October 27, 2006

THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES AND THE CROWN PRINCE VISIT THE SOUTHERN REGION NEXT WEEK. A SERIES OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WILL BE LAUNCHED AND THE FOUNDATION STONE FOR NEW PROJECTS WILL BE LAID. THE COST OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN NAJRAN WILL REACH SR 3 BILLION AND 209 MILLION. CROWN PRINCE SULTAN'S EID GIFTS ARE HANDED OVER TO CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. PRINCE ABDUL RAHMAN CONVEYS THE KING AND THE CROWN PRINCE'S GREETINGS TO MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES IN THE EASTERN REGION. PRINCE NAIF IBN ABDUL AZIZ: SAUDI ARABIA IS ONE OF THE BEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF STABILITY, ECONOMIC GROWTH, AND SOCIAL SECURITY. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz will pay visits to Najran, Jizan and Asir, which will start at the first week of November. The upcoming visit heralds a new era in the development of the southern region, as King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz will launch a number of educational, health and infrastructure projects worth several billions of riyals there. King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz is scheduled to arrive in Najran on Tuesday on the first leg of his tour of the southern region, his first after taking over power in August 2005. According to Najran Governor Prince Mishaal Ibn Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques will launch new development projects worth SR3.26 billion in the region. King Abdullah will lay the foundation stone for four university colleges (which are to cost SR600 million), a project to pump water from the Empty Quarter (SR400 million), health projects including a 200-bed hospital (SR285 million), a higher institute of technology for girls and an institute for vocational training (SR200 million). "The king will also lay the foundation for 138 schools for both boys and girls, which are estimated to cost SR692 million," the governor said. King Abdullah will commission a number of electricity projects, which were established at a total cost of SR800 million. He will also open new buildings of the College of Technology, which was built at a cost of SR95 million and can accommodate about 3,000 students. Roads and buildings in the three regions have been decorated with pictures of the king and crown prince, and welcome banners on the occasion of the royal visit. Citizens in the regions have expressed their happiness over the visit, saying it would open a new era in development. King Abdullah is scheduled to launch the Kingdom's fourth economic city in Jizan on Nov. 5. The decision to launch the new economic city in Jizan was taken after a detailed study on the region's industrial prospects and its strategic geographic position according to Arab News. Jizan has rich deposits of limestone, dolomite, marble, basalt, gypsum and silica. King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz has already laid the foundation for three economic cities in Rabigh, Hail and Madinah, which are to draw domestic and foreign investment worth more than SR155 billion ($41.3 billion) and create nearly 100,000 new jobs. The Monarch's visit to the south comes as part of his ongoing tour of the Kingdom's regions to meet with people and open new development projects. Before Ramadan, he visited Jubail, Al Khobar, Qateef, Ahsa, Hail, Qassim and Madinah, where he launched several vital projects including two giant economic cities and two new universities. During his Jizan visit, King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz will launch Jizan University, the first institution for higher learning in the southern region. The university has six colleges for computer science, engineering, medicine, science, community and applied medical sciences. The Monarch is also scheduled to open the first phase of a housing project carried out by the King Abdullah Charitable Foundation in Dehama village. He will distribute keys to 372 low-cost houses to people in the village. The project was carried out at a cost of SR100 million. The new economic city in Jizan is expected to change the face of the region. The project was initiated by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) to attract foreign investment and promote transfer of vital technology. The Kingdom's fourth economic city will be in the south western port city of Jizan. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah is expected to launch the project on November 5 during his visit to the region. King Abdullah has already laid the foundation for three economic cities in Rabigh, Hail and Madinah, which are to draw domestic and foreign investment worth more than SR155 billion ($41.3 billion) and create nearly 100,000 new jobs. The plan to launch the fourth economic city in Jizan comes after a detailed study on the region's industrial prospects and its strategic geographic position. Jizan has rich deposits of limestone, dolomite, marble, basalt, gypsum and silica. The Jizan region consists of fertile plains, forests, and mountains. The alluvial deposits brought down from the mountains by rivers and floods have created the fertile plains, which extend behind the coastal swampland. The region runs along the Red Sea coast for almost 300 km and includes some 100 islands. King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz will visit the region as part of his tour of the Kingdom's regions to meet with people and open new development projects. Jizan University is the first institution for higher learning in the southern region. Initiated by Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), the Kingdom's prestigious economic city projects are aimed at attracting not only foreign investment but also transfer of vital technology. In remarks at World Affairs Council of Wilmington recently, Saudi Ambassador to the United States Prince Turki Al-Faisal said the Kingdom was offering investment opportunities worth more than $650 billion especially in vital sectors such as petrochemicals, power generation, telecommunications, desalination and railways. "The economic city projects are in line with SAGIA's strategy to promote investments into the country's sectors that propose the best competitive advantages, namely, energy, transportation and knowledge-based industries (KBI)," said its Governor Amr Dabbagh. The first economic city launched in December 2005 in Rabigh, 200 km north of Jeddah, (which is named after King Abdullah) focused on promoting energy- and transportation-related industries, while the second economic city launched in Hail in June 2006 (named after Prince Abdul Aziz bin Mousaed) is designed around transportation and related logistical services. The third city in Madinah, which was also launched in June 2006, captures the essence of SAGIA's third focus, knowledge-based industries, said Dabbagh. The Jizan region is getting readu for the royal visit that will be paid by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and his Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz following a visit to Najran region. In Dammam the general director of social affairs in the eastern region Ibrahim Ibn Abdullatif Al Omair greeted members of the Prince Sultan Center for Social Rehabilitation for People with Special Needs. He also handed over to them gifts offered from Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General on the occasion of the blessed Eid Al-Fitr to members of the center. On the other hand the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz has expressed appreciation for the heartfelt feelings spelled out by Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the interior minister, in his cable of congratulations to him on behalf of the personnel of the interior ministry on the occasion of Eid-Al-Fitr. In his cable to the king, Prince Naif highlighted the significant role played by the security men to enable Mmrah (Minor Hajj) performers to perform their rituals in comfort and ease. He noted that the performers of Umrah during the blessed month of Ramadan had exceeded three million. The number of Umrah performers who came from abroad rose by 20 percent compared to their number last year. In his cable of reply King Abdullah saluted the security men and lauded their tireless efforts in the service of their religion and country. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of Interior, lauded the role played by security forces for more than three million Umrah pilgrims' safety during the holy month of Ramadan in an impromptu, Okaz, the mass-circulation Arabic language daily quoted him as saying. Prince Naif made the remarks as he received princes, scholars and senior officers at his office in Jeddah on the second day of Eid. He said more than 15,000 security forces officers were deployed to keep the three million pilgrims safe, the highest number in 10-years, at the Holy Mosques. "The integrated plans executed by the security forces enabled this unprecedented number of pilgrims to perform their Umrah rites in comfort, peace and tranquillity. The security and smooth flow of millions of worshipers in such a limited area stands as evidence of the efficiency of the security men in dealing with all kinds of emergencies and administrating such crowds," he said. Prince Naif said the "brave" security men are accustomed to such tasks as manifested in the confidence, consistency and firmness they have shown while handling their tasks and assuming their responsibilities. "We are one family. No hindrances between us and our leaders. Our leaders are open hearted and their doors are open," he added. He attributed this remarkable achievement to Allah's Grace and the directives of the wise leadership of King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz. 'Thanks to Almighty Allah, and thanks to the wise directives of our leadership and the support and solidarity of the citizens to their leadership, we were able to overcome all difficulties and aborts plots hatched against this beloved country', He said while reiterating the adherence of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Holy Quran and Sunnah (the Prophet's teachings). "Despite the delicate circumstances the region is experiencing, nothing has upset the country's security and people's peace. We are thankful to Allah and our alert security men. The vigilance of security men is capable of foiling any attempt to destabilize the country. By virtue of the nation's support, cohesion and our strict application of Islamic Shariah in all affairs of our life, we will continue to defeat all elements of evil and overcome any difficulty and ordeal," he said. Prince Naif added, "I firmly believe that all citizens are security men, thus none can threaten our unity nor penetrate us." 'The citizen is the first security man, and all citizens are security men and the vice versa', he added. Prince Naif noted that Saudi Arabia is one of the best countries in the world in terms of stability, economic growth, and social security. On the situation in Iraq, Palestine and Lebanon he said, "We have not seen worse than what the Iraqi people are experiencing now. We hope they mend their rifts. They should not allow others to interfere in their affairs. We advise others to leave Iraq to its sons and we advise the world's leaders to resort to reason instead of resorting to force. Threatening a person in his country is the highest degree of provocation." Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Interior Minister, had received princes, Muslim scholars, ministers, commanders of the security sectors, senior civil and military officials of the interior ministry, as well as notables and citizens of Makkah region, who came to congratulate him on the occasion of Eid-Al-Fitr. The meeting was attended by Prince Ahmad Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Interior Minister, Prince Mishal Ibn Majed Ibn Abdul Aziz, the governor of Jeddah, Prince Mohammed Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Assistant Interior Minister for Security Affairs, and other senior officials. The Saudi Red Crescent Society has distributed humanitarian aid and gifts in Lebanon in honor of the Eid Al-Fitr. General Coordinator Ahmad Al-Salamah said that 25,000 gifts were distributed to Lebanese children, including school bags and clothes. The aid is in line with the Kingdom's ongoing humanitarian assistance to Lebanon. Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General left Jeddah for the Eastern region to convey Eid Al-Fitr greetings to personnel of Armed Forces on the occasion of the blessed Eid Al-Fitr. Prince Abdul Rahman was accompanied by Prince Mohammed Ibn Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz and Prince Fahd Ibn Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz. At King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Prince Abdul Rahman was seen off by a number of senior officials and officers. Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General arrived in the Eastern Region to convey congratulations and greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General to personnel of armed forces in the region on the occasion of the blessed Eid Al-Fitr. At King Abdul Aziz Airbase, the prince was received by Prince Mohammed Ibn Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, the governor of the eastern region; Prince Jelawi Ibn Abdul Aziz Ibn Musaed, the region's vice governor and a number of officials. Prince Abdul Rahman was accompanied by Prince Mohammed Ibn Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz and Prince Fahd Ibn Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz. Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General conveyed the congratulations and greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General to personnel of armed forces in the eastern region on the occasion of the blessed Eid Al-Fitr. Upon arrival at King Fahd Military City in Dhahran, the prince was received by Prince Mohammed Ibn Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, the governor of the eastern region; Prince Jelawi Ibn Abdul Aziz Ibn Musaed, the region's vice governor and a number of officials. a speech ceremony was held on this occasion. Addressing the ceremony, Prince Abdul Rahman praised servicemen for their noble service of this major Islamic country from which Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) was sent to all human beings, laying stress to commitment to the Islamic religion. The prince said that however Islam might be fought, it will be victorious. The ceremony was attended by Prince Mohammed Ibn Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Prince Fahd Ibn Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz and a number of officials. Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Defense and Aviation Minister, patronized the ceremony organized by the citizens of the eastern region in Al-Khobar on the occasion of Eid-Al-Fitr. Prince Abdul Rahman was welcomed by Prince Mohammed Ibn fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, the governor of the eastern region, and a number of senior officials. Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Rahman Al-Rashid, the chairman of the board of directors of the chamber of commerce and industry in the eastern region, highlighted the efforts exerted by the chamber in the field of economic and tourism development. On his part, mayor of the eastern region Eng. Daifallah Al-Oteibi highlighted the projects being implemented by the municipality of the eastern region, and said they include more than 200 projects at a total cost of SR 2 billion. He praised the existing cooperation and coordination between the municipality of the eastern region and the other governmental departments. Meanwhile, Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Fahd Ibn Abdullah, the deputy secretary general of the higher tourism commission in the eastern region, said the council of tourism development in the eastern region is planning to attract nine million visitors to the eastern region within the next ten years. In an impromptu speech, Prince Abdul Rahman emphasized that the kingdom will remain united forever. Addressing the servicemen saying, you should fill your country with capabilities that protect it from an aggressor of any source or party. He noted that this country enjoys an Islamic rule based on the Islamic religion. The prince laid stress on complete commitment to the religion for the future of the country, indicating that the religion is tolerant. Prince Abdul Rahman affirmed that training is a major element in achieving success. Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General left for Jubail governorate. At King Abdul Aziz Airbase in Dhahran, the prince was seen off by senior officials and officers. Prince Abdul Rahman was accompanied by a number of princes. Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, arrived in Jubail. At Jubail Naval Forces Airport, the prince was received by senior officials and officers. Prince Abdul Rahman was accompanied by a number of princes. Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General conveyed congratulations and greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General to the personnel of the eastern fleet in Jubail governorate on the occasion of the blessed Eid Al-Fitr. The Prince was accompanied by Prince Jelawi Ibn Abdul Aziz Ibn Musaed, the Vice Governor of the eastern region and other princes. Upon arrival at King Abdul Aziz Naval Base Airport, they were received by a number of officials and senior officers. A speech ceremony was held on this occasion. In an impromptu speech, Prince Abdul Rahman pointed out that the naval forces have a great position in the hearts of every Saudi citizen, since they protect Saudi territorial waters, stressing that the Saudi fleet has been continually developed to perform its duty. He addressed servicemen saying, ''you have very great tasks in the kingdom's present and future time. He affirmed that the kingdom enjoys Islamic Sharia in practice and that its constitution is the Holy Quran. Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General left Jubail governorate for Hafr Al-Baten after conveying congratulations and greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General to the personnel of the Armed Forces in the eastern region on the occasion of the blessed Eid Al-Fitr. At Jubail-based naval armed forces airport, the prince was seen off by Prince Jelawi Ibn Abdul Aziz Ibn Musaed, the vice governor of the eastern region and senior officials and officers. Prince Abdul Rahman was accompanied by a number of princes. Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General arrived in Hafr Al-Baten. At King Khaled Military City Airport, the prince was received by Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Faisal Ibn Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Saud Ibn Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz and senior officials and officers. Prince Abdul Rahman was accompanied by Prince Mohammed Ibn Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz and Prince Fahd Ibn Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz. Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, conveyed the congratulations and greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, who is also the Supreme Commander of all Military Forces and Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General to the personnel of the armed forces in the northern region on the occasion of the blessed Eid Al-Fitr. Upon arrival at King Khaled Military City, the prince was received by the region's commander Major General Ahmad Bin Saeed Al-Shihri and senior officers. A speech ceremony was held on this occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Prince Abdul Rahman highlighted the efforts exerted by the Saudi officials to develop the armed forces. He underlined the important role of the armed forces in the service of the country. Prince Abdul Rahman reiterated the keenness of the Saudi officials on further developing the country in all domains. In Abha Prince Khalid Al-Faisal Ibn Abdul Aziz received a number of members of the security forces under the leadership of General Al Al-Hazmi who came to offer to the governor of Assir region their congratulations on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. On the other hand Yemen is to host next November a meeting for foreign Ministers of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC (to discus Yemen's plan on qualification of Yemeni economic to join the GCC economics. The plan will be presented in the coming meeting for Yemeni development's partners that will be held during the period from 15th to 16th in London. This meeting of Yemeni and GCC officials was determined by joint ministerial committee in its last meeting in Saudi Arabia. The committee said that the meeting is very important for being held before days of holding London meeting which will be a gathering to support Yemen development and funds for carrying our projects of third five year plan. Some European countries and the United States already expressed their willingness to participate in the London meeti