GCC says Lebanon unsafe for travel; KSA seeks end to fighting
Source: Arab News (Read full story)
Gulf Arab states have advised citizens not to travel to Lebanon, a popular summer tourist destination that is becoming increasingly engulfed in neighboring Syria’s civil war, the Saudi Press Agency reported. “Most GCC states have urged their nationals to avoid traveling to Lebanon due to the instability of the security situation there,” Gulf Cooperation Council’s chief Andullatif Al-Zayani was quoted as saying late on Wednesday. Lebanon is “unsafe” for citizens of the GCC, made up of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Zayani said.
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Abu Dhabi to open US customs post
Source: Saudi Gazette (Read full story)
Abu Dhabi expects in December to open a controversial facility to clear passengers for US customs and immigration, Etihad Airways Chief Executive James Hogan said Thursday. Etihad Airways Chief Executive James Hogan said he hopes a US customs post in Abu Dhabi will support the carrier’s expansion plans. The post would support Etihad’s expansion as an international carrier and boost its base in Abu Dhabi as a global aviation hub, he said. Etihad is the United Arab Emirates’ national airline.
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Obama meets Bahrain’s crown prince
Source: Gulf Today (Read full story)
US President Barack Obama called for “meaningful reform” and respect for universal rights in Bahrain on Wednesday, during talks with Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa at the White House. Obama dropped in as Deputy National Security Adviser Tony Blinken was meeting the prince, and stressed the importance of the US partnership in Bahrain and Washington’s support for its stability and security. Salman, a reputed moderate, has just been made Bahrain’s first deputy prime minister following months of tensions and unrest in the country.
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Expert calls for legislation on e-Health in Qatar
Source: Gulf Times (Read full story)
The use of the Health Information Exchange (HIE) system needs to be encouraged in Qatar with the necessary legal provisions to ensure its sustainability, a leading expert in the field has said. HIE is a method of gathering, collating and disseminating healthcare information across the various stakeholders, both public and private. HIE expert from the US, Dr Sue Feldman said it was important to see people use the HIE as a standard of care once it is in place.
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Sembcorp Industries is planning an initial public offering of a joint venture company in Oman by the end of this year
Source: Channel News Asia (Read full story)
Sembcorp Industries is planning an initial public offering of a joint venture company in Oman by the end of this year. In a filing with the Singapore Exchange, Sembcorp confirmed that it will be listing the Sembcorp Salalah Power and Water Company because it is a stipulated requirement when the firm won the project in 2009. Sembcorp holds a 60 per cent stake in the joint venture company, which owns and operates a US$1 billion (S$1.24 billion) water and power project in Oman.
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IAEA and UAE sign work plan
Source: Khaleej Times (Read full story)
Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi, UAE Permanent Representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and Dr Ali Boussaha, Director for the Asia and Pacific Division of the IAEA Technical Cooperation Department, have signed an Integrated Work Plan (IWP) designed to help in developing a comprehensive framework to ensure steady progress of UAE’s national nuclear power programme. The UAE-IAEA Integrated Work Plan, which extends from 2013 until 2017, the projected date of on-line operation of the UAE’s first nuclear power plant, includes arrangements to promote cooperation between the UAE and the IAEA in key areas, focusing specifically on nuclear power.
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