Here are the World’s Most Powerful Arabs in 2019

Here are the World’s Most Powerful Arabs in 2019

As a region, the Middle East has been one of the earliest leading destinations when it comes to trade, religion, and other economic endeavor. Fast forward to today… the region still remains to be one of the strongest in the world.

Of note, the Middle East has also produced a number of great individuals who excelled in their fields of work, have contributed to the development of our world today, and made significant contributions to the entire human race. In this post, we will acknowledge some of the biggest personalities in 2019 who hailed from the Arab world, or are of Arab lineage.

Here are the World’s Most Powerful Arabs in 2019

[LIST] Meet 2019’s Most Powerful Arabs in the World

While the concept of power is subjective by nature, those who took up a personal or social cause and has wielded it in their own capacity to impact a change in their lives as well as to the rest of the world during or for the majority of their lifetime can be rightfully deemed ‘powerful’ in their own terms.

In this article, we will share a list of people who have rendered their lives for this cause, as curated in a report by the Arabian Business.

From Oscar-nominated film director Nadine Labaki, who changed the lives of amateur refugee actors by casting them in her feature film Capernaum (and convinced us to look at a unique piece of the world through their eyes) to Rashida Tlaib, who became the first Muslim woman to serve as the US Representative for Michigan’s 13th congressional district in 2019 and the first Palestinian-American woman in Congress.

And then there’s Ayman Hariri, who is taking on Facebook with his ad-free social app Vero and helping users ‘wake up to the high price of free’ as platforms continue to mine data, affecting privacy, mental health, and even national elections.

Let’s acknowledge and pay tribute to some of the great Arab men and women who have made an impact to the world and the way we live in it today. The list is presented in no particular order below:

  • Abdalla Sultan Al Owais – Al Rawabi Dairy Company UAE, Sharjah chamber of Commerce & Industry AND Sharjah Expo Centre
  • Abdallah Massaad – RAK Ceramics
  • Ahmed Abou Hashima – Egyptian Steel, Egyptian Cement, Egyptian Contracting and Egyptian Media Group
  • Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair – CEO, Mashreq Bank
  • Abdulaziz Al-Sowailim – EY Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
  • Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri – Sharjah Book Authority
  • Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum – Emirates Group
  • Aisha Bin Bishr – Smart Dubai Office
  • Ali Rashid Lootah – Nakheel
  • Amal Clooney – Doughty Street Chambers
  • Amin Nasser – Saudi Aramco
  • Badr Al Olama – Aerospace and Defence, Mubadala Investment Company; Organising Committee, Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit
  • Ayman Hariri – CEO, Vero
  • Badr Jafar – Crescent Enterprises
  • Carlos Slim Helu – America Movil
  • Elie Saab – Elie Saab Fashion
  • Cherif Sleiman – Infoblox
  • Fadi Jawad – Eurotech Oil and Gas Training and LABNANA Lebanese Initiative
  • Fadi Ghandour – Wamda Capital
  • Fairuz – Singer
  • Fatima Al Jaber – Board Member, Al Jaber Group
  • Ghaith Al Ghaith – Flydubai
  • Farid Chedid – Chedid Capital group of companies
  • Dr. Habib Al Mulla – Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla
  • Huda Kattan – Huda Beauty
  • Hussain Sajwani – Damac Holding
  • Jassim Alseddiqi – Abu Dhabi Financial Group
  • Ismail Al Hammadi – CEO, Al Ruwad Real Estate and Biznet Consulting
  • Jamal Abdulla Lootah – Imdaad
  • Khaled Al Huraimel – CEO, Bee’ah
  • Lubna Olayan – SABB, Alawwal Bank
  • Majid Al Futtaim – Majid Al Futtaim
  • Mansour Bin Jabr – Bin Jabr Group
  • Mohamed Hadid – Hadid Design and Development Group
  • Michel Accad – Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK)
  • Marwan Bin Jassim Al Sarkal – Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq)
  • Mazin Khoury – American Express Middle East
  • Mohamed Alabbar – Emaar Properties
  • Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa Al Hammadi – United Eastern Medical Services (UEMedical)
  • Mohamed Salah – Athlete, Liverpool FC and Egypt
  • Nadine Labaki – Actress, Director
  • Naguib Sawiris – Orascom
  • Najla Al Midfa – Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre
  • Nashwa Al Ruwaini – Pyramedia, Al Joude Investments, al Joude Advertising and Publicity, Delma Medical Centre
  • Nidal Abou-Ltaif – Avaya International
  • Randa Bessiso – The University of Manchester
  • Rashid Al Ghurair – MENA Energy
  • HE Reem Abdel Rahim BinKaram – NAMA Women Advancement Establishment
  • Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Al Saud – Kingdom Holding
  • Rashida Tlaib – US House of Representatives
  • Nasser Sulaiman Al-Nasser – Saudi Telecom Co.
  • Rami Malek – Actor
  • Reem Al Hashimy – UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Expo 2020
  • Saif Belhasa – Saif Belhasa Group of Companies
  • Rola Abu Manneh – Standard Chartered Bank, UAE
  • Zayed Hussein Al Baddad – Senior Executve, ALBADDAD Capital Group, ALBADDAD Real Estate Group, ALBADDAD Holding Group, ALBADDAD Manasik Holding

These people have all proven their worth in their chosen field or profession, and in the process, have brought prestige and honour not only to themselves, but also to the Arab race.

 ALSO READ: Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment in Support of Women Empowerment

[WATCH] Catch Breathtaking Views from Dubai’s Newest Landmark

[WATCH] Catch Breath-taking Views at the Newest Dubai Landmark

As the city opens to more tourists through the help of the initiatives set by the national government, more promotions, as well as new entertainment facilities are set to open within the year, adding to the excitement both visitors and guests are already experiencing so to speak.

Soon, another new landmark destination will provide visitors and residents the opportunity to see the city from a different vantage point, one that is sure to take our breaths away, for its historic relevance as well as aesthetic value.

[WATCH] Catch Breath-taking Views at the Newest Dubai Landmark
Credits: Achim/Flickr

[VIDEO] Dubai’s Newest Landmark to Offer Exhilarating Views of the City

Very soon, master developer Nakheel is looking to establish another stunning landmark attraction to Dubai’s recreation and leisure amenities with The View at The Palm, a public observation deck towering 240 metres above the world-famous Palm Jumeirah, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.

With its easy accessibility from Nakheel Mall, the observatory will offer spectacular, unobstructed views of The Palm, the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline, highlighting the incredible story behind the making of the island that put Dubai on the global map.

Catch the promotional video here shared by the Dubai Media Office via Twitter:

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

The View at The Palm, for which a contract was signed last month, is located on the top level, 52nd floor of The Palm Tower, at the heart of the island.  The observation deck, which includes a VIP lounge and areas for private events, is expected to be completed very soon.

According to Omar Khoory, Managing Director of Nakheel Malls, “The View at The Palm will combine awe-inspiring, breath-taking views with an interactive, educational experience about the creation of the iconic Palm Jumeirah. This stunning new attraction – the only location in Dubai offering this unique experience – will be a magnet for residents and tourists.”

Guests of the scenic observation dock will start their journey at the roof plaza of Nakheel Mall, where they will find an interactive museum and gallery dedicated to the creation of Palm Jumeirah. From there, an elevator, complete with a floor-to-ceiling digital sea, sand and sky experience, will take them on the three minute ascent to the observatory at the top of The Palm Tower, where they can marvel at the island beneath them, and enjoy 360 degree views of Dubai.

Upon returning to the ground, guests can relax and enjoy the delightful delicacies offered at The View café or browse the gift shop at the Nakheel Mall roof plaza.

Visitors to The View will be able to purchase their tickets online, by phone or in person at the Nakheel Mall roof plaza, for a day or night experience, whatever fits to their liking.

The Palm Tower, Nakheel’s newest and soon-to-be iconic landmark for Dubai, includes a St. Regis hotel and luxury residences, with a rooftop infinity pool and restaurant underneath the viewing deck.  The tower is directly connected to the Nakheel Mall, which is set to open this year.  Nakheel Mall has over 350 shops, restaurants and attractions, and its own Palm Monorail station.

ALSO READ: Dubai’s ‘Heart of Europe’ Investors to Qualify for Moldovan Passport

UAE Offers Full Ownership to Foreign Investors in 122 Sectors

UAE Offers Full Ownership to Foreign Investors in 122 Sectors

As the UAE government takes its a society in the direction where people are more accepting and tolerant of others, especially towards foreign nationals in the country, as capped by the recent move by the government to offer permanent residence status to expats that have made significant contributions in the society through their years of stay in the country, new measures are still being developed to help boost the country’s economic activities – again, through the aid of interested foreign investors.

The decision can be regarded as the country entirely opening up to the rest of the world to welcome and achieve globalization within its own domain and conditions.

UAE Offers Full Ownership to Foreign Investors in 122 Sectors
Credits: WAM

Investors Can Now Fully Own Businesses in 122 Sectors in UAE

On this regard, the UAE government once again made another historic announcement on Tuesday (July 2), as it offered 100 percent foreign ownership in 122 economic sectors, as shared in a report by WAM.

The announcement was made by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai via his official Twitter page on June 2.

A total of 122 economic activities across 13 sectors were identified to become eligible for up to 100 percent foreign ownership such as renewable energy, space, agriculture, and manufacturing industry, among others.

The decision presents investors an opportunity to acquire various shares in a number of economic activities including the production of solar panels, power transformers, green technology, and hybrid power plants.

Other areas opened to foreign ownership include hospitality and food services, information and communications, as well as professional, scientific and technical activities, thereby allowing for ownership in laboratories for research and development in biotechnology. The list also includes administrative services, support services, educational activities, healthcare, art and entertainment, and construction.

In his tweet, Sheikh Mohammed announced, “Today, I chaired a session of the Council of Ministers in Abu Dhabi, during which we adopted a resolution allowing 100 percent foreign ownership in UAE’s 122 economic sectors – giving foreigners 100 per cent ownership of their investment. Sectors include agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, e-commerce, transportation, arts, construction, entertainment among others.

The decision further strengthens expats’ hold on the country’s economy alongside the new visa scheme implemented by the government creating new opportunities for foreign nationals to take part in the growth and development of the UAE’s economy across a wide range of industries, both established and being developed at the moment.

ALSO READ: UAE Announces Charges for New Long-term & Multiple-entry Visas

Oman Extends Hiring Ban on 4 Professions

Oman Extends Hiring Ban on 4 Professions

As the government’s nationalisation programme pushes full steam ahead, measures that curb or discourage the entry and hiring of expats are to be expected. For the longest time and up to this day, the Sultanate has greatly benefited from the contributions of foreign workers across a number industries and businesses, as well as to its general economic performance.

However, as with the rest of the countries in the Gulf region, dependence of foreign labour proves to be unsustainable and detrimental to the countries’ social systems, which also ultimately affects the citizens of the state. It is for this reason that nationalisation programmes have been introduced in several countries in the Middle East, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.

Oman Extends Hiring Ban on 4 Professions

No Hiring of These Professions in Oman for the Next 6 Months

In this regard, His Excellence Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Abdullah al Bakri, Minister of Manpower has issued a decision (No 322/2019) to extend the temporary ban on hiring of expatriates in four professions, as shared in a report by the Muscat Daily.

As such, the Ministry of Manpower (MoM) placed a hiring ban on visas for expatriate carpenters, metallurgy workers, blacksmiths and brick kiln workers for another six months. The decision was put into effect on July 3, and is expected to take effect until early next year.

The Ministerial Decision No 322/2019 was issued on June 25. The ministry had first issued the temporary ban in 2014 (Decision No 122/2014) noting that the hiring ban will apply only to new visas. The decision curbs the hiring of expatriate manpower in private sector firms, to allow more nationals to join the workforce.

However, companies registered as excellent or are of international grade, consultancies and those implementing government projects will not be affected by the measure. It will also not apply to firms that are managed by their owners and registered with Riyada and insured with the Public Authority for Social Insurance.

As of last year, wide demonstrations have been observed in the country due to the high unemployment rate among Omani nationals. In response to this, the Ministry of Manpower has issued three decisions
(487, 488, 489 /2018) that regulate recruitment of expatriate professions.

And as part of the national government’s efforts to address the high unemployment in the Sultanate, government officials announced in December last year that it would begin efforts to create 25,000 new jobs in an effort to reduce high unemployment.

A huge part of the new jobs (60%) are said to come from the public sector, while private sector companies would be provided with incentives to hire nationals instead of expatriates.

ALSO READ: Oman to Introduce Expat Visa Ban for Senior Management Roles

Saudi Offers Permanent Residency for USD 213,000

Saudi Offers Permanent Residency for USD 213,000

The Middle East has been known for being extremely conservative on immigration laws, especially those that deal with permanent residency. Ten years ago, gaining permanent residency in countries in the region was not up for any kind of discussion.

However, upon seeing the benefits of acquiring “high-profile” foreign nationals in light of the current economic situation in the region, Gulf countries are now considering getting help from foreign nationals in the form of gaining economic favours in exchange for residency status – but not without a price.

Saudi Offers Permanent Residency for USD 213,000

Saudi Gov’t Launches Special Residency Scheme to Attract Foreign Investments

In this light, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced that expats can now apply for permanent residency in a new program designed to attract foreign investment, as shared in a report by the Business Recorder.

The new scheme, though, does not come without a cost. The special permanent residency status is priced at a whopping USD 213,000 (SAR 800,000), whereas a cheaper alternative offers the same status for up to a year only, which is priced at USD 27,000 (SAR 100,000).

The special residency scheme is aimed at luring wealthy expats as the oil-rich Gulf state seeks to boost income from non-petrol sources.

The scheme will allow expats conduct business without a Saudi sponsor, buy property, and sponsor visas for relatives.

Furthermore, economic analysts claim that the programme will largely benefit wealthy Arabs who have lived in Saudi Arabia for many years without permanent residency or multinational companies seeking to do long-term business in the kingdom.

The decision was approved last month, but the programme has only begun accepting applications last Sunday (June 23) through the government’s official special permanent residency portal.

Other than the fee, applicants must be at least 21-years-old; can provide financial solvency; have no criminal record, and receive a clean bill of health.

As per the PRC, holders of premium residency are entitled to rights and privileges which include:

1) Residence in the Kingdom with his/her family i.e. spouse(s), and children (not exceeding 21 years of age)

2) Visit visas for relatives

3) Recruitment of domestic workers from abroad according to his/her needs

4) Ownership of real estate for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes in Saudi Arabia except for Mecca, Medina and border areas

5) Usufruct rights on real property located in the cities of Mecca and Medina for a period not exceeding 99 years

6) Ownership of private means of transportation and other similar

7) Working at private establishments with the ability to change jobs. This shall extend to family members

8) Exiting and entering the Kingdom at his/her own accord

9) Use of lanes designated for Saudis at the Kingdom’s exit and entry points

10) Engagement in business activities, in accordance with the Foreign Investment Law

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has seen a massive exodus of foreign workers amid rising costs after the government imposed fees on dependents and restricted foreigners from working in certain sectors, to provide job opportunities to more Saudi nationals.

ALSO READ: Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment in Support of Women Empowerment

Manpower Ministry to Rectify Work Status of Over 16,000 Expats in Oman

Manpower Ministry to Rectify Work Status of Over 16,000 Expats in Oman

As the sultanate focuses on including more citizens in the workforce at the expense of foreign nationals, the government is continuously improving its system to create an environment that would limit the number of expat workers to the minimum in industries that have a dire need for their services only.

However, for this to happen, several steps from the national government must be coordinated with various ministries and stakeholders (companies and employers) involved.

Manpower Ministry to Rectify Work Status of Over 16,000 Expats in Oman
Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Status of Over 16K Expats in Oman to be Reviewed by Ministry

As such, the Ministry of Manpower has recently called on 67 employers owning 1,479 establishments with 8,228 expatriate workers to correct their job status as part of the move to regulate the job market, as shared in a report by the Muscat Daily.

According to the ministry, around 22 employers running 1,100 firms and employing 2,599 expatriates have spoken to its officials to solve the job status of the employees concerned.

The MoM, however, also noted that it has not been able to reach 23 employers owning 862 firms with 5,175 expatriate workers.

Nevertheless, the ministry shared that it will continue to regulate the job market in accordance with the Omani Labour Law through visits to private sector establishments.

In line with this, the MoM said, “We urge all employers to ensure that they comply with the applicable procedures of the labour law. We will take legal action against those found violating the law. We appeal to all institutions to cooperate in this matter.”

The job status of foreign workers in Oman is mainly tied to the issuance of an NOC – wherein if an expat wants to change jobs in Oman they need a release letter from their employer stating that they allowed an expat to seek employment with another company in the Sultanate. It’s important to stay on the good side of one’s employer as a person is generally not allowed to live in Oman if they are not employed. Expat workers must have sponsorship, and that sponsorship ends when employment does. Expats will be required to obtain an alternative visa immediately or they will be staying in the country illegally.

This being the case, the government has also set certain provisions in the law that would protect the rights of foreign workers against being tagged as absconding despite receiving their NOC from their latest employer.

Based on the law, an absconding report cannot be submitted “if the employer has given the worker a letter of no objection to the transfer of the worker’s services to another employer, and then reports the worker absconding before the end of the period granted to him/her, which is 30 days to transfer his/her services to another employer”, and in the case of a dispute between the employer and the employee arising before filing the absconding report.

In the case of companies/employers that fail to comply with the provisions of the labour law or its regulations, they will be suspended from receiving any services from the ministry for a year.

ALSO READ: Oman to Introduce Expat Visa Ban for Senior Management Roles

Dubai Airports Launch Trial Use of ‘Paper-Free Travel’ Biometric ID System

Dubai Airports Launch Trial Use of ‘Paper-Free Travel’ Biometric ID System

Where technology is cultivated in places like the UAE, residents can expect new innovations that would benefit them in processes that could further be enhanced by digital applications, or in some cases, even artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

And as the UAE government aims to promote the country as a global nation where both residents and guests can enjoy convenient living through the aid of digital processes and systems, sectors such as retail, aviation, and financing, where information processing can easily be transitioned to digital technology, are most likely to benefit the most.

Dubai Airports Launch Trial Use of ‘Paper-Free Travel’ Biometric ID System
Credits: DXB Facebook Page

‘Passport-Free’ Travel to be adopted by Dubai Airports

In line with this, Dubai Airports and the Emirates airline are testing plans to replace traditional passport and paper travel documents with biometrics and face recognition, which is expected to significantly increase the ease and speed by which passengers can move quickly from check-in to their aircraft seat, as shared in a report by the Arabian Business.

The new system, which is known as ‘One ID’ has already undergone trial on flights between London and Dubai, and further trials will be held on flights between Dubai and Australia later this year.

According to Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths, “We ran a trial between London Gatwick and Dubai… and we’re now trying to expand that.”

Griffiths added that the trial confirmed the feasibility of the new technology, in which the idea of a single identity applied in different locations works, and that it can be adopted to work globally.

The One ID system will be used across check-in desks, passport control counters, duty-free shops, airport lounges and boarding queues.

“The vision for One ID is a paperless travel experience where passengers can fly around the world safely and securely using only their individual biometric data. This will be achieved using a trusted digital identity, biometric recognition technology, and a collaborative identity management platform accessible to various authorised stakeholders,” explained IATA Director General and CEO, Alexandre de Juniac.

Furthermore, a Dubai Airports spokesperson confirmed that the One ID trials will begin later this year.

At present, the Dubai International Airport holds the title of the world’s busiest international airport and last year its annual traffic surpassed 89.1 million. The airport also managed to reduce waiting times by 28 percent, a feat reportedly achieved thanks to the airport’s introduction of smart gates and an advanced operations centre.

ALSO READ: UAE Announces Charges for New Long-term & Multiple-entry Visas

Saudi Reveals Master Plan for Qiddiya Mega Project, ‘Capital of Entertainment’

qiddiya mega project

With a number of national governments in the Middle East now focusing on non-petrol revenue sources, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has invested on infrastructure and commercial projects that would boost national revenue through tourism, among others.

The move can be seen as part of the kingdom’s effort not only to promote tourism and boost revenue, but also to create new experiences that uniquely highlights Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and traditions, in combination with modern aesthetic designs as well as “green technology.”

qiddiya mega project
Credits: Saudi Press Agency

Master Plan for KSA’s ‘Capital of Entertainment’ Project Unveiled

Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya Investment Company has unveiled the master plan for the Qiddiya mega-project, which Saudi officials have introduced as the kingdom’s one-day “Capital of Entertainment,” as shared in a report by Arabian Business.

The Qiddiya mega-project will bring together “the elements for an active, healthy and ambitious lifestyle” and create “a series of pedestrian-oriented spaces that encourage discovery, trial and enjoyment.”

According to Michael Reininger, Qiddiya Investment Company’s CEO, “The people of Saudi Arabia share the universal desire for enriching experiences, and our plan allows Qiddiya to unlock access to these experiences in a new and culturally relevant way, encouraging personal and professional pursuits that foster enrichment.”

The infrastructure design, developed in collaboration with Denmark-based Bjarke Ingles Group, includes a ‘green-belt’ network that will carry visitors throughout the property on roads, bicycle pathways, and walkways.

Situated 45 km from the kingdom’s capital, the 334 sq km site envisions the development of only around 30 percent of the land, leaving the rest for natural conservation purposes.

For his part, Bob Ward, the chairman of the Qiddiya Advisory Board shared that the project will set a new global standard for the seamless integration of visitor-focused experiences and an innovative mix of programme pieces, delivering an unparalleled entertainment destination.

Furthermore, the property is organised around five primary development ‘nodes,’ each with a unique purpose.

For example, the ‘Resort’ core, will include four gated-attractions surrounding a central retail, dining, and entertainment district with a number of hotels.

Nearby this district will be an outdoor venue capable of hosting crowds of between 5,000 and 40,000 visitors, which will also offer skating and skiing facilities for guests.

The project which is set to open in 2022 will also feature Six Flags Qiddiya, along with a separate water-oriented park.

The property will also feature a ‘speed park’ focused on motor sports that will include tracks, showrooms, a driver’s club, as well as a luxury hotel.

ALSO READ: Saudi Arabia Recognized as 1st Arab Country to Become Member of FATF

Now, Residents Can Update Latin Names on Civil ID Cards Online – PACI

Now, Residents Can Update Latin Names on Civil ID Cards Online – PACI

This year, the Ministry of Interior in Kuwait announced that it will no longer issue residency stickers on expat’s travel documents. Instead, this will be incorporated on their Civil IDs when they renew their residency status in the country.

However, when this update was implemented, there have been serious problems encountered by expats with their Civil ID card information, as this was filled with serious errors (i.e. spelling, wrong information), which were found to be mainly due to personnel handling, as per the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI).

Now, Residents Can Update Latin Names on Civil ID Cards Online – PACI
Credits: PACI

PACI No Longer Offers Services to Change Latin Names on Civil IDs

Because of this phenomenon, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) has directed the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) to stop offering services related to correcting the Latin names of residents, and designed this function to be done by residents online from now on, as shared in a report by the Arab Times Online.

However, the PACI also clarified that it will continue to offer electronic services for Latin names in terms of checking it before printing the civil ID card or after it has been corrected, but will not to make the corrections themselves, as done previously.

The update maintains that the correction of the names will now be done by the immigration departments (Computer Department) in every governorate. Furthermore, the PACI no longer receives requests for correction of names which is done through the automated system.

However, the ministry clarified that the PACI will still accept requests for services to correct an error in the civil card which has already been issued after cross checking with the document issued by the Ministry of Interior.

Since the implementation of Civil ID renewal services back in March, which aims to do away with the residence sticker on the passport, the number of transactions of this type has exceeded 250,000 at a rate of up to 20,000 IDs per day and the IDs were noted to be full of errors committed by the employees of the Interior Ministry.

There were even some residents who claimed that prior to their renewal of Civil IDs, the names on their documents were correct both in Arabic and English, but after the renewal they were shocked to find glaring mistakes and inaccurate details which forced them to visit the immigration departments again and submit requests for correction for which they had to wait in queue for hours.

Some of these residents pointed out that some departments had earlier managed to correct the name after a request was submitted without requiring them to wait for completion of transactions since this was done through SMS notification. However, this process was not standardized across all departments, which led to confusion and more issues in handling these transactions.

Meanwhile, those who wish to correct the names on their civil ID may file the changes through the PACI’s website.

ALSO READ: [LABOUR LAW GUIDE] Understanding the Probation Period in Kuwait

Saudi Arabia Recognized as 1st Arab Country to Become Member of FATF

Saudi Arabia Recognized as 1st Arab Country to Become Member of FATF

With so much going on in the Kingdom as of late in terms of policy reforms, as well as the government’s nationalization programme, it can be said that Saudi Arabia has been steadily making leaps and bounds as a global country.

And to add to its current accomplishments, the Kingdom has also become recognized from being an “observer” member in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) into a full-fledged member of the global money-laundering watchdog starting this year.

Saudi Arabia Recognized as 1st Arab Country to Become Member of FATF

Saudi Becomes is First Arab Country to Receive FATF Membership

The accession came as the FATF celebrated the 30th anniversary of its first meeting held in Paris in 1989. This makes Saudi Arabia as the first Arab country to be granted full membership of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), as shared in a report by the Saudi Press Agency.

The Kingdom was officially admitted into the organization after the group’s meeting in Orlando, Florida, on Friday (June 21), since it was first invited in 2015 to join as an “observer member.”

Saudi Arabia had been a founding member of the MENA arm of the group since November 2004, and the Kingdom’s full membership came after it was reported to have made “tangible progress” and for its efforts in implementing the FATF’s guidelines.

The FATF is the task force responsible for issuing international standards, policies, and best practices to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 by the Ministers of its Member jurisdictions.  The FATF, as an international organization, aims to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.  The FATF also functions as a “policy-making body” which works to generate the necessary political will to bring about national legislative and regulatory reforms in all concerned areas.

This development reinforces Saudi Arabia’s neutral position in the ongoing commotion in the region, and assures onlookers where the country’s vested interests are at.

With the kingdom becoming an FATF member, the number of permanent members in the group is now 39.

This is definitely good news for the residents of the Kingdom, because being recognized by an international body that standardizes financial protection and global security speaks volumes of a country’s leadership and political will in keeping with the standards to protect the greater global community.

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