A spreading image of Saudi student studying at American University, on the television screens advertising to announce he won as the elected chairman of the global student organization.

A King Abdullah scholarship recipient,  Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Sulaiman, who currently studies at the University, “Bluefield State College”, was elected chairman of the global student organization in 2010 after a election to this position with two students, one from Germany and one from Serbia.

Fahad said “home” Saudi Arabia on Wednesday 10/3/2010, he lived the experience of an election for the first time in his life and presented a program explaining the electoral ability to provide many of the services of the organization, pointing out that voters impressed by the program, which he described Fahd that he was for them a new and out of the tradition.

Fahad, organized a campaign of his own, and did not work with anyone in this campaign, pointing out that his plan had been based on the distribution of leaflets to attend meetings and attend special events, including his campaign speeches to the voters of the students.

Fahad, belonging to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the program of the scholarship that gave him a win is a morale booster in the representations of the Kingdom in a more positive, and also to raise the Saudi flag in every forum, in addition to providing a picture of Saudi culture and civilization in the correct format, especially in a society has developed a lot of knowledge of the Kingdom of erroneously .

Fahad has been studying business management and marketing since 2008, chose to study at the University of Bluefield.

Among the tasks entrusted to it solve the problems of foreign students at the university, including the Saudis, and could include such problems as students are faced with new obstacles such as language or residence in the state or for official business within or outside the university and coordination with the embassies of different countries.

Fahad expressed that the biggest challenges faced after winning the job was that it was the only Saudi student who managed to win such a position and the number of votes is too large.

“It was a challenge for me is to provide a helping hand to Saudi students and non-Saudis from the Organization for students in the university world in addition to that we are not Aptaatna to this place to study, but also because we also want to convey our civilization and our culture to others and to present ourselves well.”

And felt when he published his picture in the city of Bluefield, West Virginia, which includes the university, “said Fahad,” The feeling was indescribable .. I was so proud as I am the first Saudi celebrated in this way, I was walking in the university and receive congratulations from American students and others. ”

For projects in the new year, Fahad is now concerned with preparing for a ceremony entitled” The global multi-civilizations “in the March 17 (March) and continue for the next three days.

He added that the ceremony  touched upon diverse topics several of which will be some lectures on some of the civilizations in the world, science, religions, cultures, customs and traditions, as well as lectures on Irish civilization and also about what happened in Haiti after the quake, which hit last month.

Share on Facebook

Related posts:

1. Global Financial Crisis and Its Impact on the Saudi Economy Conference Under Auspices: Dr. Suliman Aba Al-Khail, Rector of Imam...
2. MIT launches OpenCourseWare at Alfaisal University, Riyadh Prince Sultan bin Salman launched the first ever MIT...
3. Saudi scholarships to Australia, Britain halted The Ministry of Higher Education has halted scholarships to...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Imagine this: you’re sitting there in your engineering class and the professor walks in and says, “You’re getting a little project this semester. I’d like you to design an SUV. But not just any SUV, one that takes into account the environment and population of the Arabian Gulf. 20% of your grade is riding on it.”

That’s right, King Saud University (KSU) students in Saudi Arabia were asked to create a new SUV called the Gazal-1. If you’re wondering, Gazal means “gazelle” in Arabic. Why you would name a hulking, International Truck-looking off-roader after a lithe, speedy and athletic mammal is anyone’s guess. Still, you must admit, for a bunch of college kids, they did a fine job.

The big green truck here at the Geneva Motor Show is actually just a model, a styling exercise if you will. However, the Gazal-1 is more than just an engineering project. A business plan has been part of the Gazal-1 since the get-go. Are we saying that the KSU kids’ truck will one day make it to production? Mostly likely no. However, KSU’s reason for such an ambitious project is to “Promote the culture of automotive industry, to train young engineers who can participate in research and development.” Those are some educational goals we can get behind.

Now comes the fun part. The KSU students didn’t start with a totally blank slate. In fact, they were given an existing SUV to start with. They were then told to keep the original vehicle’s wheelbase, track, mechanical bits and interior hard points. Obviously, the entire body was redesigned. So redesigned in fact that when asked what SUV underpins the Gazal-1, five out of five members of the Autoblog Geneva crew got it wrong.Make the jump to see if you’re smarter than us. Warning: Don’t make the jump until you’ve guessed what truck!

[View with PicLens]

Share on Facebook

Related posts:

1. Saudi Wins Intel International Science and Engineering Fair The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF),...
2. Saudi students set for Irish ITs The Institutes of Technology in Galway, Athlone and Waterford...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

(Huffington Post) When a leading figure in the Saudi advertising sector told me last summer that the Saudi Religious Police approached him for ‘corporate re-branding’ suggestions, I couldn’t help but brush away the idea as nonsense.

I wrongfully assumed that the ‘Haya’t al Amr Bil Ma’rouf wa Al Nahi an Al Munkar’ (The Committee of Promoting Virtue and the Prevention of Vice) would never resort to the ‘dark art’ of advertising – a matter which incorporates ‘tricking consumers into buying’ as used by the likes of Leo Burnett and David Ogilvy in promoting cereals and beers.

However, though I know that my source didn’t end up working on the re-branding, it slowly became evident that there are serious attempts to change the perception that people have of the ‘Men of Hesbah’: another term used to describe the pious soldiers of God who are known to roam the streets looking for shop-keepers who don’t shut down during prayer times, guys and girls on the dating scene or indecent attire. Other tasks include: witch hunts, cracking down on prostitution rings and alcohol traffickers or local manufacturers.

Not only that, but it seems the Committee have used a modern integrated marketing communication approach, i.e. using several marketing tools around the same concept: such as personal selling, PR and everyone’s favourite gimmick these days: social networking.

Shaikh Al Hayyan at the bowling arena - Al Watan Newspaper photo

In November 2008, there was a newspaper story about a few officers from the Committee (with their distinctive beards and short robes) raided a popular bowling alley in the coastal city of Jeddah.

The raid was headed by non-other than the Religious Police’s Chief himself — Shaikh Ali Bin Mohammad Al Hayyan. Under normal circumstances, this would have been due to a major operation to capture someone committing a serious religious offence for instance.

However, it turned out that Shaikh Al Hayyan only wanted to challenge a group of Jeddah’s finest to a game in bowling, possibly because of his personal enjoyment of the sport, though the coincidental existence of a photographer on location and the appearance of the story in the press shortly after that makes one believe that this may have been a planned PR stunt.

Also, throughout last year there were a significant number of stories appearing in local Saudi press on members of the Committee receiving training and attending workshops in a number of fields, ranging from ‘dealing with the media’, ‘on field dealing with women’ and other topics.

The Religious Police also gained a lot of support on social media; it has promotional videos on Youtube, and a number of fan clubs on Facebook, though it also has a number of hate-clubs as well.

However, the big ‘reveal’ came at the recent Riyadh Book Fair (an annual event which the local intellectual scene, journalists and academics eagerly await every year) where the Religious Police displayed their all-new vice-busting vehicles: white Suburbans with a modern looking blue triangle on the sides.

To be honest, I have to say hats-off to the Committee for the quick turnaround in their approach. To be honest, I have always been amazed at the efficiency and effectiveness of the’ Men in Beards’.

Having lived in Saudi Arabia and been aware of how slow the decision-making process on all levels usually is; the one body that always defied the norm was the Committee of Promoting Virtue and Prevention of Vice.

In fact, they have always been an example of great communication, teamwork and results-driven management.

Their men are dedicated, have a joint goal and most importantly: have motivation.
Motivation, though in this case is heavenly, is a key factor which most Saudi and Arab organizations lack — in fact it is very common for managers who are places as a result of their connections rather than competence to de-motivate talented and hardworking employees.

The Committee's re-branding includes a new fleet of vice-busting vehicles - Alriyadh Newspaper photo

However, back to the Religious Police – I believe they will soon realize that as any PR guru would say: spinning can only get you so far. The Committee is probably going through all these ‘outreach’ exercises because they feel they are loosing popularity; mainly because of the sometimes over-zealous and ‘un-carefully thought through’ practices of many of its officers.

A lot of Saudis believe that the Committee exists for a good cause — and that their actions are meant to be noble, while others think they should be abolished and that such interference in people’s daily lives should not be tolerated. There is no sign of the later scenario happening at all as the religious police remain a fact of life in Saudi Arabia, though the government has previously limited the Committee’s powers.

Yet, I believe that if they are to be kept; then a serious accountability act should be implemented, to make sure no member of the Religious Police would ever abuse the power he is given in the name of God.

The Committee still needs to answer to the large number of people they have caused tremendous and sometimes irreparable damage to; for no justified reason.

Let us not forget, It was only 8 years ago that the Committee of the Promotion of Vitue and Prevention of Vice were accused of preventing unrelated men from rescuing 14 school girls trapped in a burning building in the Holy City of Mecca, all of which died in that fire.

Share on Facebook

Related posts:

1. Mixing sexes in Saudi Arabia Not so terrible after all? Could the kingdom’s religious leaders be about to make...
2. Shoura to regulate the powers of the Haya’a In a move to regulate the powers of the...
3. Women in Saudi media under fire 1 March 2009 Riyadh: Thirty-five prominent Saudi figures including...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

4th Pediatrics Research Day

From 24.03.1431 To 24.03.1431 H From 09.03.2010 To 09.03.2010 G

The Pediatrics Research Day 2010, in its 4th edition, will focus on several topics related the research, including the importance of research, and how to overcome the difficulties facing researchers.

Share on Facebook

Related posts:

1. This Week: Workshops and Courses IDEA WORKSHOP (Women) From 02-02-1431 TO 02-02-1431 H From...
2. Riyadh 2010 Book Fair Timetable The Riyadh International Book Fair 2010 is the largest...
3. St. John Brighton Hospital $60m drug treatment centre in Riyadh A $60m 250-bed drug and alcohol addiction treatment centre...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The Dolce Group has done it again, bringing a new and very unique fine dining experience to Riyadh this past Saturday. Ketchup has taken American cuisine to the next level with its sophisticated spices and added touches to its traditional cooked at home by mom dishes. Mastered by executive chef Chris Tunnell, the menu is full of fun dishes with names like Scandalous Lobster Wraps and Shake ‘N’ Bake. Appetizers on the Shared Credit list include Barking Dogs: four mini Kobe beef hot dogs smothered in classic chili and decorated with cheddar and swiss cheeses and also the mouth watering Kobe ‘Burger’ Sliders on a fresh three cheese roll with cheddar cheese, bacon and homemade Ketchup.

Boasting not only classic American dishes with a twist, the dessert and drink menus bring anyone back to its childhood days. Featuring the “American Classic” with a homemade cream filled ding dong or the “Ice Cream Sandwich” with vanilla bean ice cream stuffed between two homemade Heath bar chocolate cookies. Even the popular Summer Lovin’ or 25th hour cocktails taste just like the fruit punch grandma makes with a splash of vodka. Overall, Ketchup restaurant is a fine dining experience that will soon be an American Classic. The geniuses at the Dolce Group have designed a rock inspired experience with traditional favorites, flawless service and such hip atmosphere it will no doubt be the newest Riyadh hang

Share on Facebook

Related posts:

1. Hotel Al Khozama introduces revolutionary brunch concept to Riyadh Riyadh’s Friday Brunch is now more than just a meal,...
2. New Zealand Natural Premium ice cream now in Riyadh New Zealand Natural now in Riyadh. Operating as a national...
3. Outback Steakhouse opens in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Outback Steakhouse International is proud to announce the first opening...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

(AFP) Two years after Wajiha Al-Huwaidar defied a Saudi ban on women driving by posting a video on the Internet showing her cruising in a remote area, she still dreams of getting behind the wheel like her other Gulf sisters.

Huwaidar’s brazen act on International Women’s Day 2008 was a symbolic gesture in the ultra-conservative kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where women’s rights lag way behind those in other nations in the oil-rich Gulf.

“I’m still dreaming of driving,” the women’s rights activist — whose 2008 You Tube video registered some 190,000 hits — told AFP in a telephone interview.

Unlike other Arab Gulf women, Saudi women still face an uphill struggle to gain political and social rights and need the consent of male guardians for almost everything, including obtaining a passport and travel.

Share on Facebook

Related posts:

1. Saudi scholar finds ancient women's rights By Andrew Hammond RIYADH (Reuters) – When clerics, ministers...
2. Saudi Women Launch International Campaign Against Guardianship A group of Saudi women have launched an international campaign...
3. Gulf nations to create a joint central bank, single currency At the Gulf Co-operation Council Summit in Kuwait, four of...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Saudi Arabia is on track to become the first wireless society in the Gulf, with more residents expected to sign up to broadband internet on their mobile devices than on personal computers in the next year.

The Saudi telecommunications market will become increasingly competitive this year, with new promotions for mobile broadband devices expected to flood the market, a media report said today.

“Kingdom’s telecoms sector is in a privileged position compared with other operators in the Gulf, as the country will continue to benefit from stable population growth, high disposable income and better economic prospects,” said Simon Simonian, a telecommunications analyst.

Mobile represents about 80 per cent of Saudi Arabia’s 52.3 billion riyal telecoms market and had sales growth of 10 per cent last year.

Share on Facebook

Related posts:

1. 02: Wifi HotSpots STC WiFi is a service dedicated for AFAQ SHAMEL...
2. Gulf nations to create a joint central bank, single currency At the Gulf Co-operation Council Summit in Kuwait, four of...
3. Women rights in Saudi lag behind other Gulf nations (AFP) Two years after Wajiha Al-Huwaidar defied a Saudi...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

An extension of our government from taking great interest in the business sector has the honor to defuse the opposition Foundation cordially invites you to participate in the exhibition “Riyadh Oasis International” to be held in the hall of the Kingdom of the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh during the period from 6 to March 8, 2010 and as follows:

• First day: Special invitations to the owners of princes and dignitaries and businessmen in Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Gulf and the members of the diplomatic corps in the Kingdom.
• Second day: Special invitations to women Highness princesses and ladies and businesswomen and wives of ambassadors in the UK
• Third Day: A general call for families from 4 pm to 11 pm.

This exhibition features attracting a wide range of leading enterprises and institutions globally, regionally and locally in the areas of investment, construction and real estate development sector and hotels and travel agencies, tourism and cars. In addition to the tastes of the pioneers in the carpet industry and jewelry designers. The aim of the exhibition “Riyadh Oasis International” to create opportunities for business networking among the participants and develop their businesses and marketing their products on a large scale. The exhibition place pass through media coverage and advertising by the great television channels, newspapers and specialist magazines. Finally, as they represent your company’s leading position in its field, we look forward to your participation and contribution to effective participation in this exhibition.
Objective of the exhibition:
Establish a forum for the most important services and products of local and international.
Encourage the private sector and development of marketing services in an atmosphere of privacy and luxury.

Share on Facebook

Related posts:

1. Riyadh Travel 2009 The first edition of Riyadh Travel 2009 which will...
2. International exhibition for higher education Jan 2010 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy...
3. Saudi Media Show 2009 Riyadh With exhibitors representing every possible aspect of the media advertising...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

“The Chocolate and Flower exhibition 2010″ which will be held under the patronage of H.R.H Princess Noura bint Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

This exhibition will be sponsored by famous chocolate companies who will setup a small chocolate making exhibit. The exhibit will feature flower shops, flower artist, event planners, event specialist, spas, luxury glassware and silverware retailers.

For more information please send an email to :
chocoflora.ksa@gmail.com

Share on Facebook

Related posts:

1. Nayyara Luxury Jewelry Exhibit Riyadh Nayyara will be hosting Jewelry Exhibit 2009 starting Oct 25-27...
2. Riyadh Oasis Exhibit 2010 An extension of our government from taking great interest...
3. Saudi Petrochem Exhibition 2010 The International Exhibition for Chemicals and Chemical Technology Industry...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The company plans to Saudi Research and Publishing Award broaden the base of «economic» the best work environment Saudi Arabia, which issued annually to include in 2010 the GCC release a list of the best work environment in the Gulf and in collaboration with our technical partner to the list of company «Tim Wen» Consulting.

The jury announced the list of «economic» the best work environment facility Saudi Arabia names 20 qualified for inclusion in the list in its fifty-third in 2009, after strong competition involving more than 40 facilities operating in Saudi Arabia. The Company has been awarded «KPMG» Fawzaan Sadhan and first place in the first category from the list of establishments with fewer than 500 employees, while the company was «ABB» Saudi Arabia, which is based in Riyadh-based in the first place in category second on the list and private enterprises that increase the number of employees to 500 employees.

In the following details:

Arbitration Committee announced the list of ”economic” the best work environment facility Saudi Arabia names 20 qualified for inclusion in the list in its fifty-third in 2009, after strong competition involving more than 40 facilities operating in Saudi Arabia

Best work environment in Saudi – Large Company

1. ABB Saudi Arabia www.sa.abb.com
2. Marafiq Electricity and Water (Jubail/Yanbou) www.marafiqi.com.sa
3. Alitifaq Metal production www.altuwairqi.com
4. Tasnee National Company www. tasnee.com
5. Al Zamil Industrial www.zamilindustrial.com
6. SipChem www.sipchem.com
7. Riyadh International Food Company www.mcdonalds.com.sa
8. Al Aziziah Panda Company www.panda.com.sa
9. Saudi Ready Mix Co. www.saudireadymix.com.sa
10. Abdul Muhsen AlHokair Company www.alhokair.com

Share on Facebook

Related posts:

1. BlackBerry Tour released into Saudi Market On Sateraday I went to Carrefour Hypermarket to pick...
2. Layout: Saudi Gov. unveiled Kingdom’s largest budget for 2010 The Saudi Government has recently unveiled the Kingdom’s largest...
3. Ministry decree forces Saudi businesswoman to close IT company (via itp.com) After a long hard fight against strict...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.