‘Unconditional’ Syria talks flayed by Doha
Source: Arab News (Read full story)
Qatar’s emir criticized Tuesday what he claimed were unconditional terms for a proposed peace conference on Syria, saying the talks would lead nowhere and should focus on “achieving justice” for Syria’s people. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, whose country has been a main backer of the Syrian rebellion, criticized “attempts by some to substitute achieving justice for the (Syrian) people, who have paid the heaviest price … with unconditional negotiations that lack a timeframe and lead nowhere.” His remarks come as Washington, Moscow and the United Nations are trying to fix a date for the so-called Geneva II talks bringing all sides together to discuss a political solution to the Syrian conflict. Speaking at the opening of a new term of the Shoura (consultative) Council in Doha, Sheikh Tamim said talks must “reach a political solution that recognizes the Syrian people’s legitimate demands and is based on a timetable.”
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Saudis welcome regulation of foreign labor
Source: Arab News (Read full story)
Saudis have welcomed the enforcement of the new labor laws to regulate the foreign labor workforce in the country following the end of the grace period. Rashed Al-Fowzan, an economist and head of CNBC television channel in Riyadh, said the sight of closed shops, restaurants and empty streets has highlighted the magnitude of the problem. He said there has clearly not been any enforcement of laws pertaining to work visa violations, which led to foreigners controlling the local economy. He urged government to continue its crackdown on illegal business operators. Al-Fowzan said this regulation of the labor market would reduce Saudi unemployment. “There is no better time than now for young Saudis to start their own businesses because the cost of doing business will decrease,” he said. Rakan Habeeb, an opinion writer and communication professor at King Abdulaziz University, said the market is expected to face some temporary staffing challenges including vehicle workshops, restaurants, and building and maintenance companies. This is because many foreign workers failed to rectify their residence and work permits during the grace period.
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Shaikh Mohammed leads Flag Day celebrations
Source: Khaleej Times (Read full story)
In a historic moment, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, led the nation’s celebrations on Flag Day at the Union House on Wednesday afternoon, where the founding fathers hoisted the flag 42 years ago. Shaikh Mohammed, who was accompanied by Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, said: “We renew our allegiance and promise to the people of the UAE to serve them and their dignity, to sacrifice our souls for the UAE soil and be loyal to the flag and keep it flying aloft.” Addressing children around him, Shaikh Mohammed said: “The flag is a trust that we received from our founding fathers. It is a trust with my brother Shaikh Khalifa, with me and with every Emirati man and woman and a trust in the hands of next generations.”
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GCC Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry meet in Doha
Source: Kuwait News Agency (Read full story)
The Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the GCC countries met in Doha Tuesday to discuss, among other issues, a study over challenges facing the Gulf economic unity. Members of the Executive Leaders Committee of the Union also discussed the annual report, approved the annual work program and deliberated the establishment of a Council of Businessman with each of Jordan and Morocco. Supporting economic integration among the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and activating private sector’s role to enable it contribute to economic decision-making were discussed by the committee members. The private sector in the Gulf countries is a major partner in economic, social and knowledge development, and would remain a supporter for a genuine sustainable development, said Rimi Rohani, Director General of Qatar’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
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Prince Sultan: Tourism a major contributor to Saudi economy
Source: Arab News (Read full story)
Saudi Arabia enjoys economic and financial stability under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, said Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA). He was speaking to newsmen at the Fifth G-20 Tourism Ministerial meeting in London on Monday. “Our country enjoys the benefits of resources, which are being used in its development and in the service of its citizens,” said Prince Sultan. He said that his country’s participation in the ministerial meeting reflects Saudi Arabia’s economic position in the world and especially given the unprecedented growth in the areas of human, political and infrastructural developments that are taking place simultaneously. Prince Sultan described Saudi tourism as a major contributor to the national economy and said it has been classified as an essential services sector globally. He noted that Saudi Arabia sees a huge market potential in this sector.
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Kuwaiti bankers say cooperation necessary for GCC integration
Source: Kuwait News Agency (Read full story)
Kuwaiti bankers affirmed on Tuesday necessity of boosting cooperation among Gulf banking sectors to serve the aspired GCC unity and economic merger among the council member states. The GCC banking sector made “positive strides” over the past years, thus it had become ready to contribute effectively to joint economic development projects among the GCC countries, they said in remarks to KUNA, on the fringes of the 11th GCC Banking Conference on the “Role of the GCC Banking Sector in Supporting GCC Economies.” Majed Al-Ajeel, Burgan Bank Chairman, said the conference constituted an opportunity for Kuwaiti and GCC banks to seek greater cooperation for the ultimate purpose of establishing GCC economic integration. The law for allowing Gulf banks to open branches in various member states of the council enabled them to serve these goals, he said, urging private banks and banking institutions to support the joint GCC integration and development schemes.
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