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Prison in Saudi Arabia Offers Rehab to Prisoners via Entertainment Programmes

Prison in Saudi Arabia Offers Rehabilitation to Prisoners with Entertainment Programmes

Muslim countries including Saudi Arabia have been widely known to impose strict punishments to violators of the law, even with the most severe of them all – capital punishment, which still exists until this day.

And while legalities and practices vary from one country to another, there are some places which take a different approach than what has been traditionally prescribed by the law. This coincides with the belief that punishment must only be corrective, but not rehabilitative – a problem faced by prison facilities as the number of prisoners continues to go up.

Entertainment Programs Among Rehab Efforts Provided by Saudi Prison

However, a Saudi prison provides inmates with entertainment programs to help rehabilitate them into society, as shared in a report by the Saudi Gazette.

Jeddah’s Briman Prison has entered a partnership with the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) to provide detainees a range of programs aimed at rehabilitation which include theatre, music, and other forms of entertainment. The programs also offer an opportunity to take part in the prison’s activities and performances are available to the inmates’ families.

This initiative is part of the kingdom’s rehabilitative efforts to give care for the inmates and help them restore their function and productivity in society.

As per the website of Saudi Ministry of Interior, “The General Directorate of Prisons is fully aware of the important role it has in the area of rehabilitation and care that inmates require. There is no doubt that the programs of training, rehabilitation and employment of prisoners play a key role in the success of this reform policy.”

For his part, GEA’s chair Turki Al Al-Sheikh explained that the program is also part of the Saudi Vision 2030, stating that 2019 is the year of entertainment, with new live shows and performances in the kingdom.

Under this vision, the activities of the prison, in accordance with the program of the Interior Ministry, also include thiqah (confidence) program, aimed to help prisoners about to be released to prepare them to normal lives as free men.

While unorthodox, the move by Saudi authorities also addresses the need for detainees to reintegrate into society after they have served prison time for the crimes that they have committed, considering the fact that prison space is getting crowded, and budget to sustain such facilities also wear down on the kingdom’s economy.

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Here are the Booming Job Sectors in UAE, Saudi Arabia

As countries in the Middle East such as the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are moving away from its heavy dependence on their oil industries, people are now wondering which industries will take over in these historically petrol-dependent nations in the region.

You may have certain guesses, especially when you’ve been following the news in the region, but to be objective about it, let us take a look at the numbers and let them do the talking.

Get to Know the Emerging Top Industries in UAE, Saudi Arabia

According to the latest Monster Employment Index (MEI), technology and tourism jobs in Saudi Arabia saw significant growth in the second quarter of 2019.

In general, the kingdom has registered a 13 percent growth in online job postings in Q2 compared to the same period last year.

The growth in these industries was led by the IT and Telecom/ISP industry and occupations in Hospitality, which registered growth of 29 percent and 22 percent, respectively.

This growth in online hiring is expected to persist as the kingdom rapidly transforms almost every sector with cutting-edge technology, Monster shared in a statement.

Similarly, recent research by KPMG also projects that the hospitality sector is expected to grow by 4,000 rooms, equating to 35 percent, by 2023.

Based on the results of MEI’s Q2 survey, Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI), Marketing (including Advertising, Market Research, Public Relations, Media and Entertainment), and Oil and Gas have registered growth at 16 percent, 15 percent and 14 percent, respectively.

Of note, retail was the only industry to register a decline, falling 5 percent from the numbers posted in Q2 of last year.

Regionally, Monster acknowledged the UAE’s steady growth at 18 percent ahead of its neighbouring countries such as Saudi Arabia and then Kuwait at 10 percent. Oman was the only nation to show a slight drop in online hiring with a 4 percent decline from Q2 2018.

Industries in the UAE which registered growth in the Q2 MEI were Production (including Manufacturing, Automotive and Ancillary) at 12 percent, along with Oil and Gas, and IT and Telecom/ISP at 8 percent each. Meanwhile, Engineering, Construction and Real Estate registered the largest decline with a fall of 19 percent from Q2 2018.

In terms of sectoral growth in the region, the IT and Telecom industry posted stellar numbers of growth, going up by 18 percent from the same period last year, followed by Retail, Trade and Logistics at 7 percent.

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Saudi Arabia Introduces Special Website for Qatari Hajj Pilgrims

August will mark a special time for Muslims all over the world as this is related to the annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, known as hajj.

That being said, movement is expected among pilgrims in the region and from the rest of the world. However, with the on-going tension happening in the Middle East, involving key countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, even religious practices such as the annual pilgrimage to Mecca are being affected as early as now.

Saudi Launches New Website for Qatari Hajj Pilgrims

In preparation for the hajj, Saudi Arabia has set up a special website to facilitate Qatari Hajj pilgrims this year – after Qatari authorities have reportedly blocked electronic links, hindering their citizens from applying for Hajj, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.

As per the instruction by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, the ministry of Haj and Umrah has completed all necessary arrangements to serve Qataris intending to perform Hajj this year, through a special website to enable them to register their data and choose the service that suits their needs.

In line with this, ministry authorities called on Qatari authorities to stop blocking electronic or online links, and, instead cooperate with Saudi Arabia to enable their citizens to perform Haj comfortably, as part of their commitment to the faith.

Furthermore, Qatari pilgrims can now book Umrah packages upon their arrival in Saudi Arabia, and will not to have to do so while in Qatar or online.

Qatari pilgrims will be able to do this at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport which is the main port of entry for most of them.

The decision to open new avenues for Qatari pilgrims to perform Hajj this year, reflects the Kingdom’s openness to welcome Qatari nationals to perform pilgrimages to the Kingdom, even as there’s a diplomatic rift between the two nations.

In Islam, Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all able-bodied Muslims are required to perform it at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage is seen as a chance to wipe clean past sins and start anew. Many seek to deepen their faith through the Hajj, with women taking on the Islamic hair covering known as “hijab” upon returning from this journey.

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Over 450 Female Drivers Hired in Saudi Arabia in Q1 of 2019

As the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia heads towards a period in its history, where acceptance of the female gender’s contributions to society has gotten more mainstream and gender biases in terms of work and professional expertise, are somehow being shelved, the next step to these changes would lie on the numbers of the actual (nameless) women in society who would get the same opportunities as those that dared to break the mould.

And as more companies and people of influence, particularly in the government talk about women empowerment and gender equality, focus and attention are now placed on the women in the country and where they may find opportunities as working citizens in the country.

Saudi Families Hire Over 450 Female Drivers in First Half of 2019

In line with these changes, Saudi families have employed around 459 foreign women as family drivers during the first quarter of 2019, as shared in a report by the Saudi Gazette.

In a related report shared by Makkah Daily, the General Authority of Statistics (GaStat) reported that by the end of March 2019, the number of foreign home drivers in Saudi Arabia increased by 12.8 percent—from 1.36 million in 2018 to 1.54 million up until the first quarter of 2019.

The surge in the number of foreign female drivers comes from the fact that many Saudi families prefer foreign women drivers for safety purposes. And at the same time, driving instructors also believe that the mass recruitment could be because there is still no guarantee that Saudi women with a driving license may drive their children to school.

Since Saudi women have been allowed to drive in the Kingdom starting 2018, it is expected that there will be a drop in the hiring of foreign drivers once they become experts in this field.

While it is still debatable as to how safe Saudi women drive in the Kingdom, the fact that female drivers are generally preferred by Saudi families, mainly to service the children to and from school, while also providing services to family members as needed, means that society has already considered this service from female employees, but proper training and professional measures must also be set in place in order to ensure safety and secure the rights and well-being of female drivers in the Kingdom.

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Nicki Minaj to Banner Music Festival in Saudi Arabia

Just when the world is seeing progress with Saudi Arabia’s stand towards women’s rights and treatment, a new issue comes up concerning this topic, as an international concert is set to take place in the Saudi capital this month.

As the event is branded as an international concert, a list of high-profile names in the music industry will be featured on Saudi stage for the first time. Certain names on the list caused several eyebrows to raise, touching on the sensitive topic of how women must behave in Saudi society.

Gov’t Draws Criticism Over Saudi Concert to Feature Nicki Minaj

Among the top artists included on the list of international artists who are set to perform in Jeddah World Fest on July 18 is Nicki Minaj, as shared in a report by the Guardian.

The said concert – in line with Saudi laws – is alcohol and drug-free, open to people age 16 and older, and will take place at the King Abdullah Sports Stadium in the Red Sea city.

The announcement was believed to be a move by the ultraconservative kingdom to shed decades of restrictions on entertainment.

However, reactions on social media ranged from shock and joy to criticism and disappointment. In a profanity-laced video posted on Twitter, which has already gained over 37,000 views, a Saudi woman wearing a loose headscarf criticized the Saudi government of hypocrisy for inviting Minaj to perform but requiring women who attend the concert to wear the modest full-length robe known as the abaya. Most Saudi women also veil their hair and faces.

The woman pointed out the kind of “entertainment” Minaj will bring to the show, but expresses her frustration as to how women in the Kingdom are still expected to be covered up, when attending the concert.

Here’s an intro video on the Jeddah World Fest, as shared on their official Facebook page:

Saudi organizers shared that the concert will be broadcast globally and covered by MTV. Other notable performers include the British artist Liam Payne and the American DJ Steve Aoki. The kingdom is also promising quick electronic visas for international visitors who want to attend.

Over the past several months, major performances from artists such as Mariah Carey, Enrique Iglesias, Black Eyed Peas, Sean Paul, and the DJs David Guetta and Tiesto, have been featured in the Kingdom.

Of note, these concerts portray a stark change from when Saudi morality police would raid establishments that played loud music.

Also, to this day, gender segregation between single men and women is still enforced in many restaurants, coffee shops, public schools and universities, but other rules have been loosened, with women now allowed to drive and attend events in sports stadiums.

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Saudi Fund Invests on Women Empowerment in Kingdom

For the longest time, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has lagged in terms of gender equality and women’s rights, as called out by various international human rights organizations through the years.

However, nothing is ever too late, as the Kingdom, with its progressive stand on transforming Saudi’s society into a more global environment for all of its residents – locals and expats alike, has been pursuing initiatives, as supported by national stakeholders such as businesses and public organizations to create a more gender-neutral society, starting with the workforce.

Saudi Fund Invests on Women Empowerment in the Kingdom — Credits: SIDF

Women Empowerment Prioritized by Saudi Development Fund

In line with this, the number of women in the Saudi Industrial Development Fund workforce has increased from 0 to 13 percent in the past two years according Noor Shabib, the fund’s assistant director general for strategic planning and business development, as shared in a report by the Arab News.

According to the report, women were hired in various positions, including as directors and managers, and across different organizations.

Shabib shared that they are very proud of the achievement that they have all worked hard for as a firm, and with everything that is happening in the Kingdom in accordance to its Vision 2030.

Speaking during a panel discussion entitled “A Business Priority: Empowering Women Leaders” during the Diversity Council conference, in Dubai, Shabib, who is the first female senior executive in the fund, plans to increase contributions relative to GDP in industry, mining, logistics, and energy to $320 billion by 2030.

She further noted that their plan all along was to “attract the top talent,” and allowing women to join the workforce to provide companies with a wider selection of skills and talents to ensure that they are hiring the best candidates for the position.

In her talk, Shabib explained that there are certain prerequisites that make it easier to empower women, such as the support of top leadership, taking chances on women leaders, and providing a supportive and safe environment for them to work and lead.

“And, I think if I was to summarize everything… (it) is to empower, listen and adjust,” she shared.

Shabib shared the platform with the founder of the international Diversity Council Tine Willumsen, UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE Dena Assaf, and du CEO Osman Sultan, who gave their own inputs on how to help women reach leadership positions in business.

And while the prevailing culture in Saudi Arabia and the region still dictates that women must prioritize family life, marriage, and children above having a career, there has been a remarkable change at a greater pace in Saudi Arabia.

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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 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.

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

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.”

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.

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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 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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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment in Support of Women Empowerment

It’s been a long time coming, but initiatives to boost women’s rights and benefits in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are only signs of better things to come.

Despite the slow progress it has made in terms of reforms promoting women’s rights, most of which have only been lobbied during the last decade, this progress is still an indication that the Kingdom is slowly but surely moving in the direction where women will have more voices, and more freedom to pursue their dreams.

Saudi Arabia Commits to Women Empowerment Initiatives

In a recent meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, Saudi Arabia has re-emphasized its commitment to the empowerment of women, as shared in a report by the Arab News.

According to the Kingdom’s permanent representative to the UN, Abdallah Al-Mouallimi, 2018 had been “the year of transformation” for the country.

Citing the achievement of UN Women in realizing most of the first-year goals of its 2018-2021 strategic plan, Al-Mouallimi shared that 2018 saw the adoption of a number of decisions that contributed to the support and empowerment of Saudi women and their access to many new fields.

“The Kingdom values UN Women’s contributions to supporting women’s political rights, empowering them economically and supporting the development of government bodies, corporations, international organizations and policies to provide women with better opportunities and help them benefit from financial services and productive resources,” Al-Mouallimi added.

He also shared that for this year, the Kingdom was cited for its experience in two of UN Women’s performance results, ‘women’s leading role in governance systems and their ability to equally benefit from them.’

Al-Mouallimi pointed out that the Kingdom’s leadership has already released many orders to eradicate discriminatory practices against women, citing the decision upheld on April 17, 2017 requiring government bodies not to ask women for consent (from male guardians) when providing them with services.

Furthermore, a royal decree appointed Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan as the Kingdom’s ambassador to the US, making her the first woman to ever be appointed as an ambassador, Al-Mouallimi explained.

Accordingly, the Kingdom’s decision to allow women to drive was also received with much appreciation, not only in the country but also in the rest of the world.

Another initiative worth noting was the ‘Wusool’ programme, which offered transportation services to working women, and established a centre to help them find daycare to boost their participation in the workforce and support their professional and private stability.

Commenting on the UN strategy and plan of action on hate discourse, Al-Mouallimi explained that tolerance, understanding and open discussion are key factors in resolving those challenges, as he referred to a Muslim World League conference held last May at the UN’s New York offices, which saw senior religious leaders from various faiths, prominent intellectuals, politicians, civil and government officials from around the world, gathering with the single aim of overcoming the discourse of hatred.

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