Contents
The Ambassador’s Foreword.....................................3 Kabul Bound ..........................................................4 UK Defence Secretary in talks with HM King Abdullah .................................5 Chief of the Air Staff in KSA .....................................6 Selex Galileo launch Saudi Company .........................9 Major International Conferences in London ............................................................ 10 Charity strengthens links with Saudi Arabia.............. 13 UK Minister for Trade visits Kingdom ....................... 14 Saudi-British Business Week .................................. 16 UK & KSA Companies sign agreement ..................... 21 Lord Digby Jones at SAOGE ................................... 22 Commercial Officer wins Award .............................. 23 Islamic Finance Centre opens in Birmingham............ 26 The UK Border Agency .......................................... 30 Changes to British Passport Service ........................ 33 HMS Lancaster in Jeddah ....................................... 34 British Muslim police vist Makkah & Madinah ............ 36 The British Council................................................ 38 British Embassy Contacts ......... 46 Diary Dates ......... 48 Cover image: Ambassador meets H.E. Dr. Khalid Al Angary, Minister for Higher Education at the International Exhibition for Higher Education in Riyadh. Kingdom to Kingdom
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Foreword Welcome Welcome to the Spring edition of Kingdom to Kingdom. As some of you may know this will be the last time I write the introduction to the magazine – by the time many of you get this I will have left Saudi Arabia. It has been an extraordinary three years starting with the Custodian’s State Visit to London and ending with us just missing out on issuing our 100,000th visa for the year in 2009. As I have mentioned before on these pages this is actually my second time living in the Kingdom. So after six years I find myself leaving and thinking a lot about what has changed since I first arrived in 1995. Of course there are a few easy things: the two tall towers in Riyadh; the traffic; the spread of the city ever outwards. But the human changes are there too: many more Saudis in managerial positions, universities in lists of the world’s best; an increasingly vibrant Saudi media. And the British Saudi relationship has changed as well. For decades the relationship was built on two main pillars: defence and trade. These remain strong. January saw trade between the Kingdoms rise 17% year on year. In the middle of the global recession these are staggering figures and do credit to the ingenuity and entrepreneurship of many Brits living and working in the Kingdom. As I hear from Saudi officers graduating from Sandhurst the military relationship remains immensely valued and important. But the last ten years have seen the development of three other pillars which have diversified and strengthened our relationship with Saudi Arabia. The first is the counter terrorism relationship. By its nature a lot of this happens in private. But let me assure you that it matters immensely for the UK. Saudi Arabia’s position as the location of the Two Holy Mosques gives it immense religious influence. We have a lot to learn about the intellectual security which the Kingdom has championed. The second of the three new pillars is co-operation on regional issues. As I often tell Saudi students we want a two state solution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict just like you, a fair deal for refugees just like you, Jerusalem as the capital of both states just like you, we want an end to illegal settlements, and to violence on both sides. Ultimately we want a stable, secure, prosperous middle east – and so does Saudi Arabia. The final new pillar to the relationship is educational. The British Council continues to do fantastic work in Al Khobar, Jeddah and Riyadh. British technical and vocational training colleges are twinning with their Saudi counterparts in large numbers. And most importantly of all the number of Saudi students choosing to study in the UK has risen from 3,000 to 20,000 in the three years I have been ambassador. That is an extraordinary increase and speaks volumes about the future relationship between our Two Kingdoms. So let me just finish by thanking all of you who have made Vanessa and I feel so welcome in the Kingdom. It has been a fascinating three years. Sir William Patey KCMG British Ambassador Kingdom to Kingdom
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AFGHAN BOUND
Sir William Patey, HM Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia leaves the Kingdom in April to take up a new post as Ambassador to Afghanistan. Sir William will travel to the Afghan capital Kabul without Lady Patey who will remain in the UK for the duration of the posting. Sir William will lead one of the UK’s largest overseas embassies with a co-ordinated military, diplomatic and development presence.
South. After Sudan Sir William transferred to Baghdad as ambassador playing a key role in the establishment of democratic government in the country. Then in 2007 he arrived in Riyadh as Ambassador.
Sir William is one of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s most senior and experienced diplomats. After studying Arabic at the MECAS language school in Lebanon Sir William served in Abu Dhabi, Tripoli, Canberra, and Riyadh. After stints in the UK he was confirmed as the British ambassador to Sudan serving for three years as the country came out of civil war and signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the North and the
In March this year Sir William held talks with the Prime Minister Gordon Brown concerning his new assignment to Kabul. Speaking after that meeting Sir William said: “The people of Afghanistan deserve security and stability and our role as the international community is to support them in achieving that. I am very much looking forward to arriving in Kabul and taking up this new challenge.”
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The new British Ambassador will arrive in September 2010. Until then Roddy Drummond wil be Chargé d’Affairs
UK DEFENCE SECRETARY IN TALKS WITH HM KING ABDULLAH
The Defence Secretary The Right Honourable Bob Ainsworth MP visited Riyadh on 3-4 Nov 09 arriving on a business jet at the Royal Terminal in King Khalid airport. He had meetings with King Abdullah, HRH Prince Mohamed bin Naif (MbN) (Minister for Security Affairs) and the acting Minister of Defence, HRH Khalid bin Sultan (KbS). He also visited the MOI Special Security Forces and an offset company, Advanced Electronics Company (AEC). The Defence Secretary received briefings at the Embassy during the afternoon of the 3rd followed by calls on King Abdullah - they discussed regional and political issues covering Iran, Afghanistan, Palestine and Yemen. This was followed by a meeting with HRH Mohammed bin Niaf. The following morning the Defence secretary visited AEC which emphasised the significance of the economic offset programme, with key activities centred in the design, manufacture, upgrade and support of military and civil electronic products and
systems. AEC is indirectly 50% owned by BAES and is central to the aircraft programmes. This was followed by detailed bilateral discussions with HRH Khalid bin Sultan. The Defence Secretary was greeted at the Ministry with a full ceremonial welcome (guard of honour and national anthems). The discussions opened with warm words on the strength and importance of the relationship and a review key recent successes. These included the handover of Typhoon at Warton and the subsequent on-time delivery of the first six aircraft into Saudi; and the joint maritime and amphibious exercise, RED ALLIGATOR. The discussions were followed by lunch hosted by HRH. A most successful visit, which cemented the closeness of the bilateral relationship, was concluded with a reception at the Ambassador’s residence for the Local Military Commanders and staff, Embassy Staff, local business dignitaries and Saudi Military Officers.
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VISIT TO SAUDI ARABIA BY THE CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF AIR CHIEF MARSHAL SIR STEPHEN DALTON KCB ADC BSc FRAeS CCMI RAF
On the evening of 15 January 2010, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, arrived in Riyadh aboard an RAF business jet for a 2-day visit to Saudi Arabia to meet His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, the Assistant Minister for Defence and Aviation and Inspector of Military Affairs, and His Highness Lieutenant General Abdulrahman bin Fahd Al-Faisal, the Commander Royal Saudi Air Force. During the morning of 16 January, Sir Stephen had a breakfast meeting at the Embassy with
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Sir William Patey, the British Ambassador, before visiting the RSAF Headquarters. Following detailed talks with CRSAF and his senior staff, Sir Stephen was shown the Combined Operations Centre from where the air campaign against the rebels in Yemen is being conducted. Later, he was driven to Prince Khalid’s office for a meeting to discuss the strategic issues that face both the UK and Saudi Arabia. During the afternoon, CRSAF hosted a lunch at the RSAF Museum, which included a fascinating tour of the aircraft and exhibits that chart the dramatic rise in capability of Saudi air power.
The following day, Sir Stephen and his party were flown by RSAF aircraft to Taif Air Force Base on the western side of Saudi to see first hand how the RSAF are getting on with their latest acquisition, the Eurofighter Typhoon. He was met by Major General Fayyad Al-Ruwali and toured the base facilities including the Headquarters of 3 Squadron, the first RSAF Typhoon unit, and the Electronic Warfare School. It provided the Chief with an excellent opportunity to discuss with base personnel how they are faring with Typhoon and identify areas of common interest or concern that can be tackled in a joint manner with the RAF.
Following a magnificent lunch hosted by General Ruwali, the Chief’s party flew back to Riyadh and later departed King Khalid International Airport for Oman on the second leg of his Middle East tour. Sir Stephen was delighted with the visit; it allowed him to discuss at first hand with senior Saudi leaders the issues facing not only our respective both air forces, but also our Nations as a whole. Throughout, the visit was magnificently hosted by RSAF personnel and it re-affirmed the very strong links between the Royal Air Force and the Royal Saudi Air Force.
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LAUNCH OF SELEX GALILEO SAUDI ARABIA COMPANY LIMITED SELEX Galileo, a Finmeccanica Company, designs, develops, produces and supports mission-critical defence electronic systems. The Company provides capabilities in battlespace, surveillance, support services and simulation & training and to military and civil customers. SELEX Galileo has been working with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for over 30 years to deliver innovative technology into the country. A tier 1 supplier in-country, SELEX Galileo is able and willing to support the development of the Saudi Arabian defence industry. SELEX Galileo has taken part in several large programmes in Saudi Arabia such as Al Yamamah and Salam, where the Company has worked with the KSA to supply systems and in-country support for the Tornado and Typhoon aircraft. SELEX Galileo’s employees have also helped provide operational combat support to Saudi Arabia during both Gulf wars. Through this and numerous support and training projects, the Company’s representatives in Saudi Arabia have grown in understanding of the Saudi culture. As part of SELEX Galileo’s commitment to Saudi Arabia, the Company has established a limited liability company as a permanent presence incountry. From this platform, the Company plans to build on the close relationships it shares with Saudi Arabia and continue to meet the needs of the Kingdom. Wholly owned by SELEX Galileo, the launch of “SELEX Galileo Saudi Arabia Company Limited” demonstrates the firm’s commitment and confidence in a long term relationship with Saudi Arabia. The new company will be based in a permanent in-country office and will participate in key defence events, as well as working with Saudi Arabian companies and Academia to strengthen ties between the Kingdom and SELEX Galileo. Outside of Saudi Arabia, SELEX Galileo supplies pioneering and proven defence technology to customers worldwide. A preferred supplier to armed forces around the world, including the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence, The U.S. DOD and U.S. Coastguard, the Company offers customers the technology of tomorrow, today. Kingdom to Kingdom
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MAJOR INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES IN LONDON Afghanistan: The London Conference International community show ‘unity and coherence’ On 26 January London hosted a major international conference on Afghanistan co-chaired by President Karzai, Prime Minister Brown and UN SecretaryGeneral Ban Kii-moon. The most important achievement of The London Conference is the ‘unity and coherence’ of the international community behind the Afghan government’s plan to bring peace and stability to the country, Foreign Secretary David Miliband said. Speaking at a press conference to wrap up the daylong meeting, he said that the ‘unifying theme’ of the conference was the Afghan people wanted and deserved a better future. He said that the communiqué contained a list of commitments across the three main themes of security; development and governance; and regional cooperation. David Miliband told reporters: ‘But the biggest deliverable is not just the items I have listed. The biggest deliverable is the unity and coherence in the international effort and its alignment behind a very clear Afghan plan.’ He said the aim of the conference was to align the civilian and military resources of all coalition partners behind a clear political strategy to help President Karzai’s government deliver the ambitious agenda that he set out. ‘The international community has recognised the need for us to up our game just as we ask the Afghan government to up their game,’ he said. He listed some of the key commitments agreed by the conference partners: • new targets for Afghan army and police numbers of 171,600 and 134,000 respectively by October 2011 • endorsement of NATO’s plan for transition of Afghan security leadership province by province with the first being transitioned by late 2010/early 2011 • recognising President Karzai’s commitment that half of the country would have Afghan leadership with three years and the whole country within five • agreement to convene a national reconciliation council and peace jirga supported by international funding; • $140 million of commitments towards the first year of the National Reconciliation Programme 10
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Clear priorities Speaking at the press conference, Kai Eide, the outgoing UN Special Representative in Afghanistan said: ‘I believe that this conference has for the first time set out a clear agenda with clear priorities from Afghan government.’ US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton said the international community had made clear its expectations that the Afghan government would meet its commitments. ‘The agreement reached today brings us closer to the goal of a stable Afghanistan and extends our efforts to combat the violent extremists who threaten all of our citizens,’ she said. She said that the international community would pursue the military action, going ‘very aggressively’ against the Taliban. ‘At the same [we are] creating opportunities for the Taliban who choose to leave the battlefield, renounce violence, renounce al-Qaeda and agree to abide by the constitution of Afghanistan to re-enter society,’ she said Afghan ownership Rangin Spanta, Special Adviser to President Karzai, said ‘The Afghan desire was and is to take more responsibility and demonstrate ownership of the whole process of state-building in my country.’ ‘This is our firm commitment to take responsibility to defend our country and in this regard we need your support.’ NATO Secretary general Anders Fogh Rasmussen said that the ‘ultimate goal’ in Afghanistan was clear: ‘To hand over full responsibility to the Afghan security forces.’ He said that international forces would do ‘their utmost’ to help the Afghans achieve the goals they have set out today. ‘I want to assure the Afghan people that they will not be left behind. ‘It is not a run for the exit. We will stay as long as it takes to secure the country and help them to develop a capacity so that they can run their own country.’
Working together with the Government of Yemen threatens regional security and economic interests, including energy security and global trade flows. After the meeting, the Foreign Secretary released the following statement: Yemen, its friends and partners have today met in London to discuss the many urgent problems which the people of Yemen face. The meeting reiterated support for a unified Yemen, respect for its sovereignty and independence, and commitment to non-interference in Yemen’s internal affairs. It was clear that economic and social reform by the government of Yemen was key to long term stability and prosperity. It was agreed that a comprehensive approach was needed, with strong support from the international community. The challenges in Yemen are growing and, if not addressed, risk threatening the stability of the country and broader region. The Government of Yemen has identified the following areas, which are of most concern: On 27 January, a meeting was held in London as part of an overall process of increasing international engagement on Yemen. Opening the meeting the Foreign Secretary said: “We are here as friends of Yemen, all of us with long and strong ties to your country. We are here because we know that Yemen faces a crisis, that could have implications for the people of Yemen and the whole region. We are here because we want to prevent that crisis. But we have a limited opportunity to turn the tide. We need to work together, with the Government of Yemen”. The focus of the London meeting was to galvanise international support for Yemen and co-ordinate assistance to address the longer term economic and social factors underlying extremism and radicalisation. The meeting was attended by Foreign Ministers from key regional partners including HRH Prince Saud Al Faisal, representatives from the EU, UN and other international organisations. Representatives discussed how to address complex issues in Yemen that will impact on the region’s future stability and prosperity, among them economic decline which, if not addressed,
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Improved international coordination and support on Yemen;
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Working on a shared analysis of the challenges facing Yemen, including the conditions conducive to radicalisation and instability, and agreement that a comprehensive approach is needed to address them; and
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Greater support and impetus to the political and economic reform agenda, including urgent and concrete action by the Yemeni Government.
The Government of Yemen recognises the urgent need to address these issues which will need sustained and focused engagement. It was agreed that responsibility for tackling these challenges lies first and foremost with the Government of Yemen, drawing on the support of the wider region and international community. The UK is now engaged in following up the outcomes of the London Meeting and working closely with regional partners in order to help the Yemenis effectively tackle the challenges facing the country. Kingdom to Kingdom
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHARITY THE HAVEN STRENGTHENS LINKS WITH SAUDI ARABIA
In December 2008, the Embassy sponsored the visit of two representatives from the Saudi National Family Safety Programme (NFSP) to visit The Haven Charity to receive Domestic Violence awareness training. Set up in 1973, The Haven Wolverhampton is a charitable organisation which provides safe, temporary, emergency accommodation and support services to women and dependent children affected by Domestic Violence. The Haven Wolverhampton is one of the largest independent charities in the United Kingdom and is also one of the largest refuges in the country. The training focused on UK approaches to Domestic Violence and was delivered by Haven staff and external agencies including the Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum. Having established initial links with The Haven, representatives from the NFSP requested that they create a more detailed and specialised training programme for a group of nine delegates from across the Kingdom. The delegates were all involved in raising awareness of domestic violence and working to support women and children affected by abuse in Saudi Arabia. Recognising the importance of the issue, the Embassy was keen to help fund part of the programme and build on the excellent links that had already been forged between the Haven and the NFSP.
refuge, as well as learning about UK Civil and Legal practices. They also studied UK legislation on domestic violence and multi-agency working. Training packs covering each of the different modules were produced and translated for the delegates to use on their return to Saudi Arabia. As part of the programme, a ‘Train the Trainer’ session was delivered so that the visitors could return to the Kingdom and deliver similar training programmes to their colleagues. The Saudi visitors were very impressed with The Haven Wolverhampton’s work and extremely positive about the training programme. It is now hoped that this valuable partnership will continue to develop and that both organisations will be able to share experience of raising awareness of a problem that affects all societies. More information about the work of The Haven and the NFSP can be found at www.havenrefuge.org.uk and www.nfsp.org.sa
The two-week training programme took place at the end of September 2009. It involved a number of different training modules developed by The Haven for their Domestic Violence Awareness training programme, as well as visits, presentations and workshops to external organisations. The Saudi delegation spent time with a Police Domestic Abuse Unit, Wolverhampton Magistrate Court and the Wolverhampton Safeguarding Children Team. The visitors studied how to respond to a Domestic Violence crisis call, how to set up and run a Kingdom to Kingdom
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UK MINISTER FOR TRADE VISITS THE KINGDOM In December 2009, the UKTI team in the Kingdom (which is based in Al-Khobar, Jeddah and Riyadh) welcomed its final visitor of the year, Lord Davies of Abersoch, the Minister for Trade, Investment and Small Business. The Minister travelled to Jeddah and Riyadh to meet senior Saudi Government officials and to support UK business interests. He was accompanied by a large delegation of UK firms keen to do business in the Middle East representing the sectors of energy, financial services (including Islamic banking), infrastructure, transport, lifesciences and education. He was also accompanied by Baroness Symons, Chair of the UK side of the SBJBC, and by Lady Judge, in her role as Chairman of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, both following up on previous visits to the Kingdom. The Minister arrived on 7 December into Jeddah where he had a full programme, the highlight of which was the visit to King Abdullah Economic City, a city the size of Hong Kong being built on the shores of the Red Sea. He learned that Saudi Arabia has to build housing units
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equivalent in capacity to Jeddah and Riyadh combined in the coming years. Although the majority of the delegation arrived into Jeddah with Lord Davies, there were a couple of exceptions to this. Members of the Energy team entered the Kingdom across the causeway from Bahrain and spent the first day of their visit in high-level meetings in Eastern Province before travelling on to Riyadh by train. Meanwhile, the Financial Services team, led by Sir Stephen Wright, Chief Executive of International Financial Services London, had flown direct into Riyadh a day earlier to attend the Financial Services workshop. This workshop was hosted by the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce in their new building on the King Fahad Road. The organiser, and co-chair on the Saudi side, was Engr. Khaled Al Seif in his role as a board member of the Saudi British Joint Business Council. Both the UK and the Saudi delegations consisted of financial services practioners including lawyers, retail and investment bankers
Lord Davies with Khaled Al Saif, Chairman of the SBJBC
to talk about islamic finance, project finance and how UK financial services can partner with Saudi Arabia. Sir Stephen said: “The UK can participate in the ambitious development plans for the Saudi economy and financial services sector. The scale of the development needs in the country are such that they need to develop their financial markets and structures to support their plans.� All the groups met up in Riyadh on 8 December for the second round of the Two Kingdoms Trade & Investment conference and workshops which were hosted by SAGIA in the headquarters building. This was the progression from the June conference in London, with the seminar hosted at Buckingham Palace by HRH the Duke of York in his capacity as the UK Special Representative for Trade. The Opening Session of the second round was co-chaired by the Governor of SAGIA, HE Amr Dabbagh and by Lord Davies. Emphasising the opportunities for cooperation with the UK in terms of healthcare, education
Sponsors of the Soft Landing Programme with Lord Davies at the December launch event
and infrastructure was Dr. Manar al-Moneef, the general director responsible for life sciences and healthcare at the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA). She said: “Seventy percent of the population is below the age of 30. Between now and 2020, we need to create an additional six million jobs.” The Minister then had a number of calls on Saudi Government ministers including the Minister of Finance, the Governor of SAMA and the Deputy Minister of Commerce. No less important than the high-level ministerial calls, the Minister for Trade, Investment and Small Business Lord Davies of Abersoch launched a ‘Soft Landing’ programme for UK firms keen to explore the opportunities in Saudi Arabia, the biggest economy in the Arab world. The programme, which will be run by UK Trade & Investment’s
(UKTI) team in the Embassy in Riyadh, offers help for UK firms as they set up in Saudi Arabia. It was launched at the Regus premises on the 28th floor of the Kingdom Tower, and draws upon the support of a number of local organisations and businesses (web link???). The ‘Soft Landing’ programme will help UK businesses to source accommodation and business services and will provide a dedicated UKTI trade expert for each UK firm. Lord Davies said: “Many people in the UK do not appreciate the diversity in the Middle East, but there are huge opportunities here. Saudi Arabia has an exciting vision to diversify its economy and provide jobs and housing for one of the world’s fastest growing populations. There are great opportunities for financial services, healthcare, education and infrastructure. The ‘Soft Landing’ programme will make it easier for UK firms to
see for themselves what Saudi Arabia has to offer.” Before the Minister flew back to London, the British Ambassador hosted a reception where Lord Davies was able to meet a large number of Riyadh-based businessmen and women with a UK connection. Some of these are working for UK firms, such as BMI, Rolls-Royce, Fujitsu Europe and BAES while others work for local firms such as SABB.
Sir Stephen Wright Chief Executive of IFSL
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SAUDI-BRITISH BUSINESS WEEK exporters, both large and small and our aim was to introduce these companies to the Saudi market. The British Trade Office organised a series of trade events & cultural activities aimed at encouraging and strengthening bilateral trade & investment, plus cultural ties between our two Kingdoms. It demonstrated how the UK
From its modest beginnings, Saudi-British Business Week started as a Saudi-British Day, but with the support of our local partners and companies in Eastern Province and the UK, it evolved into an event spread over one week attracting over sixty British companies. Saudi-British Business Week 2010 was the third event of its 16
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kind, and was by far the biggest to date. It was attended by 5 visiting trade delegations from different parts of the UK – Northern Ireland, Yorkshire and the Humber, the SouthWest and the South-East. Also represented were our old friends to Eastern Province, the Middle East Association (MEA). Britain has some hugely successful, world-class
values Saudi Arabia as a major trading partner, and how we want quality Saudi companies to choose the UK as a preferred business partner. An opening ceremony was held by our partners, the Asharqia Chamber. Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Sir William Patey and the Chairman of the Asharqia Chamber Sheikh
Abdulrahman Rashed Al Rashed ensured that the week kicked off in fine style. Many members of the chamber attended the event and networked with their UK counterparts. The first evening saw a business reception at the residence of the Head of the British Trade Office, David Harries. It was attended by over 350 local
companies, which provided an ideal platform to develop business with the visiting trade delegations. A training and leadership workshop which was held in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce. More than 80 Saudi businesswomen attended and the training programme, which was delivered by Sarah
Dawson of SBD Associates from the UK. This was followed by a Saudi cultural evening, where guests sampled Saudi music, art and theatre. Set piece business meetings were held with Ma’den, Abdulla Fouad, ATCO, PMU, Al Khaleej Training and Naizak, where the UK delegates learned more about doing business in the Kingdom. Kingdom to Kingdom
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SAUDI-BRITISH BUSINESS WEEK continued A highlight of the week was the British Business Association Dinner, at which former footballer, manager and now pundit, Tommy Docherty gave an after dinner speech. This was the first event of its kind in Eastern Province and Tommy crowned a superb business week. Saudi British Business Week exceeded all expectations.
Initial reports from the Mission Leaders estimate that up to ÂŁ5.8 million of business was generated during the week. There was also a joint venture agreement penned between one of the companies and a major local group. As the companies return home and reflect on the week, we are fully confident that more business and joint ventures will be established. All 18
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of the fifty-five companies left the Kingdom convinced of the manifold business opportunities in Eastern Province. Most have expressed a wish to return to Al-Khobar with separate missions late this year. This is hugely encouraging. Hosting an event like this needed the support of many people and thanks go to our
superb sponsors. Without their support, Saudi British Business Week could not have happened: Asharqia Chamber of Commerce, Asharqia Business Ladies Centre, the British Council in Al Khobar and the British Business Association (BBA). Very special thanks also go to this year’s generous sponsors: A A Al-Turki Group (ATCO), Al-Kuhaimi Group,
Saudi-British Business Week Sponsors included:
Ahmad N. Albinali & Sons Co, Al Abdulkarim(AK), BMI, Ernst & Young, KPMG Al Fozan & Al Sadhan, Rezayat Group, Zamil Group, Khalifa Abdul Mohsen Al-Saif & Partner Motors Co Ltd, General Automotive Services Co Ltd (GASCOL), Spacemaker, plus Al Alamiya part of the RSA Group. We would also like to add our thanks to SAAD Group for their generous sponsorship,
and for all their logistical support. Without the kind support of our sponsors we would not have been able to take forward this initiative. The UK and Saudi Arabia’s business, economic and cultural links have never been stronger. Our aim is that Saudi-British Business Week will build on this. Kingdom to Kingdom
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A.A. TURKI CORPORATION (ATCO) SIGN PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH STATS GROUP, ABERDEEN
The A.A. Turki Group of Companies (“ATCO”) is a leading, 3,000-employee strong, conglomerate that has successfully operated since the mid1950’s in Saudi Arabia’s governmental, industrial and consumer sectors. ATCO is ranked among the largest firms in Saudi Arabia. It is owned by Sheikh Abdulrahman Ali Al-Turki. ATCO is comprised of twenty-three different divisions, joint ventures and standalone companies. ATCO has a long and proven record in investing in a diverse set of businesses and developing them into leading Saudi and regional service and supply companies. ATCO has also excelled in partnering with top international firms in the region. STATS Group is an Aberdeen based specialist engineering company providing pipeline engineering services which focuses on piping and pipeline integrity, maintenance and online modifications. STATS supply a comprehensive
range of products and pipeline engineering services which enable piping inspection, intervention, isolation, repair, connection, and testing work scopes. ATCO and STATS have recently signed a partnership agreement with the aim of providing these specialist services to oil/gas and petrochemical industries in Saudi Arabia. The intention is that in time this service will be fully supported by ATCO with only specialist supervision from STATS. Both companies are confident of the market potential in Saudi Arabia and are committed to ensuring this business is a success. The partnership agreement signing was held between Ziad Al-Turki, Vice Chairman of ATCO and Peter Duguid, Managing Director of STATS at the ATCO head office in Dammam and witnessed by Sir William Patey, British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Kingdom to Kingdom
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DIGBY JOINS INTERNATIONAL OIL & GAS LEADERS IN SAUDI ARABIA
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2nd Saudi Arabian Oil & Gas Exhibition & Conference (SAOGE), along with other leading international speakers including Dr Randy Gossen, President of the World Petroleum Council, Lord Digby Jones said ‘We are at the fulcrum of the world - where the world is in economic balance. It hinges on the Region that is how important this (SAOGE) is”. “The greatest challenge for commodity-producing countries in the 21st Century is to use their wealth to develop sustainable, knowledge based economies. So many countries in the Middle East have disproportionately large populations under the age of 30 and social cohesion, fulfilment and global engagement as equals can only be achieved by skilling the people. The businesses that were the oil companies in the 20th Century will be energy companies in the 21st Century and the challenge is on to develop more environmentally friendly ways of consuming fossil fuel whilst using the proceeds to develop sustainable energy sources and skilled knowledge based economies”. The event was officially inaugurated by Zareb bin Sa’eed Al Qahtani, Deputy Governor of the Eastern Province. Held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Fahad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the event attracted visitors from across the world. 22
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Digby Jones was appointed Minister of State for UK Trade & Investment in 2007 and became a life peer taking the title, Digby, Lord Jones of Birmingham Kt. Forthright and, as ever, loyal to British business he spent the next 15 months “doing it in a different way”. He did not join the party of government and without the ambition to progress in politics he concentrated on the business of promoting Britain across the world, travelling to 31 countries in 45 overseas visits. From 2009 he decided to “pull it all together”. Now, in addition to his role as an active crossbencher in the House of Lords he serves as Chairman of the International Business Advisory Board at HSBC, Chairman of Triumph Motorcycles Limited, and is Corporate Ambassador for Jaguar Cars and JCB. He advises in a number of other paid and unpaid roles, fulfilling his vision of promoting socially inclusive wealth creation. Digby travels regularly across the UK and overseas, runs his own business and his fulfilment is complete when Leicester Tigers and Aston Villa win their matches. He has many plans for the decades to come.
SAUDI COMMERCIAL OFFICER RECOGNISED WITH BSIA CHAIRMAN’S AWARD The British Security Industry Association’s Meet the Buyers event at IFSEC saw the presentation of a BSIA Chairman’s Award for Services to Exporting to Mohammed Farooq, Commercial Officer to Saudi Arabia. The BSIA’s Chairman’s Awards recognise outstanding contributions to the work of the British security industry and are usually presented at the Association’s Annual Luncheon in July. This year the Association has broken from tradition and BSIA Chairman, Stuart Lowden, presented the Services to Exporting award at IFSEC, acknowledging Mohammed Farooq’s contribution to fostering relationships between the UK and Saudi Arabia. BSIA Chairman, Stuart Lowden, comments: “Mohammed Farooq has been a long time supporter and active promoter of the fire, police and security sectors within Saudi Arabia. He has consistently coordinated active inward missions from Saudi
to IFSEC. In addition he has been instrumental in helping to arrange and support three successful UK missions to Saudi Arabia. His enthusiasm has ensured that the right calibre of delegates have been invited to meet with UK companies both in the UK and in Saudi. During these missions, his ability to overcome difficulties has been proven several times over. Mohammed Farooq thoroughly deserves this award.”
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ASTON BUSINESS SCHOOL LAUNCH A GROUND-BREAKING ISLAMIC FINANCE AND BUSINESS CENTRE The Centre has been developed as a result of a £1.5 million grant from Dubai-based business Surgi-Tech and aims to establish Birmingham as the centre for Islamic finance in the UK. The largest financial gift on record for the University, it will be used to develop qualifications and advance research in the Islamic finance field. To be named after the director of Surgi-Tech, the El Shaarani Centre for Islamic Finance and Business will develop a suite of qualifications on Islamic finance for 2010, including undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD and executive programmes. It will also continue with research into Islamic Finance and Shariah-compliant business, developing Islamic finance solutions for business and providing an advisory service to the government and the commercial sector. The sponsorship came as a result of Aston Business School’s excellent global reputation* and the prestige of associating a Middle Eastern company with a UK university. Dr El Shaarani, CEO of Surgi Tech Group, Dubai, said: “We are honoured to sponsor a UK business school as prestigious as Aston and help to fund research that will explore the role of Islamic finance in the future global financial system. We believe that the creation of this centre will result in the development of new financial tools that will attract greater foreign investment to the West Midlands region. We look forward to continuing a prosperous relationship with 26
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Aston University.” Dr Omneya Abdelsalam, Director of the Islamic Finance Centre, Aston University, added: “We’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Surgi-Tech Group for their generous support. “With their assistance, Aston has established this Centre to meet the growing interest in Shariah-complaint finance across the world. Through the Centre, we will educate the next generation of Islamic economists and business leaders – both nationally and internationally. Our research will allow us to investigate how mainstream financial institutions can learn from Islamic finance practices in their recovery from and avoidance of the next global economic crisis. “
With the collapse of the conventional banking system, businesses have turned to the more conservative Islamic Finance approach, which doesn’t permit the sale of debts or interest and encourages the sharing of risks and rewards. The El Shaarani Centre for Islamic Finance and Business plans to exploit Birmingham’s large concentration of professional financial and legal services and culturally diverse business community to reposition the city as a centre for Islamic finance. A suite of executive education programmes in Islamic finance will be launched by Aston Business School in summer 2010, followed by a Masters qualification in the subject in October.
95,000 VISAS ISSUED FOR THE UK IN 2009 Christopher Denison, Entry Clearance Manager (Saudi Arabia)
L to R Chris Denison, Entry Clearance Manager; Greg Gibson, Deputy Consul General; Salah Taha, Press & Public Affairs Officer; Malik Maaz;
Above: The Jeddah premium lounge was opened by Saudi national footballer Malek Maaz. The UK Border Agency is an agency of the Home Office. Its International Group is the section responsible for processing UK visa applications and employs 3000 members of staff in 135 countries. Visa applications can be lodged at more than 250 locations world-wide and almost 2 million UK visas are issued each year. Riyadh is one of the top 10 UK visa issuing posts in the world, and last year saw a large increase in the number of visa applications received. In total we processed in excess of 95,000 applications during the course of the year, a twenty percent increase on 2008. The number of student applications also increased in comparison to the previous year, exceeding 18,000. It is good news to see this increase in UK visa applications, and we welcome businessmen, visitors, students and skilled workers to the UK. Last year also saw a number of developments in the UK Border Agency visa operation in Saudi Arabia. • An expansion of the points based system in March: following on from the introduction in 2008 of tiers 1,2 and 5 for workers applying for UK visas, tier 4 for student applicants was introduced. The points based system offers a structured and objective decision-making process, which is more transparent and easier for applicants to use. 30 Kingdom to Kingdom
• From March all UK visa applications have been assessed at the Visa Section of the British Embassy in Riyadh, whether they are submitted at our Visa Application Centres in Jeddah, Al Khobar or Riyadh. This ensures the quality and consistency of our decision-making coupled with the efficiency and productivity of our service. • During the summer all three Visa Application Centres extended their premium service by opening premium lounges. The premium service offers visa applicants the choice to select extra services as part of the process. This work with our commercial partner, VFS, has enabled us to handle the sharp increase in demand while also improving customer service. Looking ahead we will continue to work with the full range of stakeholders to ensure that we can continue to deliver the world class visa service our customers have come to expect, while contributing to wider Home Office and UK Border Agency priorities. During the forthcoming year we anticipate further developments to our visa service in Saudi Arabia and globally. One change already publicised in 2010 is to tier 4 of the points based system. Genuine international students will continue to be welcome to the UK, but measures have been implemented to prevent abuse by economic migrants. For further information on UK visas please visit our website: www.ukvisas.gov.uk. For information on the visa application process please visit our commercial partner website: www.vfs-uk-sa.com.
CHANGES TO BRITISH PASSPORT SERVICE IN SAUDI ARABIA From 1 July 2010, applications for full validity passports for British Nationals will no longer be processed in the British Embassy in Riyadh. Please read this notice to find out what’s happening, why the change is necessary and how it affects you. What is changing and how does it affect me? From 1 July 2010, all passport applications from Saudi Arabia will be processed and printed centrally in the Passport Processing Centre in Dusseldorf. These changes are being implemented throughout the Gulf region in 2010. Until that date you should continue to submit your passport applications at the British Embassy in Riyadh, the British Consulate General in Jeddah or the British Trade Office in Al Khobar. Our website will be updated shortly to include further instructions on how to submit your application to the Processing Centre in Dusseldorf. If you plan to travel in the next 2-3 months you are advised to check this website regularly for advice and information. Why is this happening? These changes are part of a global initiative to streamline and modernise the UK’s overseas passport operation. The UK remains one of the few countries printing passports in Embassies and Consulates abroad. This is expensive to do and is less secure as we have to transport blank passports around the world. Our aim is to reduce the cost of running the operation, while improving security and maintaining a high standard of customer service. How long will this new service take? You should allow up to 4 weeks to submit your application before travelling. We aim to process straightforward passports within 10 working days upon receipt in Dusseldorf of the correct documentation and payment. Applications from first time applicants will take longer. Please ensure you allow extra time for delivery at both ends of the process.
After 1 July 2010, if you need to travel urgently you can contact the British Embassy in Riyadh or the British Consulate General in Jeddah to purchase an Emergency Passport. Has this happened elsewhere? Yes. By the end of 2010 there will be 7 Regional Passport Processing Centres (PPCs) worldwide. Six PPCs, including Dusseldorf, are already in place covering Europe, The Americas, Australasia and Southern Africa. Comments from customers include: “Very user friendly……No problems very smooth…… ….Quicker than anticipated…” The Cost If you apply for a British passport overseas you can expect to pay: - For your passport; - The cost of sending your application to the Passport Processing Centre; - For the secure return of your passport and documents. We will publish detailed instructions soon on how to submit your application. What should I do now? Until 1 July 2010 you should continue to submit your passport applications at the British Embassy in Riyadh, the British Consulate General in Jeddah or the British Trade Office in Al Khobar. You are advised to: - Keep your passports in a safe place at all times; - Regularly check your passport’s validity, particularly when planning future trips; - Submit applications for new passports or renewals in good time. Don’t leave it until the last minute.
Please remember: The latest information is always on our website www.ukinsaudiarabia.fco.gov.uk Kingdom to Kingdom
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FIRST ROYAL NAVY VISIT FOR TWO YEARS
Built by Yarrow Shipbuilders on the Clyde, HMS Lancaster, a Type 23 Frigate, was launched by Her Majesty the Queen in May 1990. Displacing 4000 tonnes she has a crew of about 180 and has the Lancastrian Red Rose as her emblem. Since October last year she has been on patrol performing Maritime Security Operations in support of international efforts to detect, disrupt and deter criminal activity. Maritime Security is targeted at countering terrorism, piracy and drug-smuggling, whilst working to develop closer links with the merchant and fishing communities. During the past few months, HMS Lancaster has been conducting patrols over an extensive area, including the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. With a Royal Navy and Royal Marines Boarding team embarked, the Ship has the capability to conduct boardings of vessels suspected to be in breach of international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This in turn deters criminal activity, including drug smuggling and the movement of terrorist equipment, which has a direct impact on the security of the land environment, especially 34
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Afghanistan. Maritime Security operations further enable safety of navigation and freedom of trade in an area of strategic importance to UK interests, including the Gulf of Aden one of the world’s critical sea lanes. HMS Lancaster has already conducted several boardings. The Ship’s Boarding Team has received specific training to prepare them for operating in this region, with Lancaster’s Lynx helicopter providing increased situational awareness and force protection in support. Not all the work has been done at sea though. In November of 2009, HMS Lancaster conducted the first visit to Jeddah by a Royal Navy warship for almost 2 years. Engaging with Britain’s allies in the Middle East and supporting the FCO’s defence diplomacy objectives, the Ship hosted a very successful evening reception, attended by over 140 guests. The reception facilitated dialogue between key stakeholders in the region, including officers from the Saudi Arabian military, diplomatic staff from Britain, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iraq and the Republic of Korea, and representatives of British industry and international agencies.
Commander Rory Bryan, the Commanding Officer of HMS Lancaster, stated, “HMS Lancaster is making a significant contribution to maritime security in the Middle East. Our aim remains to reduce criminal activity in the region, and to ensure freedom and safety of navigation for all vessels.” In January whilst patrolling off the coast of Yemen, Lancaster was home to representatives from the Saudi Arabian, Yemeni, Australian and French navies who were attending a maritime conference hosted by Captain Warren Bairstow Royal Australian Navy, the Commander of Task Force 150 - the multi-national task group focussed on combating maritime criminal activity in the region. The Commanding Officers discussed how the national units could work together in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the
area. MSO complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremist use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other illegal material. Notably, the attendees considered how such maritime crime could best be reported to Yemeni Coast Guard vessels to better enable the coastal authorities to take action. “The CTF 150 conference was a significant milestone for the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and for the navies and Coast Guards of the Gulf of Aden. All participants, especially the representatives of the Yemeni Coast Guard, Yemeni Navy and the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, exchanged information freely and exhibited a spirit of cooperation that lays a solid foundation for future engagement and operations,” said Capt. Bairstow.
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BRITISH MUSLIM POLICE ASSOCIATION VISIT MAKKAH AND MADINAH
The last few years have seen a steady increase in the contacts between British Muslim organisations and Saudi religious and government figures. In 2008 a delegation from the Muslim Council of Britain visited Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah and Riyadh, held talks with Saudi officials, charities, the Muslim World League and the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY). In May 2009, Sadeq Khan, the then British Communities Minister, headed a delegation of British Muslims visited Saudi Arabia and explored co-operation with the Imam University in Riyadh, the Islamic University in Madinah and the University of Um al-Qura in Makkah. In December 2009, a UK intellectual security team visited the Kingdom to explore areas 36
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of co-operation, particularly concerning Saudi Arabia’s ambitious deradicalisation programme. Such visits encourage increased dialogue between UK Muslims and Saudi Arabia. As the country with the responsibility of the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi Arabia has a unique place in the Islamic world. These visits also showcase the contribution of UK Muslims to British society. This is why a delegation of the UK Muslim Police Association, representing various constituencies, visited Saudi Arabia in January 2010. In January, 24 members of the British Muslim Police Association visited Makkah and Madinah.
During the trip they visited the Prophet’s Mosque and other holy sites in Madinah. Having moved to Makkah to perform Umrah and spent time around the Holy Mosque, members of the delegation were happy to share the spiritual moments with local media, and explain to their fellow Muslims what it was like to live in Britain as a Muslim. In Makkah, Chief Inspector, Richard Varely, founder of the Muslim Police Association, and other fellow members briefed the press about the history of the Association, the UK as a multi-faith society, the role which the Association played in easing tension between communities and the rights which Muslim police officers enjoyed in terms of uniform,
wearing the hijab for female officers, taking time off for prayers and official holidays to celebrate the two Eids and Ramadan. According to the Labour Force Survey, the UK Muslim community has increased from 1.7 million in 2004 to 2.4 million in 2008. Members of the UK Muslim community are active in almost every part of UK society. There are Muslim Ministers, Members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, police officers, academics, diplomats, judges, leading businessmen and economists. Visits like those of the Muslim Police Association are a valuable opportunity both to increase understanding, and to demonstrate the reality of modern Britain.
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GLOBAL LUMINARIES VIEW FUTURE OF EDUCATION AT LONDON FORUM
Prominent ministers, policymakers and influencers in the education and skills sector gathered in London on 11 January for the official opening of the three-day Learning and Technology World Forum 2010 (www.latwf.org), the largest international event on the use of technology in education. The British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, described the Forum as “an invaluable opportunity for countries to learn from one another; I am proud that the UK nurtures and attracts so many learners who benefit from the expertise of our teachers and lecturers.”
Faisal bin Muammar, Deputy Minister of Education, headed the Saudi delegation and said, “This forum comes in the context of major advances in the use of IT in international education. We seek to benefit from it for our ambitious development projects. We also had the opportunity to discuss the future direction of our education reform programme.”
This year, the forum’s overarching theme was ‘re-imagining education’, covering three major international concerns: enabling regeneration and economic recovery, striving for excellence, and preparing for the future. Sessions focused on a range of topics, including eradicating social exclusion; using education to stimulate economic growth, the future of children’s online safety, and transforming lives in disadvantaged communities. The delegation went on to visit a ‘Future School’ in Gravesend to look at modern approaches to teaching and the learning environment. 38
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HE Faisal bin Muammar, (left) Deputy Minister of Education and Dr. Ali Al-Hakami, TATWEER General Manager
SAUDI DELEGATION VISITS BRITISH EDUCATION SHOW IN LONDON
Six men and two women from the Saudi Ministry of Education and the King Abdullah Project for the Development of Public Education (Tatweer) attended the week-long British Education and Training Technology (BETT) exhibition in London recently. To complement the BETT Show, the British Council has for the last four years organised study tours for Saudi partners. This year’s delegation was
delighted to be involved in the event and found the experience quite inspiring. “It is wonderful to see such a broad range of exciting new products, resources and seminars,” said Ali Al-Dossari. “We are in the phase of enhancing the use of ICT in our schools in Saudi Arabia and therefore found this a good opportunity to observe the UK practice and products,” said Najyah Al-Thubyani, an ICT expert from the Tatweer project.
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NEW EDUCATION COLLABORATION UNDER CONSIDERATION The Institute of Education, University of London (IOE), and the Centre for Higher Education Research and Studies (CHERS) are considering the possibilities of collaboration in the field of education. Officials from both institutions met in Riyadh on January 30 to discuss establishing academic links between CHERS and IOE.
From left: Dr Mohammed Al Hamed, Dr Abdulhalim Mazi, Professor Gunther Kress,
They discussed research Dr Raphael Wilkins and Mr Chris Price. cooperation, academic staff exchanges and leadership in education Speaking after the meeting, Christopher Price, programmes. It was decided that academics from International Relations Manager at IOE, said, both institutions would meet and explore joint “We are left very optimistic that a sound basis for research opportunities. collaboration exists between the IOE and CHERS.”
STRONG UK PRESENCE AT EDUCATION SHOW
UK educational institutions formed the largest contingent at the first International Exhibition for Higher Education hosted by the Ministry of Higher Education, under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, at the Riyadh International Exhibition Centre in January. The largest of its kind in Saudi Arabia, the exhibition proved a big success in terms of number of participants and visitors – over 250,000, according to Othman Al-Thabit, vice-chairman of the exhibition committee. The British Council organised a seminar and networking session, bringing together 12 new Saudi universities and 28 UK universities. The two groups identified points of contact and discussed future links, joint supervision programmes and academic and research cooperation. Allen Swales, International Officer at Cambridge University, congratulated the Ministry of Higher Education for successfully organising such a large event: “I think it was a wonderful exhibition, the best educational event I have attended in Saudi Arabia.”
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OUTSTANDING CAMBRIDGE STUDENTS IN SAUDI ARABIA TO BE HONOURED University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), in partnership with the British Council, recently hosted the Cambridge Outstanding Achiever Awards 2010 in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam to celebrate the impressive academic achievements of secondary school students in the Kingdom. CIE Regional Manager for the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan, William Bickerdike, said: “As the awards indicate, performance in Saudi Arabia this year has been particularly strong, with over 20 students ranked in the global top five, and eight students winning CIE’s prestigious Top in the World award. The results in the June 2009 examinations are proof that quality education and an
international perspective, such as the one Cambridge provides in its teaching, have motivated the talent that exists in Saudi Arabia.” Head teachers from the schools attended a Principals’ Forum after the awards. Mr Bickerdike
presented an overview of the Cambridge International Curriculum, including Cambridge IGCSE and the new suite of syllabuses. Participants also heard about a range of CIE activities and the extensive support available to teachers in Saudi Arabia.
JEDDAH-BIRMINGHAM COMMUNITY EXCHANGE PROGRAMME LAUNCHED A new international exchange programme involving community practitioners in Jeddah and Birmingham was launched recently. Jointly initiated by the British Council and the Majid Society for Development and Social Services, the Community Xchange (CX) identified 14 Saudi and 13 British participants. The Saudi volunteers travelled to Birmingham in February and worked with their host community for three weeks. A return exchange, hosting the British volunteers, will take place in Jeddah. Community Xchange is a component of Global Xchange, and draws on the British Council’s global expertise in cultural relations, Voluntary Service Overseas’ (VSO) skills in international volunteering programmes and the Jeddah-based Majid Society’s knowledge of local community needs. Global Xchange has been running since
2005, bringing together over 1000 volunteers in communities throughout the UK with volunteers in 25 other countries, including Kenya, South Africa, Indonesia, Bahrain and Oman. Key programme components include training, job shadowing, skills sharing, networking, community field trips and living in local host homes. Participants also work together to set up an intercultural community event, where the entire community is invited to meet and share their skills, experiences and stories. Community Xchange aims to build the skills of youth and community workers to be active global citizens in the development of their communities. We hope to strengthen the volunteering sector in Saudi Arabia and encourage young people to take up volunteering and community service opportunities. Kingdom to Kingdom
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BAE TO CONTINUE SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH PROGRAMME BAE Systems Saudi Arabia has announced that they will continue to support the PostDoctoral Summer Research (PDSR) Programme in 2010. The PDSR Programme, an academic research collaboration programme developed by the British Council, enables Saudi academics to work alongside their UK counterparts. It is designed to introduce Saudi university staff, many with US research experience, to research facilities and methods in the United Kingdom. The programme also increases their insight into the range and quality of British higher education.
Unique to Saudi Arabia, the programme has been sponsored by BAE Systems Saudi Arabia since 1991. Over 400 academics have undertaken research attachments in the UK under the programme in the last 19 years. This year, 26 researchers are taking part. Speaking about her placement in 2009, Dr. Maisa Al-Korashy, Vice Dean of the Mathematics Department at King Saud University, commented, “The PDSR Programme gave me the opportunity to work and meet with qualified researchers in top UK universities and learn at close hand how research teams work together to produce highly beneficial results.�
NEW BATCH OF SAUDIS SET FOR UK STUDIES UNDER SABB SCHOLARSHIP SABB has selected a new intake of five Saudis for study in the UK under its Scholarship Scheme for 2010. The Scholarship Scheme, funded by SABB and managed by the British Council, aims to increase the availability of post-graduate level education to Saudi nationals. The scheme supports five Saudis each year on finance or banking-related MBAs in the UK; since its inception in 1997, it has enabled 48 people to study in the UK. For more information on the programme, contact the British Council or visit our website: www.britishcouncil.org/me
From left to Right: NV Rajendran, Assistant Director Networks at the British Council; Monther Al Tayeb, Head of PR and Comms BAE Systems, Adrain Chadwick, British Council Director; John Gore, Deputy Director British Council and Jamal AlSahaf, PR and Comms Officer BAE Systems.
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UNDERSTANDING HERITAGE THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY
More than 130 photographers and their families participated in a Social Treasure Hunt for Cultural Heritage that involved photographing heritage and historical sites in Jeddah and Riyadh. The event was held in partnership with Jeddah Municipality, Association of Arts and Culture Jeddah, Jeddah Shooters, and Association of Photographers and British Council. The participants were invited to follow clues of several historical sites in Al-Balad, the old town of Jeddah, and take pictures of these places. The entries were evaluated by a panel comprising renowned photographer Dr Esa Angawi, Sami Nawar, Director, Tourism and Culture in Jeddah Municipality, and Marcus Gilbert, British Council Director, West Saudi Arabia. The Treasure Hunt was also held at the National Museum in Riyadh on two separate days – one for women and the other for men. The participants
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looked for clues in different departments that represented various historical eras of Saudi Arabia and its 13 regions. The panel of judges included Dr Abdullah Al-Saud, Director, National Museum, and Dr Delail Al-Qahtani, Director, National Museum, Women’s Section. Commenting on the event, a participant said, “This is an amazing activity. We worked closely together despite not knowing one another. It was a new way of using photography to learn about our heritage.” Another photographer said, “Before this event, I didn’t know what Al-Bayya Square was about. Now I know that people did ‘bayyah’ in Jeddah when the king was crowned.”
FIRST SPRINGBOARD NETWORK FORUM HELD IN RIYADH
Springboard graduates, trainers, guest speakers, and women interested in self-development programmes gathered for the first Springboard Network Forum in Riyadh on January 4. In her inspiring speech at the forum, Dr Hessah Alsheikh, Dean of the women’s college at AlYamamah University, discussed the development of the Saudi woman and her achievements in the educational field in Saudi Arabia. She referred to Springboard as a British Council initiative to build a world of integrated activities and opportunities for Saudi women. The audience interacted with Dr Hessah in an intellectual and professional atmosphere. ‘‘It was amazing to see so many women attending. This reflects not only their will to network, but also their commitment to women’s empowerment in general and to Springboard in particular,’’ Active Citizens Regional Manager Mariam Daher said. Huda Balbeisi, a Springboard graduate said, “Springboard is my spaceship to conquer the world
of self-development. It empowers me with what is needed to build my personality.” Having around 130 women gathered at one place reflects the enthusiasm and commitment Springboard graduates hold towards the programme. The forum is also a good indicator of the participants’ interest in joining specialised networks that meet their needs and requirements in various fields such as education, employment, and health. Measuring the achievements of the participants and collecting their success stories are on top of the forum’s objectives. Nuha Al-Saeed, a participant said, “I found exchanging experiences with qualified leaders as most beneficial.” Springboard has now a strong network of members from various backgrounds, thoughts, specializations, and experiences. “At the Springboard Network, I am seeking networking, self-development, and knowledge in research and education,’’ Dr Amal Rabee’a said. Kingdom to Kingdom
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British Embassy - Riyadh
Tel: 01 488 0077 Fax: 01 488 2373
Sir William Patey KCMG Her Majesty’s Ambassador
Roddy Drummond Deputy Head of Mission
Brig. Graeme Morrison Defence AttachĂŠ
Keith Allen HM Consul
Nick Heath Press & Political Officer
Hannah Brooks Marketing Manager, Saudi Arabia Uk Trade & Investment
Paul Williams Director of Trade and Investment, Saudi Arabia
Tracey Carlin PA to Director of Trade and Investment
Tim Dearden First Secretary, Head of Trade & Investment Section
Kevin Jenkins Deputy Director of Trade and Investment & First Secretary Defence
Carole Connor Trade and Investment Assistant, Defence Supply
Syed K Zaman Trade & Investment Officer
Ayesha Haider Trade & Investment Assistant
Saad Al Adhami Trade & Investment Officer
Mohammed Farooq Trade & Investment Officer
Asjad Geiji Trade & Investment Assistant
Melissa Parsons Central Coordination Team
Pina Palermo Central Coordination Team
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British Consulate-General - Jeddah Tel: 02 622 5550 Fax: 02 622 6249
Kate Rudd HM Consul General
Greg Gibson Deputy Consul-General & Head of Trade & Investment Section
Omar Saeed Trade & Investment Officer
Abdul Muqtadar Trade & Investment Officer
Yamish Yakoob Trade & Investment Assistant
Vaqar Ahmed Alvi Trade & Investment Assistant
British Trade Office - Al Khobar Tel: 03 882 5300
David Harries Head of Trade Office
Neil Wilson Second Secretary Trade & Investment
Sharif Mousa Snr. Trade & Investment Officer
Mumtaz Abdullah Snr. Trade & Investment Officer
Lynn Simpson Trade & Investment Assistant
Farooque Mohammed Management Officer
Fax: 03 882 5384
Susan Tessier PA to Head of Trade Office and Trade & Investment Assistant
Valerie Parrott Consular Assistant
General Enquiries in respect of this publication may be made to the compiler: Andrew Mead at MMS Ltd.,Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 3YB e-mail: andrew@sbtd.co.uk Tel: 0044 7940 559 925 Fax: 0044 1249 460 602 KSA Mob: 00966 506 271 151 In Saudi Arabia, contact Suresh at Jumana House, Tel: 01 292 0451 Fax: 01 4472 6962 Kingdom to Kingdom
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UKTI Events Calendar April 2010 10 - 14 ........Healthcare Trade Mission .......................................... Kingdomwide 19 - 22 ........Sustainability Live 19 - 22 ........Incorporating BEX, IWEX, NEMEX and SB exhibitions 19 - 22 .........Environment, energy, water, land and sustainability ..... NEC Birmingham 24 ...............Queen’s Birthday Party ............................................. Eastern Province 25 ...............Queen’s Birthday Party ............................................. Riyadh 27 ...............Queen’s Birthday Party ............................................. Jeddah May 2010 17 - 20 ........IBW Trade Mission ................................................... Eastern Province 21 - 26 ........East Midlands Trade Mission ...................................... Jeddah & Riyadh June 2010 30 -1 July.....GCC - Britain Expo................................................... London September 2010 23 ...............Opportunity Arabia 7................................................ London October 2010 19 ............Defence & Security organisation Trade Mission ............ Kingdomwide 21 - 28 .......Invest Northern Ireland Trade Mission ........................ Kingdomwide Please Note: The dates shown above are provisional. Please verify with Embassy staff before making any commitments.
British Business Groups in Saudi Arabia RIYADH GROUP FOR BRITISH BUSINESS Chairman: Owain Raw-Rees Tel: (01) 477 6706 ext 110 Fax: (01) 478 0418 owain.raw-rees@axa-gulf.com
Secretary: Jane Brierley Tel: (01) 488 0088, ext 2263 Fax: (01) 488 2373 E-mail: secretary@rgbb.org Website: www.rgbb.org
BRITISH BUSINESS GROUP, JEDDAH Chairman: Edward Ogilvie Tel: (02) 651 1174 ext 202 Fax: (02) 653 1018 edward@imc.com.sa
Secretary: Anita Wright Tel: (02) 662 4000 ext 2366 Fax: (02) 622 0090 E-mail: bbg.office@bbg-jed.org Website: www.bbg-jed.org
BRITISH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION, EASTERN PROVINCE Chairman: Geoff Fennah Tel: (03) 357 4912 Fax: (03) 358 9801 geoff.fennah@saudichevron.com
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Secretary: Pamela Baxter Tel: (03) 882 5288, ext 1651 Fax: (03) 882 5384 E-mail: bbakhobar@atheer.net.sa Website: www.bbaep.com
The 2010 edition SAUDI / BRITISH TRADE DIRECTORY is available now. To add or update your details for 2011 please email: info@sbtd.co.uk