The GCC Secretary-General commended the UAE security agencies for their work in arresting an alleged cell of terrorists. The group of Saudi and UAE citizens were accused of plotting attacks against the UAE and neighbouring countries. Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said their competence and alertness helped to thwart attempts to subvert the security and stability of countries in the region, according to Bahrain’s state news agency, BNA. The arrests, which were carried out on Wednesday, had been in co-ordination with security forces in Saudi Arabia. Dr Al Zayani hailed the security cooperation between the GCC member states, stressing the importance of coordination to stave off any attempts to destabilise the region.

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Amir heads Cabinet meeting after GCC summit

Source: Kuwait times (Read full story)

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The warm hospitality and hosting of the summit by Bahrain was thanked by HH the Amir, who expressed gratitude for the good organization carried out by Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Issa Al-Khalifa. HH the Amir also briefed the ministers on separate sideline meetings he had held with leaders during the summit. For their part, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, National Assembly Speaker Ali Al-Rashed and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- Hamad Al-Sabah each expressed their appreciation of the efforts assumed by HH the Amir and GCC leaders, pledging their full support of the decisions which arose out of the meeting.

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Saudi Arabia ranks 34 among most competitive manufacturing nations

Source: Arab News (Read full story)

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The report confirms that the landscape for competitive manufacturing is in the midst of a massive power shift — based on an in-depth analysis of survey responses from more than 550 chief executive officers and senior leaders at manufacturing companies around the world. In the Middle East, three countries made the list of the most competitive manufacturing countries, including the UAE ranking at 30, Saudi Arabia ranking at 34, and Egypt ranking at 36. “We are pleased to see Middle Eastern countries on the Global Manufacturing Competitive Index, affirming the region’s forecasted growth as an emerging economy. Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE are expected to move up in ranking five years from now,” said Bakr Abulkhair, chairman and managing partner at Deloitte & Touche Bakr Abulkhair & Co., Saudi Arabia.

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Oman to host global forum on heavy oil development

Source: Oman Daily Observer (Read full story)

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Heavy oil — an increasingly important component of Oman’s oil output — is the subject of an international forum due to take place in Muscat next month. ‘Heavy Oil 2013: 4th Global Edition’, organised by Praxis Global Research, will take place during January 28-30, 2013, underscoring the growing role of heavy oil in sustaining the Sultanate’s oil production over the long term. Leading oil companies and oilfield services involved in heavy oil production in the Sultanate will take part in the three-day event. They include Oxy Oman, Medco LLC, Halliburton, Weatherford, Siemens Technology, and GlassPoint Solar, among others.
Also taking part are executives from Kuwait Gulf Oil Company and Dover Operation Technology.

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Bahrain urges foreign media to verify facts

Source: Khaleej Times (Read full story)

Bahrain has urged foreign press and news agencies to verify their facts and follow objectivity while reporting and discussing Bahraini affairs. Minister of State for Information Affairs and government spokesperson, Samira Ibrahim bin Rajab, in a statement on Wednesday emphasised the continuity of reformation and modernisation in Bahrain and backed the national consensus dialogue as part of implementation of BICI’s recommendations. The minister rejected acts of violence against expatriate workforce under the pretext of peaceful demonstrations or justifying such acts under false slogans.

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