NCUSAR & Qatar Delegation Ring January 29, 2015 NASDAQ Stock Market Opening Bell

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A delegation from the State of Qatar joined the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations to ring the NASDAQ Stock Market Opening Bell on January 29, 2015.

Qatar, host of the 2022 World Cup, shares a robust economic, defense, cultural, and educational relationship with the United States. The Qatari delegation included Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Special Envoy to His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani; His Excellency Ali Sheriff Al Emadi, Minister of Finance for the State of Qatar; Sheikh Abdullah Bin Saoud Al Thani, Governor of the Qatar Central Bank; Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer of the Qatar Investment Authority; and His Excellency Mohammed Bin Jaham Al Kuwari, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States.

Mr. Patrick Mancino, Executive Vice President and Director of Development, and Mr. Nabil Sharaf, Public Relations Specialist, represented the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations.

 

Obama’s Latest Visit to Riyadh in Context

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President Barack Obama’s visit to Riyadh in conjunction with the post-funeral ceremonies for King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz could not have come at a time when the atmosphere was more receptive or the political moment more propitious.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Sa'ud and President Barack Obama during the president's January 27, 2015, visit to Saudi Arabia.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Sa’ud and President Barack Obama during the president’s January 27, 2015, visit to Saudi Arabia. Photo: Saudi Press Agency.

The visit can be viewed within a twofold context. The first was largely positive. The second was negative and predictably given greater press coverage for reasons explained herein. In a different world, the latter would not have been discussed publicly given the circumstances surrounding the president’s visit to the kingdom.

In an interview only hours before he arrived to offer his condolences, President Obama violated ordinary diplomatic protocol by making critical comments about Saudi Arabia. In so doing, he made an unwelcomed impression on his hosts during a period of transition and mourning.

The president’s remarks in the interview ought not to be surprising. The reasons can be attributed to domestic pressures all American presidents are subjected to by the realities of U.S. political and electoral campaign finance dynamics, the media, and the powerful influence of special interest groups.

Two factors behind all three pressures as Americans approach new presidential elections have long been the liberal international interventionist wing of the Democratic Party and the traditional interests of various pro-Israeli and other American partisans opposed to the Saudi Arabian-American special relationship.

In this there is nothing new under the sun. U.S. and Saudi Arabian leaders readily acknowledge that American domestic political dynamics are at once a fact and a facet of the U.S.-Saudi Arabian relationship. Still, for Saudi Arabia’s leaders, who are managing a transfer of responsibilities upon the death of a leader who was Saudi Arabia’s de facto head of state for several decades, the remarks were poorly timed and poorly considered.

Positives from President Obama’s Visit

By making the visit, which was logistically and operationally convenient as he was already in India, President Obama avoided having portions of the international media criticize him for not being present at a major international gathering. To his credit, he joined many other sincere friends, allies, and strategic partners of Saudi Arabia to pay respect upon the passing of King Abdullah, who was widely respected and admired.

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NCUSAR Joins Qatar Delegation to Ring January 29, 2015 NASDAQ Stock Market Opening Bell

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What:

nasdaq-opening-300x300A delegation from the State of Qatar will join the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations to visit to the NASDAQ MarketSite in Times Square to ring the Opening Bell on Thursday, January 29, 2015.

Qatar, host of the 2022 World Cup, shares a robust economic, defense, cultural, and educational relationship with the United States. The Qatari delegation includes Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Special Envoy to His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani; His Excellency Ali Sheriff Al Emadi, Minister of Finance for the State of Qatar; Sheikh Abdullah Bin Saoud Al Thani, Governor of the Qatar Central Bank; Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer of the Qatar Investment Authority; and His Excellency Mohammed Bin Jaham Al Kuwari, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States.

Mr. Patrick Mancino, Executive Vice President and Director of Development, and Mr. Nabil Sharaf, Public Relations Specialist, will represent the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations. The National Council is a Washington, DC-based non-profit, non-governmental, educational organization dedicated to improving American knowledge and understanding of the Arab world.

Where:

NASDAQ MarketSite – 4 Times Square – 43rd & Broadway – Broadcast Studio

When:

Thursday, January 29, 2015 – 9:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. ET

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King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Sa’ud: In Memoriam

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King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Sa’ud passed away last week. Rahimahu Allah.

Aged ninety, the monarch had been in less than good health for some time. He is followed in accordance with a succession that was as consensually agreed to and as smoothly executed as any among ruling families in modern times. The position and role as Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and head of state passed to the Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister, and the late king’s half-brother, HRH Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, who had additionally served as the country’s Minister of Defense.

The new Crown Prince, also in accordance with a previously stipulated and agreed line of succession, is HRH Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz. Prince Muqrin is the youngest son of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. He received his higher education in Great Britain and is an accomplished pilot as well as a former Minister of Intelligence. He is a half-brother of the late king and also of the new king.

One of King Salman’s most remarkable and groundbreaking initial acts was unprecedented: he introduced a member of the younger generation of princes to an official position in the direct line of succession to the future position of king. The new Deputy Crown Prince and Second Deputy Prime Minister is HRH Prince Mohammad bin Nayef, who is also the Minister of Interior. Prince Mohammad bin Nayef succeeded his father in that role when the latter passed away three years ago.

The following tribute is by National Council Founding President and CEO Dr. John Duke Anthony. Dr. Anthony met with and had the opportunity to observe the late king at close hand numerous times over the past half century. Included were more than thirty occasions when Abdullah either led or was a member of the Saudi Arabian delegation to the annual GCC Ministerial and Heads of State Summits that Dr. Anthony attended.

The following essay is the first of several that will be appearing from Dr. Anthony on various aspects of the impact of King Abdullah’s vision and leadership.

 

ABDULLAH BIN ABDULAZIZ BIN ABDULRAHMAN AL SA’UD: IN MEMORIAM

By Dr. John Duke Anthony

January 27, 2015

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Fi Thimat Allah.

King Abdullah was more than revered. He was widely respected. Above all, he long enjoyed and merited the trust, confidence, and loyalty of his people. Prominent public opinion surveys and poll after poll revealed the high regard in which his fellow citizens held him.

HRH Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Sa'ud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and King of Saudi Arabia. Seated behind him is HRH Saud bin Faisal Al Sa'ud, the kingdom's long-serving Minister of Foreign Affairs.

HRH Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Sa’ud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and King of Saudi Arabia. Seated behind him is HRH Saud bin Faisal Al Sa’ud, the kingdom’s long-serving Minister of Foreign Affairs. Photo by Dr. John Duke Anthony.

King Abdullah held the powerful positions of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Commander of the Faithful, head of state, and Shaykh of Shaykhs. Like few other leaders in the Arab countries, the Middle East, and the Islamic world, he was simultaneously one of the most beloved leaders of his time and in the region beyond Saudi Arabia’s borders.

Much of the reason had to do with the fact that, despite the trappings associated with his being a monarch, he was down to earth, modest, and approachable – forever relatable to Bedouins, city dwellers, and high-level dignitaries alike.

His tastes, like the tribal and once-Bedouin soldiers of the Saudi Arabian National Guard that he led the longest – from 1962 until he became ruler in 2005 – were simple. His manner was direct, his style unpretentious.

Not many heads of state have been known, as he was, for their association with bocce ball, an Italian game similar to bowling. In such leisure time as he had, Abdullah loved to play the game – not on grass or asphalt, as its aficionados are wont to do, but on the sand in the desert with his friends and others with whom he felt comfortable.

King Abdullah’s passing marks a serious event in the history of the kingdom that, thanks to him, became a pivotal actor in international affairs to a greater and more diverse extent than any would have imagined when he became king. As ruler, reformer, and foreign policy decision-maker, the late king provided the needed steady hand and firm direction to lead the kingdom through turbulent times. His domestic, regional, and international achievements during a period of great tensions and uncertainties will accord him a place among Saudi Arabia’s greatest leaders.

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Summer 2015 Intensive Language Program at The Arab-American Language Institute in Morocco

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The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations, in collaboration with The Arab-American Language Institute in Morocco (AALIM) for the summer of 2015, is pleased to announce its Summer Language Program in the Kingdom of Morocco. Students will spend six weeks in historic Meknes, Morocco taking part in intensive Arabic language instruction. Students at all levels of Arabic proficiency are encouraged to apply.

Students will spend four (4) hours each weekday in formal Modern Standard Arabic classes, as well as complete out-of-the-classroom assignments. The AALIM center is host to a community of Arabic learners throughout the summer, providing for a fully immersive program. Students may choose to take an additional three (3) hours of Moroccan darija dialect classes.

Those selected will also gain direct personal experience in Moroccan culture, history, and society through a variety of day excursions, local outings, workshops and demonstrations. Meknes is an ideal setting for students to focus on learning Arabic while exploring ancient and modern Morocco. The main AALIM center is located inside the traditional walled old city, called the Medina, an area which features heavily in the Western popular imagination of Morocco. Meknes is also a thriving modern metropolis of over one million residents. The AALIM center is just a short walk from the bustling town center in the New City.

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2014-15 Model Arab League Study Visit to Saudi Arabia Pictures

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The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations led a delegation of ten students and five university faculty members, all selected from the Council’s Model Arab League program, on a study visit to Saudi Arabia from December 28, 2014 – January 7, 2015. The goal of the visit was to provide an empirical educational introduction to the kingdom’s culture and society for a select group of American students and faculty members who have performed exceptionally well in the Model Arab League program. During the course of their visit, the delegation met Saudi Arabian educators, business representatives, civil society leaders, and American diplomats in addition to visiting numerous sites of cultural, developmental, and historical interest.

Some pictures from the study visit are available below.

Click ‘Continue Reading’ to view the full gallery.

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NCUSAR Signs Strategic Collaboration Agreement with Gulf Research Center

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NATIONAL COUNCIL SIGNS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH GULF RESEARCH CENTER 

Organizations to Collaborate on Programs, Publications, and Activities Analyzing the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the GCC’s Six Member-Countries, Arabia and the Gulf as a Whole, and U.S. Relations with the Region

Washington, DC, USA & Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: The Washington, DC-based National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations (National Council) recently executed a Memorandum of Understanding for future strategic cooperation on matters of mutual interest with the Jeddah, Saudi Arabia-based Gulf Research Center (GRC), which has consistently been ranked among the Top Think Tanks in the Middle East and North Africa by the University of Pennsylvania. The National Council and GRC agreed to coordinate efforts to promote understanding of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and its member countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates), regional and international issues affecting the broader Gulf and Arabian Peninsula regions, and the multifaceted and mutually beneficial U.S.-Gulf relationship. Through research projects, educational programs, events, and activities the organizations will seek to assist the reciprocal processes of knowledge acquisition between the GCC countries and the global community. Under the Memorandum of Understanding each party will maintain its independent status.

Gulf Research Center Founder and Chairman Dr. Abdulaziz Sager met with a National Council delegation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on January 3, 2015.

Gulf Research Center Founder and Chairman Dr. Abdulaziz Sager met with a National Council delegation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on January 3, 2015. The delegation was comprised of outstanding students and faculty advisors from the Council’s Model Arab League student leadership development program, and led by Council Founding President and CEO Dr. John Duke Anthony, board member John Pratt, and staff members Laura Tucker and Kaylee Boalt.

GRC Founder and Chairman Dr. Abdulaziz Sager said that, “this collaboration will facilitate the expansion of the GRC’s work in the United States and around the world. It will assist our researchers and analysts in their understanding of how the global community responds to the Gulf. It will also enable us to increase the number of events and programs we administer jointly. Dr. John Duke Anthony and the National Council have a long history of research, publications, and education regarding the GCC, its member-countries, the Arabian Peninsula as a whole, and the Gulf and Arab world more broadly. As such, the Council will be an ideal collaborator for advancing our key objective — ‘Knowledge for All.’ We look forward to a fruitful and productive relationship.” 

National Council Founding President and CEO Dr. Anthony noted that the agreement, “formalizes a process of cooperation between our two organizations that has existed informally for quite some time. Working with the GRC strengthens the Council’s multifaceted efforts to build as many new U.S.-Arab bridges and strengthen as many existing ones as possible. The GRC is recognized globally as one of the Arab world’s foremost private research and educational organizations devoted to increasing knowledge and understanding of the GCC region, the GCC itself, and the six GCC member-countries’ domestic and external issues, challenges, and opportunities. The collaboration will enhance the Council’s educational efforts regarding this internationally vital region.” 

About the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations: Founded in 1983 and based in Washington, DC, the National Council is an American non-profit, non-governmental, educational organization dedicated to improving American knowledge and understanding of the Arab world. Information about the Council’s program, projects, events, and activities can be found at ncusar.org. 

About the Gulf Research Center: Founded in 2000, and based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with regional offices in Geneva, Switzerland, and Cambridge, United Kingdom, the Gulf Research Center is an independent, non-governmental, non-profit organization focused on the production and dissemination of objective and scholarly research about the GCC area as well as Iran, Iraq, and Yemen. Information about the Center’s publications, workshops, seminars, and conferences is available at grc.net.

Gulf Research Center National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations

 

Gulf Research Center Publishes Reports on Saudi Arabia Business Sectors

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Gulf Research Center

The Jeddah, Saudi Arabia-based Gulf Research Center has consistently been ranked among the Top Think Tanks in the Middle East and North Africa by the University of Pennsylvania.

The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations is pleased to announce the availability of six important Gulf Research Center (GRC) reports on key business sectors in Saudi Arabia. The reports study the kingdom’s economic growth with a view to exploring the country’s future development trajectory. Each report outlines a different sector’s current environment and principal indicators. Also analyzed are the sectors’ challenges and regulatory issues together with emerging themes likely to impact future development potential and investment opportunities.

Below is a link to each of the six reports, which are available to purchase from the GRC. Additional publications from the GRC, many of which are free to download, can be found at: http://grc.net/index.php?sec=Publications.

 

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Water Sector Report

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Water Sector Report

Abstract: Saudi Arabia lies in the arid, semi-arid region of the Arabian Peninsula and is the largest country in the world without rivers. Despite unfavorable climatic conditions and scarcity of natural water resources, it has succeeded in meeting most of the water requirements of its rapidly growing population so far. Water consumption in the Kingdom increased at a CAGR of 2.6% from 1970 and reached 17,903 million cubic meters (mcm) in 2010 or about 653 m3 per capita, about 35% higher than the global average. The rise in water consumption was led by a nearly five time increase in population during the same period (1970–2010), higher urbanization levels, which increased from about 50% to over 80%, and increased industrialization.

 

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Real Estate Sector Report

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Real Estate Sector Report

Abstract: Real estate is one of the key non-oil sectors of the economy of Saudi Arabia and will play an important role in the success of the economic diversification planned by the Kingdom. The real estate sector will continue to grow in the future led by growing population, rising personal incomes, increasing participation of multinational companies in the country, government initiatives, and increased private participation.

 

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Industry Sector Report

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Industry Sector Report

Abstract: In the past few years, most of the industrial growth in Saudi Arabia has been led by the construction and cement, metals and mining, and petrochemicals and refineries sub sectors, among others. The government’s plan for economic diversification, including investments in large infrastructure projects such as the six economic cities, is one of the key drivers of growth in the industry sector. Saudi Arabia has a large local population base which is growing at over 2% per annum, which will also drive the demand for better infrastructure including housing.

 

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Healthcare Sector Report

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Healthcare Sector Report

Abstract: Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector has come a long way since the establishment of the Ministry of Health (MoH) in the 1950s. The years that followed saw Saudi Arabia emerging as a key player in the global economy, following the success of its oil industry, which enabled investments to build a local healthcare system. Five-year plans, better healthcare infrastructure, and recruitment of expats as doctors and nurses led to a multifold increase in the quality of services provided by the healthcare sector.

 

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Energy Sector Report

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Energy Sector Report

Abstract: The oil and gas industry is the backbone of the economy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia contributing about 75% to budget revenues, 45% to GDP, and 90% to exports. Saudi Arabia has the second largest oil reserves, largest oil production, and the fifth largest natural gas reserves in the world. Over 72% of the oil produced in the Kingdom is exported. Indeed, the economy of Saudi Arabia is dependent on these non-renewable sources of energy, with a high correlation between Saudi Arabia’s GDP and oil prices.

 

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Foreign Trade and FDI Report

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Foreign Trade and FDI Report

Abstract: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ranked 22nd in the ‘Ease of Doing Business Rankings’ in 2013. This is a significant improvement compared to its ranks (above 100) a few years ago. This change has been led by increasing government initiatives, which are enabling a friendly investment environment that encourages participation from foreign and local investors. Indeed, Saudi Arabia received the highest FDI inflows in the GCC region in 2012.