Saudi economy sees no adverse impact from turmoil
RIYADH, March 1 (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia’s economy has not
seen any adverse impact from turmoil that rocks the Arab world
and the OPEC crude producer will start implementing new social
measures on March 1, its finance minister said on Tuesday.
The world’s top oil exporter has escaped so far popular
revolts that toppled entrenched leaders in Egypt and Tunisia and
now challenge autocratic regimes in Libya, Bahrain and Oman.
Saudi king announces $35 billion aid for citizens
RIYADH (Reuters) – Saudi King Abdullah unveiled a series of benefits for Saudis estimated to be worth $35 billion on his return home Wednesday from three months abroad for medical treatment.
The action plan, which includes funding to offset high inflation, to help young unemployed people and support families to get affordable housing, was made as popular protests over poverty, corruption and repression hit many Arab countries.
Watching Bahrain, Saudi Shi’ites demand reforms
(Shi'ite Saudi Muslim worshippers during the Ashura festival in Qatif ,December 27, 2009/Zaki Ghawas)
When Saudi Shi’ites mark the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad, meeting at mosques and exchanging sweets is only part of what’s going on. The Shi’ites also are testing the tolerance of Sunni clerics and taking advantage of reforms introduced by King Abdullah that allow them greater freedom to practise their branch of Islamic faith.
Saudi still needs U.S. ally, China oil ties deepen
RIYADH/DUBAI (Reuters) – Violent uprisings across the Middle East and China’s rise as the world’s fastest growing oil market have shaken an oil-for-security bond between the United States and Saudi Arabia that has lasted for decades.
As western oil consumption stagnates, China is expected to take over the United States’ role as the world’s biggest oil user.
Unrest and $100 oil loom over Saudi talks
RIYADH/DUBAI (Reuters) – A tide of unrest that has swept the Middle East and stoked oil prices above $100 a barrel is likely to dominate talks in Saudi Arabia next week designed to narrow the gap between consumer nations and resource-holders.
The nearly 100 countries invited to the International Energy Forum on Tuesday include all 12 members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, led by Saudi Arabia.
Saudi king needs to step up reforms to curb dissent
RIYADH (Reuters) – Saudi King Abdullah has enough oil money to avoid the kind of social upheaval seen among the poor in Egypt and Tunisia, but the ageing monarch must reform if he is to keep a lid on dissent, analysts and diplomats say.
Although the top oil exporter has more than $400 billion in petrodollars stashed away to address social grievances, Saudi Arabia must address issues such jobs and housing, and the desire of an internet-savvy generation to have its voices heard.
Analysis: Saudi king needs to step up reforms to curb dissent
RIYADH (Reuters) – Saudi King Abdullah has enough oil money to avoid the kind of social upheaval seen among the poor in Egypt and Tunisia, but the aging monarch must reform if he is to keep a lid on dissent, analysts and diplomats say.
Although the top oil exporter has more than $400 billion in petrodollars stashed away to address social grievances, Saudi Arabia must address issues such jobs and housing, and the desire of an internet-savvy generation to have its voices heard.
Pro-reform Saudi activists launch political party
RIYADH (Reuters) – Saudi Islamists and opposition activists have launched a political party in a rare challenge to the absolute monarchy, asking King Abdullah for a voice in the Gulf Arab state’s governance, its organizers said Thursday.
The move was apparently prompted by popular revolts in the Arab world that toppled Tunisia’s president last month and have loosened the grip of Egypt’s autocratic leader.
Saudis want more science in religion-heavy education
(Secondary students sit for an exam in Riyadh June 15, 2008/Fahad Shadeed)
Saudi teenager Abdulrahman Saeed lives in one of the richest countries in the world, but his prospects are poor, he blames his education, and it’s not a situation that looks like changing soon. “There is not enough in our curriculum,” says Saeed, 16, who goes to an all-male state school in the Red Sea port of Jeddah. “It is just theoretical teaching, and there is no practice or guidance to prepare us for the job market.”
Saeed wants to study physics but worries that his state high school is failing him. He says the curriculum is outdated, and teachers simply repeat what is written in text books without adding anything of practical value or discussions. Even if the teachers did do more than the basics, Saeed’s class, at 32 students, is too big for him to get adequate attention. While children in Europe and Asia often start learning a language at five or six, Saudi students start learning English at 12. Much time is spent studying religion and completing exercises heavy with moral instruction.
In Saudia Arabia, a clamour for education
JEDDAH (Reuters) – Saudi teenager Abdulrahman Saeed lives in one of the richest countries in the world, but his prospects are poor, he blames his education, and it’s not a situation that looks like changing soon.
“There is not enough in our curriculum,” says Saeed, 16, who goes to an all-male state school in the Red Sea port of Jeddah. “It is just theoretical teaching, and there is no practice or guidance to prepare us for the job market.”
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