Stories about Saudi Arabia from May, 2009
UAE and Saudi Arabia: “It's Gonna Be a Scorcher!”
The Hollywood film Ishtar, about lounge singers in Morocco who get caught up in an international plot between the CIA and the "Emir of Ishtar" is memorable but for one line: "It's gonna be a scorcher!" This past week, Gulf residents have found themselves saying just that, as temperatures in the region rose well into the 40s (Celsius). The Saudi and UAE Twitterspheres have their say.
Saudi Arabia: Beheadings in the Kingdom
Stilettos in the Sand, from Saudi Arabia, discusses beheading in the kingdom and notes: “The crimes punishable by beheading, or execution, are: rape, murder, apostasy, armed robbery and drug trafficking.”
Saudi Arabia: Tweetup Planned for June 4
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is gearing up for its second Tweetup, which aims to bring together people located in the Saudi capital who use Twitter to socialise and meet face to face. The segregated event, will be held on June 4, from 8.30pm to 10pm. More details are available here.
Saudi Arabia: Why domestic violence will continue?
From Saudi Arabia, Nzingha shares her thoughts on why domestic violence will continue in the kingdom – where laws have remained unchanged despite the opening of shelters for women and the numerous conferences and meetings held to address this issue.
Saudi Arabia: Municipal Elections Put off for Two Years
Saudi blogger Saudi Jeans notes: “It’s official now. The municipal elections will be put off for two years, but instead of saying we are delaying the elections they came out today saying they will extend the mandate of municipal councils by two years. Classic.”
Saudi Arabia: Will Swine Flu Threaten Hajj?
Every year millions of Muslims converge to Mecca to perform Hajj (pilgrimage), one of the five pillars of Islam. Is this year's Hajj season being threatened by the A/H1N1 or Swine Flu virus? Bloggers commenting on the region weigh in.
Saudi Arabia: Thoughts from a London Trip
Saudi blogger Prometheus [Ar] is just back from the UK and shares his impressions from his visit and the people he saw there in this post. During his visit, he tells us about the books which are banned in our countries and are available in London, and the open heated debates between the media and politicians which are beamed on television screens. Read to the end to see his final conclusion.
UAE: Susan's in Saudi Arabia
Susan, a Dubai-based blogger, visits Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on a business trip. Read her impressions and watch her video at amazingwomenrock.com.
Egypt: Obama to Address Muslim World from Egypt
The date is all set. US President Barack Hussain Obama will deliver his much anticipated speech on relations with the Muslim world in Egypt on June 4 and the Egyptian blogosphere is as divided as ever, with some questioning whether Obama will turn a blind eye to the country's human rights record. And although the speech and its content and impact on relations with the region are taking a backseat for the moment, the pressing question on many bloggers' minds is: "Why Egypt?"
Saudi Arabia: Why are they better than us?
After a visit to the the UK's capital London, Saudi blogger Prometheus [Ar] asks: “As I was looking at all those monumental achievements, I asked myself: Why don't we have similar things? We aren't any less than others. We have immense wealth which, if it was used properly, our conditions...
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Jeans Marks 5th Anniversary
“Today marks the fifth anniversary of Saudi Jeans. What I started as place to have fun and improve my English has become one of the most well-known blogs in the Middle East,” writes Saudi blogger Ahmed Al Omran.
Jordan: Message to Saudis
Jordanian blogger Hareega shares his thoughts on Saudi Arabia's underage brides in this post.
Saudi Arabia: Women not allowed
Saudi blogger Aysha Alkusayer describes how her hopes were dashed after being turned away from an audition, which was supposedly open to both sexes, in Riyadh. “Today I hoped and this was wrong. It is probably best to believe that discrimination against, race, gender or faith would never change,” she...
Saudi Arabia: “Why I don't feel like blogging?”
Saudi blogger Mashi Sa7 [Ar] wonders whether his lack of interest in blogging stems from the fact that his country is one of the worst 10 countries to be a blogger in, according to a recent report published by the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Saudi Arabia: Dan Brown Vs Arab Authors
Saudi blogger Ndhm [ar] is looking forward to the Arabic translation of Dan Brown's latest book The Lost Symbol. The blogger notes: “It took him five years to write the story which takes place in 12 hours. This reminds me of great Arab authors, who come up with a new...
Saudi Arabia: Journalist Al Rabea Arrested
Saudi Arabian blogger Tamem [ar] reports on the arrest of journalist Adel Al Rabea and notes: “It is no surprise that Saudi Arabia heads the list of countries considered as enemies of the Internet. If this is how journalists are treated, what is the situation of bloggers?”
