Archive: saudi arabia
13th April 2010
An unnamed domestic worker died when she fell from the third floor of a residential building in Mecca. Her body was found in the street below on Sunday, Arab News reports.
The woman, whose nationality has not been disclosed, had arrived in Saudi Arabia two months earlier.
A police spokesman said: “… Read more
11th April 2010
This video clip is causing a stir in Saudi Arabia. It shows Sheikh Muhammad al-Nujaimi, chairman of the interior ministry's religious advisers, laughing and joking with a woman. Not only that, but the woman – horror of horrors – isn't even wearing hijab and the neckline of her dress is alarmingly… Read more
11th April 2010
When foreign domestic workers fall out with their employers in Arab countries, it's not uncommon for the employers to falsely accuse them of crimes. It's not uncommon, either, for police to believe the employers rather than the foreign workers.
Writing about the problems of housemaids in Lebanon… Read more
8th April 2010
In "Million's Poet", the TV talent contest for Arab poets that has been gripping millions of viewers in the Middle East, Nasser al Ajami, a 30-year-old Kuwaiti, walked away last night with the top prize of $1.36m.
Hissa Hilal, the controversial Saudi woman who recited her poems covered from head to… Read more
5th April 2010
I have received an email giving more information about the Saudi writer who is facing prosecution – and possible execution – for describing a Hadith of the Prophet as "barbaric". I reported the case here last month, but only the scantiest details were available at the time.
The writer concerned is… Read more
4th April 2010
Rather belatedly, the emo phenomenon has reached Saudi Arabia's eastern province and come to the attention of the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (aka the religious police). The authorities seem rather bemused by it – though obviously it's the work of the devil.
Al-… Read more
3rd April 2010
Saudi Arabia's Shura Council has won some sort of award from the Arab League for having the best "parliamentary" website among the league's member countries. The kingdom is to be "feted" at a presentation ceremony shortly.
Arab News says:
"The Shoura Council is currently implementing an e-… Read more
2nd April 2010
King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has called on his subjects topray for rain on Monday:
"All people should increase their repentance, seeking forgiveness and helping others, as well as increasing pious deeds such as giving to charities, performing prayers, remembrance of Allah and relieving the… Read more
30th March 2010
A Saudi prince was arrested for possession of cocaine last week during a "routine search" of passengers at Beirut airport. He was said to be carrying 16.3 grams of the drug, worth around $1,600.
The 51-year-old prince, who was identified only by his initials – YBAA – reportedly said the cocaine was… Read more
19th March 2010
I'm intrigued by a cryptic report in Arab News today which says "a number of people" are seeking to have an unnamed Saudi writer prosecuted for blasphemy.
The "offence" was apparently committed on the American-run al-Hurra TV channel, in a programme presented by Nadeen Al-Badr.
The male Saudi… Read more
ARAB ART ONLINE: Susan Hefuna: Al Sabr Gamil (Patience is Beautiful) 2007. Ink stained on wood 140 x 170 cm. More information | Click to enlarge
