ADMA: Lebanon-based businessmen who lost enterprises through dealings with members of Saudi Arabia’s business community are closely watching a new campaign led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman targeting officials, princes and tycoons in the Kingdom, hoping it will help them win back what they lost over the years.
Many in the Kingdom welcome efforts to fight rampant corruption and abuse of power, and many outside it hope the move will encourage people to invest in the Kingdom without fear.
Since the first week of November, some 201 people have been taken into custody by Saudi authorities in a sweep that investigators say has uncovered at least $100 billion in corruption.
The crackdown that began on Nov. 4 initially targeted 11 princes, 38 officials, military officers as well as business leaders. An estimated 1,700 individual bank accounts have been frozen.
Pierre Daher, who founded the first private TV station in Lebanon in 1985 and turned it into one of the top media outlets in the Arab world, has been locked in court cases with detained Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, one of the world’s richest men, since 2011. The prince, whose maternal grandfather Riad Solh was once Lebanon’s prime minister and also holds Lebanese citizenship, has investments that include Twitter, Apple, Citigroup and the Four Seasons hotel chain and was once a significant shareholder in Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation, but sold much of those shares in 2015.
Their court battles are over Lebanon’s leading LBC and the affiliated Production and Acquisition Co., widely known as PAC, which filed for liquidation in 2012. Some 400 PAC employees lost their jobs and are still waiting for Prince Alwaleed to compensate them.
Prince Alwaleed and Daher, now chairman and CEO of LBC, were once allies when the prince pumped money into LBC TV before the two split over several issues and Daher was removed from his job as head of PAC. Prince Alwaleed ended up taking over the LBC SAT and PAC while Daher took LBC.
Lebanese media outlets reported this month that two Beirut hotels owned by Prince Alwaleed’s Kingdom Holding are for sale. The Four Seasons and Movenpick Hotel are among Beirut’s most luxurious hotels and are located in two of the capital’s most posh neighborhoods.
“If the hotels are not in the person’s name, not in the name of the defendant himself in person, you cannot garnish them since they belong to a company,” said Paul Morcos, legal expert and founder and owner of Justicia Consulting Law firm in Beirut.
Attempts to reach a representative of Prince Alwaleed at Kingdom Holding were not immediately successful.
Another person who lost millions of dollars in the Kingdom as a result of alleged corruption is Lebanon-based US citizen Yahya Lotfi Khader who for more than 20 years ran petrochemical businesses along with his two partners in eastern Saudi Arabia.
The Syria-born, 57-year-old businessman said he left the Kingdom two years ago after he became the victim of interference by officials who worked in the office of a once powerful prince. Khader put forward documents that proves they have lost tens of millions of dollars in cases that he says were manipulated by powerful people in the Kingdom.
Khader said the first step by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is to fight corruption and people in the Kingdom have been waiting for an “awakening against corruption.” Khader said “Saudi Arabia has all the capabilities to become one of the most important countries in the world if we can fight corruption and it will not be an easy mission but we are very optimistic about what happened.”
Khader has sent documents listing all the injustice they were subjected to in the Kingdom to the office of King Salman and crown prince hoping that it could help them return to the Kingdom and get back their money that are worth tens of millions of dollars.
“Today there is a new Saudi Arabia that is totally different from what it used to be but it is still early to judge it,” said Daher of LBC.
Anti-corruption campaign in Saudi Arabia brings hope to businessmen
Anti-corruption campaign in Saudi Arabia brings hope to businessmen
Riyadh foundation hosts event to preserve history
- Event, which is on at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh until Tuesday, features workshops, exhibitions and talks by 20 experts on innovation and heritage
- Aligned with Vision 2030, the lab provides a platform for youth and organizations passionate about history to collaborate and compete
RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Public Foundation for Research and Archives staged a National History Lab event in collaboration with 30 Saudi universities and 15 national and international organizations to promote creativity in preserving and sharing national history.
The event, which is on at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh until Tuesday, features workshops, exhibitions and talks by 20 experts on innovation and heritage.
Aligned with Vision 2030, the lab provides a platform for youth and organizations passionate about history to collaborate and compete, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The initiative encourages students to develop ideas, technical projects and social initiatives that show Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and history in engaging and innovative ways to diverse audiences, SPA reported.
The initiative has two tracks: the digital innovation track, which focuses on developing technical solutions for documenting and sharing history; and the social impact track, which aims to design initiatives that strengthen community connections to history.
Thirteen judges will evaluate the projects, with support from more than 20 facilitators who will guide participants in refining their ideas.
Timeless tapestry of Najran’s architectural legacy
- Najran old city’s archaeological sites date back over 3 centuries
- 5 traditional styles in harmony with nature, says local academic
RIYADH: Najran’s rich architectural heritage, crafted with local materials and traditional techniques, blends past and present in a way that aligns with Vision 2030’s focus on preserving the nation’s culture.
It serves as a valuable inspiration for sustainable, technologically advanced projects such as NEOM and Qiddiya, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
Najran maintains its distinct character through its architecture. The mud houses showcase architectural solutions tailored to local environmental conditions and are deeply rooted in customs and traditions.
The old city of Najran stands as a vital part of the Arabian Peninsula’s cultural heritage, featuring archaeological sites including castles, palaces, and traditional homes that date back over three centuries.
Abdulrahman Al-Majadah, assistant professor of urban design at Najran University, told the SPA that traditional houses in Najran typically do not exceed 100 sq. meters.
The remaining land is reserved for livestock, grain storage, and summer living areas. These old mud houses are noted for their simplicity, beauty, and harmonious design, standing apart from the interconnected urban layout of traditional Islamic cities.
Rather than being enclosed by protective walls, the old city consists of several residential complexes shaped by social customs, nestled among farms, and reflecting a strong sense of security and cohesion.
Al-Majadah noted five traditional styles of Najrani houses: Al-Qasbah, Al-Darb, Al-Mushulaq, Al-Murabba, and Al-Muqaddam.
The Al-Qasbah style, typically found in village centers, features a circular design with a broad base that narrows upward, resembling guard towers and earning it the name Al-Abraj, he explained.
Al-Mushulaq is characterized by rooms facing the main entrance, taking a U or L shape, with two to three floors. The most common is Al-Darb, which has seven floors, while Al-Muqaddam is simpler, consisting of a single floor with a roof.
Decorative elements play a vital role in enhancing the beauty of these traditional homes. Horizontal bands adorn the upper edges of buildings, some featuring hollow arches, with doors and windows framed in white gypsum.
The arrangement of windows creates a rhythmic exterior, and the buildings often reflect the natural colors of materials including wood, gypsum and clay.
Nasser Ayran, a restoration expert for mud houses in Najran, highlighted the increasing demand for the rehabilitation of these traditional homes, driven by a desire to preserve cultural heritage and enhance the visual appeal of local villages.
Given the limited land, dividing properties among heirs is impractical, making preservation the better option.
The Heritage Commission is playing a key role in documenting urban heritage and creating a national registry of sites throughout the Kingdom for researchers.
The construction of these houses involves using mud and stones. The initial stage, known as Al-Wathar, includes laying a horizontal row of stones called Al-Madmak. Drying times vary from two to three days in winter to one day in summer before the second layer is added.
Roof construction uses palm trunks, tamarisk, or sidr, coated with mud plaster, and treated with lime in a process known as Al-Qadad. This meticulous craftsmanship emphasizes the deep connection between Najran’s architectural heritage and its cultural identity.
Saudi energy minister joins launch of consortium to promote sustainable concrete
- NovusCrete seeks to accelerate adoption of durable saltwater concrete
- Initiative led by the Oil Sustainability Program and includes leading Saudi organizations
RIYADH: Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman on Sunday attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding to launch the NovusCrete consortium, a global collaboration to develop and accelerate the adoption of sustainable and durable saltwater concrete.
The consortium, led by the Kingdom's Oil Sustainability Program, also seeks to create standards for using seawater in concrete, promote sustainability in construction by recycling waste, extend infrastructure lifespan, and reduce environmental impact.
Leading Saudi organizations taking part in the consortium include the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Investment Recycling Company, NEOM through its Design and Construction Sector, Sika, and ClimateCrete.
The participating parties said they aim to develop sustainable technologies for concrete production, focusing on reducing the construction sector’s carbon footprint and enhancing material efficiency.
They will also improve Saudi Arabia’s construction sector by promoting seawater concrete solutions using local materials.
The signing ceremony in Riyadh was also attended by Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of PIF; Saad Al-Qasabi, governor of the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization; and Khalid Al-Salem, president of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu.
The new consortium includes international organizations, such as the American Concrete Institute.
It aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to balance economic growth and environmental sustainability.
India celebrates 76th Republic Day in Riyadh, highlighting cultural ties with Saudi Arabia
- ‘Let us continue to work together,’ says Ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan
RIYADH: Ambassador of India to the Kingdom Suhel Ajaz Khan underlined that a mutual appreciation of culture was strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and India during the latter’s 76th Republic Day celebration in Riyadh.
“A shared love for culture brings our countries together,” he said. “From Bollywood cinema to yoga, music, and food, we have continued to be inspired by each other.
“We were delighted to participate in the annual Riyadh Season 2024 under the Global Harmony Initiative of the Saudi government,” he added, referring to a series of events which began in October to celebrate the culture of the Kingdom’s different expatriate groups.
India’s Republic Day was celebrated on Sunday evening in the Cultural Palace in Riyadh and brought together both Saudis and Indians in a commemoration of culture and history.
Omar Khan, an Indian native who has called the Kingdom his home for nearly three decades, attended the event.
The product manager at STC Technologies told Arab News: “I’m a second-generation, third-culture kid. I’ve seen Republic Days for the past three decades in Saudi Arabia.
“I think one thing that’s very important is the representation of my country. It makes me proud that, although India is a distant land for me and Riyadh is home, I feel very connected, and I see that the partnership of Saudi Arabia and India has grown leaps and bounds.
“I’m very proud to say that I am somebody who grew up in Saudi Arabia and yet is Indian by his roots.”
Indian youngsters took to the stage following the ambassador’s speech to perform a dance routine showcasing their country’s music and culture.
The embassy event also featured multiple booths to highlight the many Indian-owned businesses and products in the Kingdom, in the food, tourism, and medical sectors.
India’s Ministry of Tribal Affairs also had a booth to showcase handmade products from the country, including coats, artifacts, and silk pashminas.
Staff from Aster Sanad Hospital were present to help visitors with medical issues.
The ambassador said: “India will work with our international partners, including Saudi Arabia, to contribute to a world of peace, prosperity, and inclusive growth.
“With these words I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people for their long-standing friendship and support.
“Let us continue to work together to build a future based on mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.”
World Monument Fund to protect historic sites with Bahraini, Saudi, and Gulf partners
- There is a lot of interest in heritage of GCC countries, says fund president
MUHARRAQ: On a historical preservation tour around the Arabian Gulf region, the World Monument Fund recently visited the city of Muharraq in Bahrain before visiting Saudi Arabia.
A historically rich city with a story that dates to the late 19th century, Muharraq is the cultural heart of Bahrain.
Prior to gaining independence from British rule in 1971, Muharraq was Bahrain’s capital and center for public and governmental administrative, educational, and planning projects, before being replaced by Manama in 1923.
Though the city held many significant historical sites, its residents began to leave soon after and the area was left neglected.
Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa, president of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and chairperson of the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage, founded the Sheikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa Center for Culture and Research in 2002, a non-profit organization, as a form of cultural renaissance.
Since its founding, the center’s purpose has been to form a space where thinkers could gather and share ideas in philosophy, literature, poetry, art, and culture.
FASTFACT
In discussion with the Royal Commission of AlUla and the Heritage Commission for future partnerships, the World Monument Fund is visiting AlUla as well as Historic Jeddah for the Islamic Arts Biennale.
The most significant aspect of its work, however, has been the house restoration projects in Muharraq and Manama, where 28 historical houses, many of which belonged to prominent Bahraini figures and families, have been brought back to life under the leadership of Al-Khalifa.
Over the weekend, a delegation from the World Monument Fund visited the Sheikh Ebrahim Center to see the restored houses firsthand.
Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the mission of the World Monuments Fund is to safeguard heritage all around the world, Benedicte de Montlaur, president of the fund, told Arab News.
Al-Khalifa was awarded the Watch Award by the World Monument Fund in 2015 and after a few visits to their offices in New York, she was asked to join them as a member of the board of trustees, making her the only Arab on the board.
In an interview with Arab News, Al-Khalifa said she felt it was her responsibility to keep them informed about the Arab world and all that it has to offer.
“The picture that travels to the world is not always true or complete, and in our Gulf countries there are many landmarks, monuments, and national identities that we would like to showcase,” she said.
The delegation first visited the Abdullah Al-Zayed House for Bahrain Press Heritage, the house of the first journalist to start a daily newspaper in the kingdom and which now hosts local and international speakers from the media sector.
Next up was the Kurar House, where Al-Kurar Ladies spend their time embroidering traditional Bahraini thobes and other garments by hand. Like the strings of an instrument, three women work on the thread separately, and one stitches them together simultaneously on the fabric, creating a harmonious rhythm.
The delegation also got to see the only room left of Sheikh Ebrahim’s original house, a room that dates back around 200 years.
Following the tour of the Sheikh Ebrahim restored houses projects, they also visited the houses of the Pearling Path and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dilmun Burial Grounds.
With over 70 projects in the Arab world including the Louvre, the Smithsonian, and Babylon in Iraq, restoring the Imam Palace in the city of Taizz in Yemen, and Abydos in Egypt, the fund’s next mission is to become more active in the Gulf region.
“We see that there is a lot of interest in heritage in countries from the GCC,” de Montlaur said.
The first stop was Kuwait, where plans are underway to have Failaka Island added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
After visiting their partners from the UNESCO Regional Center and the Sheikh Ebrahim Center in Bahrain, the delegation’s next destination is Saudi Arabia, “a country that is devoting a lot of time and energy at the moment to heritage,” de Montlaur said.
In discussion with the Royal Commission of AlUla and the Heritage Commission for future partnerships, the World Monument Fund is visiting AlUla as well as Historic Jeddah for the Islamic Arts Biennale.
“If you do not know your past, it is very difficult to build a future because you lose your identity,” de Montlaur said. “Especially in countries like here, that are developing really fast … it is extremely important also to pay attention to heritage places because it is very easy to destroy them, but when they are gone, they’re gone. They cannot be rebuilt.
“Once you have lost the spirit of a place and built modern buildings everywhere, then you have lost touch with your past.”
Preserving the land’s past also draws in crowds of tourists who get to experience each country’s distinct identity and history for the first time to learn about the place and its people, de Montlaur added.
“Heritage places represent the pinnacle of human achievements of history.”
On how the Arab world can work together to create a stronger stance for historical preservation, de Montlaur said: “I think it is already happening,” citing the various projects in Iraq, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, etc.
She also added: “There is a big need for heritage preservation in other countries outside of the GCC, so they could align their forces.
“There is so much need in Egypt, in Gaza … in Syria … and I think what is very much part of the Arab countries is this solidarity, they can all unite around this heritage because this is the heritage of all the Arabs.”
Al-Khalifa added: “In Gaza, many landmarks have been destroyed, part of the upcoming plan is restoring some of those sites.
“It’s really a heritage of humanity as a whole and that is why every one of us, whether we are from the region or not, should care about it. But before anything else, it is the history and identity of the Arabs,” de Montlaur noted.
Speaking on the shared language and culture that unite Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Al-Khalifa, who is also a part of the Royal Commission of AlUla, said that emotions and love between peoples are what bond them forever.
“This visit is not only to Bahrain but to our Gulf,” she said. “We always repeat: our Gulf is one, our goals are one, and our history is shared; so everything that distinguishes us — from identity to monuments — is an extension of civilizations thousands of years old.”
