Riyadh, November 1983), Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the GCC Interior Ministers resolved that the applicant for driving license must be fully familiar with all kinds of traffic signs and symbols.

• At their sixth meeting (Abu Dhabi, October 1987), Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the GCC Interior Ministers approved the unified data to be included in the driving license application form.

• At their 12th meeting (Abu Dhabi, November 1399), Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the GCC Interior Ministers have issued a resolution on the standard legal age of the driving license applicants, stipulating that the legal age of the applicant of a private driving license shall be 18, and 21 for the applicant of a public driving license.

6. Driving License for the Handicapped

At their 8th meeting (Riyadh, 1989), Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the GCC Interior Ministers approved the issuance of license for the handicapped taking into account the following:

a) The car of the handicapped shall be technically inspected for appropriate specifications that would enable the handicapped to drive it easily and safely.

b) Fixing a distinguishing mark (according to the internationally approved standards) at the rear of vehicle to distinguish it from other cars.

c) A special symbol shall be typed on the driving-license of the handicapped, indicating the nature of handicap. d) Handicapped applicants shall pass the relevant medical examination.

7. Ownership Transfer of Vehicles Belonging to GCC Nationals

At their 8th meeting (Riyadh, October 1989), Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the GCC Interior Ministers resolved as follows:

a) Registration of any vehicle may not be cancelled in any Member State without presentation of the original ownership document, clearance certificate and plates.

b) The list of the cancelled vehicles shall include plate number and full description of the vehicle conforming to the ownership certificate/carnet.

c) Standardization of the clearance/discharge certificates applicable in the GCC States according to the attached form.

8. Right Hand-steering Vehicles

At their 20th meeting (Bahrain, October 2001), Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the GCC Interior Ministers decided that modified right hand-steering vehicles may not be registered and licensed in the GCC States, and that concerned bodies shall be notified accordingly.

9. Common Traffic Law At their 13th meeting (Riyadh, November 1994), Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the GCC Interior Ministers resolved as follows:

- GCC Common Traffic Law shall continue to be implemented as a reference law.

- The subject of traffic safety shall be included in school curricula.

10. GCC Strategy for Traffic Awareness

At their 16th meeting (Qatar, November 1997), Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the GCC Interior Ministers approved the GCC Strategy for Traffic Awareness to be used as a reference strategy for developing the plans and programs of traffic awareness.

X. Cooperation in the Filed of Border Guards and Coast Guards:

In the filed of border guards and coast guards, Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the GCC Interior Ministers have adopted several resolutions, the most important of which are the following:

• The training plan developed by the General Directorate of Border Guards in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for training the border guards and coast guards of the GCC States.

• Uniform forms for exchange of information among the border guards and coast guards authorities in the GCC States.

• The uniform rules and procedures, prepared by the Secretariat, for addressing infringement of the GCC territorial waters by the fishing and picnic boats belonging to GCC nationals.

• The uniform controls for inspection and surveillance of the wooden vessels in the GCC States.

• Seeking assistance of the maritime Search and Rescue Plan as the basis for the procedures that ensure coordination and cooperation among Member States in the support operations and the assistance in the cases of maritime search and rescue • The Foreign Ministry at the State of Kuwait has prepared a study on the phenomenon of infiltration and how to address it.

• Joint bilateral marine exercises have been made between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar, UAE and Oman.

XI. Cooperation in the Field of Penal and Corrective Institutions:

As regards the Penal and Corrective Institutions, Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the GCC Interior Ministers have adopted several resolutions, the most important of which are the following:

- Adoption of the Uniform Model Law for Penal and Corrective Institutions, as a reference law.

- The legislative difficulties related to rehabilitation.

- Imprisonment alternatives.

- After-release care of prisoners.

- Adoption of the “Agreement on the Intra-GCC Transfer of Convicts” in view of the humanitarian aspects of that agreement.

- Adoption of the Common Rules of Rehabilitation to be implemented as reference rules for three years.

XII. Education and Technical Training:

Desiring to develop plans and programs and to enhance coordination and security cooperation, and recognizing the importance of preparing and training the security officers and organizing training courses, Their Highnesses and Excellencies, Ministers of Interior, adopted certain resolutions in this regard. Those resolutions were derived from the meetings of the Directors General of the Security and Police Colleges, Academies and Institutions in the GCC States.

In this connection, the Educational and Military Manuals were approved to serve as reference for the education and training institutions in Member States. Also, the first collective field visit of the officers and students at King Fahad Security College was made. The officials of the security libraries were also allowed to exchange information for benefit and enriching the security thinking.

XIII. The GCC Award of Security Research:

Recognizing the importance of scientific research and enriching the security library with studies that address the security phenomena that have recently become sophisticated in terms of dimensions, forms and images that were hitherto uncommon in our GCC communities in particular, and at the regional and international levels in general, and

Pursuant to the GCC objectives and the provisions of Article (4) of the GCC Charter that supports the scientific research and encourages research and studies in the Member States, and

Appreciating the efforts of the researchers and specialists in the security areas, particularly the GCC nationals,

Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the GCC Ministers of Interior (16th Meeting, Doha, 1997) endorsed the law of the GCC Award of Security Research. The Award was launched and advertised in year 2000. A sum of sixty thousand Saudi Riyals was primarily devoted to the Award. However, the increased participation of the GCC researchers has urged Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the GCC Ministers of Interior to increase the amount of the Award up to two hundred thousand Saudi Riyals. In the meantime, the by-law and rules of implementation of the Award have been developed to reflect the scientific and technological advancement of the age.