Saudi Arabia: Corruption-related Settlements File in its Final Stages

Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia January 27, 2018, REUTERS/Katie Paul
Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia January 27, 2018, REUTERS/Katie Paul
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Saudi Arabia: Corruption-related Settlements File in its Final Stages

Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia January 27, 2018, REUTERS/Katie Paul
Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia January 27, 2018, REUTERS/Katie Paul

The anti-corruption campaign in Saudi Arabia is coming to an end after a number of those summoned by the Supreme Committee to Combat Corruption returned to their homes, including those who had been accused of corruption, witnesses and those with relevant information.

Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, owner of the Kingdom Holding, returned home after being summoned by the Public Prosecution, Reuters reported.

He arrived to his home Saturday morning, a source from his family members told the agency.

News circulated recently stated that the investigation period was over, after several former officials and businessmen had been seen back in their homes through images that went viral on social media.

In a 30 minutes Televised interview with Reuters, Prince Al Waleed bin Talal said: “I have nothing to hide at all. I'm so comfortable, I'm like at home, frankly speaking.”

The interview included a tour in his suite.

The prince said one of the main reasons for granting the interview was to disprove rumors that he was mistreated and that he had been transferred from the hotel to prison.

The prince said he was able to communicate with family members and executives at his business during his time of investigation.

He also highlighted all comfort amenities that were available to him, including a private office, dining room and kitchen, which was fully stocked with his preferred vegetarian meals.

A television played business news programs, and a mug with an image of his own face on it was perched on the desk.

After freedom, the prince said, he plans to continue living in Saudi Arabia and getting back to run his business.

"I will not leave Saudi Arabia, for sure. This is my country."



Expo 2030 Riyadh Registration Dossier Receives BIE Final Approval at Paris General Assembly

Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) Eng. Ibrahim Al-Sultan led the Saudi delegation at the BIE General Assembly. (SPA)
Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) Eng. Ibrahim Al-Sultan led the Saudi delegation at the BIE General Assembly. (SPA)
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Expo 2030 Riyadh Registration Dossier Receives BIE Final Approval at Paris General Assembly

Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) Eng. Ibrahim Al-Sultan led the Saudi delegation at the BIE General Assembly. (SPA)
Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) Eng. Ibrahim Al-Sultan led the Saudi delegation at the BIE General Assembly. (SPA)

Expo 2030 Riyadh's Registration Dossier has received final approval during the Bureau International Des Expositions (BIE) General Assembly in Paris, marking the final step in confirming the Kingdom as the official host country for the upcoming Expo. As part of the proceedings, BIE handed over the World Expo flag to Saudi Arabia's delegation.

Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) Eng. Ibrahim Al-Sultan led the Saudi delegation at the BIE General Assembly, which included Saudi Ambassador to France Fahad bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaily, and other officials.

The Registration Dossier serves as a comprehensive blueprint, highlighting Saudi Arabia's vision of hosting an exceptional Expo that reflects its ambitions towards innovation and global collaboration.

Speaking on the occasion, Al-Sultan extended his gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their continuous support in the Kingdom's hosting of this landmark global exhibition.

“The approval of the Registration Dossier in record time highlights the Kingdom's leadership on the global stage and underscores the world's confidence in Saudi Arabia's vision and capabilities. It also reflects the high level of professionalism demonstrated by the teams involved in preparing and reviewing the Registration Dossier,” he stressed.

“This milestone marks a significant step forward in the Kingdom's journey to deliver an exceptional and unprecedented edition of the World Expo, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.”

Riyadh is the first Expo host to complete and submit its Registration Dossier in such a short timeframe, almost half the time usually required for this kind of dossier. The approval of the Registration Dossier unlocks the next phase of formal preparations for Expo 2030 Riyadh, which includes extending official invitations to international participants through diplomatic channels.

Set to take place from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, Expo 2030 Riyadh will be one of the largest Expos ever, held on a six million sqm site. The site is designed to welcome over 40 million visits through world-class infrastructure, hospitality venues, and cutting-edge facilities. The site will ensure an unforgettable experience for all participants and visitors, with a target of more than 195 participating nations.

The approval of the Registration Dossier underscores Saudi Arabia's readiness to deliver a world-class Expo. With its bold vision, strategic planning, and unwavering support from the Kingdom's Leadership, Expo 2030 Riyadh is poised to be a landmark event that inspires progress, fosters innovation, and leaves a lasting legacy for generations to come.