Crossroads Arabia

Expensive Kingdom: Why Projects Cost So Much More in KSA

Expensive Kingdom: Why Projects Cost So Much More in KSA

CROSSROADS ARABIA: Corruption, nepotism, the ridiculous cost of real estate in Saudi Arabia. These are just some of the reasons projects in the Kingdom cost so much

 Rob L. Wagner

Saudi Student in Boston: “I Did What Everyone Else Did. I Ran”

Saudi Student in Boston: “I Did What Everyone Else Did. I Ran”

ROB L. WAGNER: She thought is was just an accident – a pipe had fallen – but the basic human instinct to get away took over

 David Roberts

Applying ‘The Rumsfeld Test’ on the Kingdom

Applying ‘The Rumsfeld Test’ on the Kingdom

DAVID ROBERTS: Reading the runes of Saudi Arabia’s possible succession is an art, a science and a mystery wrapped in one.

 Crossroads Arabia

‘A Barbaric Act’: Courage Needed To Reinterpret Law

‘A Barbaric Act’: Courage Needed To Reinterpret Law

CROSSROADS ARABIA: The proposed paralysis of an individual in revenge for a criminal act ten years ago has created an international uproar. What can the Saudi authorities do?

 The View From Fez

Scams and Expense Hitting Mecca Pilgrims in Morocco

Scams and Expense Hitting Mecca Pilgrims in Morocco

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: There has been a marked increase in the number of scams as well as increased cost, two factors hitting religious pilgrims in Morocco

 Abu Muhammed

‘Time’s Wing’ed Chariot’: Moves Slowly in Jeddah

‘Time’s Wing’ed Chariot’: Moves Slowly in Jeddah

ABU MOHAMMED: Resign yourself to time spent doing nothing apart from sweating gently in uncomfortable seats as you follow the visa process

 Steve Royston

‘Kneel at the Altar of Productivity’. Or Perhaps Don’t.

‘Kneel at the Altar of Productivity’. Or Perhaps Don’t.

STEVE ROYSTON: Workers in the Middle East may be forgiven for pointing out the double standards of Western economists when discussing the issue of productivity

 Eman-Al-Nafjan

Women’s Rights in Kingdom: Fragile Progress Made

Women’s Rights in Kingdom: Fragile Progress Made

EMAN AL NAFJAN: It’s indisputable that women are making strides in Saudi Arabia but this progress could be swept aside at a stroke

 Eman-Al-Nafjan

Suffer Little Children: Time for Saudi Protection Laws

Suffer Little Children: Time for Saudi Protection Laws

EMAN AL NAFJAN: There have been so many horrific crimes reported against children with frighteningly lenient sentences. Enough is enough

 Rob L. Wagner

Snow Joke: Saudi Students ‘Enjoy’ U.S Storm

Snow Joke: Saudi Students ‘Enjoy’ U.S Storm

ROB L. WAGNER: While most US residents were wrapping up warm and hugging their radiators Saudi students were making ‘snow angels’.

 Richard Silverstein

Israel Falls to 112th in Press Freedom Index

Israel Falls to 112th in Press Freedom Index

RICHARD SILVERSTEIN: Israel has fallen 20 places in the Press Freedom Index. It now ranks below both Qatar and Kuwait. But is its ranking low enough?

 Crossroads Arabia

Strike: Pressure on Saudi Expat Workers Telling

Strike: Pressure on Saudi Expat Workers Telling

CROSSROADS ARABIA: A substantial number of expat workers went on strike in Riyadh this week. It’s indicative of larger issues beneath the surface

 Layla

Saudi-Arabia: Roads Not Paved in Gold For All

Saudi-Arabia: Roads Not Paved in Gold For All

LAYLA: The impression that foreigners in particular have of Saudi Arabia is that it is a land bathed in unbelievable wealth. For many citizens that is not so.

 Tabsir

‘You Have Two Cows…”: Alternative Take on Region

‘You Have Two Cows…”: Alternative Take on Region

KARIM SADJAPOUR, TABSIR: Politically correct it may not be but the ‘Two Cows’ version of today’s Middle East is certainly fun.

 Common Ground News Service

‘Real Gains’ Being Made by Women In Saudi Arabia

‘Real Gains’ Being Made by Women In Saudi Arabia

MAHA AKEEL, CGNEWS: The appointment of 30 extremely well-qualified women to the Shura Council is just the latest in a string of recent achievements for Saudi women.

 Crossroads Arabia

Fake Engineers Nabbed: But What Have They Built?

Fake Engineers Nabbed: But What Have They Built?

CROSSROADS ARABIA: The authorities in Saudi Arabia have uncovered more than 1,000 engineers who have false certificates. No word, though, on which projects they worked on.

 David Roberts

The Kingdom of Surprises: Engaging With Saudis

The Kingdom of Surprises: Engaging With Saudis

DAVID ROBERTS: It’s a while since I’ve left Qatar but the differences between the tiny peninsula state and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are striking

 James M. Dorsey

Equality on the Pitch: Women’s Football ‘on the Rise’

Equality on the Pitch: Women’s Football ‘on the Rise’

JAMES M. DORSEY: A newly launched campaign reflects the societal changes that are being felt throughout the Middle East today

 Crossroads Arabia

Saudi Death Row: 45 Foreign Maids To Be Executed

Saudi Death Row: 45 Foreign Maids To Be Executed

CROSSROADS ARABIA: The Saudi authorities have faced a firestorm of international criticism following the execution of a Sri Lankan maid. It might only be the beginning.

 Eman-Al-Nafjan

iPads and Infidels: Inaccurate, Superficial Saudi View

iPads and Infidels: Inaccurate, Superficial Saudi View

EMAN AL-NAFJAN: Here we go again – another foreigner rattles out yet another ‘analysis’ of Saudi Arabia that seems to have been pre-cooked.