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Hi Guys!

Most of the Gulf States and even Saudi Arabia are staying on the sidelines for this war. Hezbollah, with their Iranian roots, are not one of the favored militant groups. In fact, the Saudi press has asked that Hazbollah stop their rocket attacks.

Of course the press continues to print pictures and articles concerning the suffering of the Palestinians and/or Lebanese everyday. But the hate-level meter is only at the yellow/caution mark.

I'm back in Dubai for a couple of weeks after visiting Saudi Arabia to setup a new business office there. I have to wait while all my paperwork is examined, approved and stamped by the Saudis before I can move in permanently.

The atmosphere in Riyadh is quite different from 2003 when I last resided in the Magic Kingdom. Visible security has increased throughout the city. Most Western compounds now have multi-perimeter security with 10-to-12 full-time Saudi National Guard folk providing protection. This is a huge increase since the first terror hits in 2003.

I like the new king; King Abdullah is cracking down on government corruption and is pushing local cops to crack down on law-breakers. This is especially visible on the roads of Riyadh where speeders (regardless of political connections) being given one-day in jail and having their vehicles confiscated. The result: driving is no longer a deadly action.

The high price of oil has led to a huge increase in capital spending. Of course my company has sent me over there to a get a piece of the expanding spending pie. The economic outlook is certainly rosie.

Although I haven't had much time to investigate the malls and souks of Riyadh as yet, there seems to be a noticeable lack of religious police hanging around. This might yet be another result of the new King. But I'll have a better feel after a couple of months.

Plenty of new American stores being built. I saw a Best electronics store under construction---they are a new player in the Middle East. American fast food restaurants are certainly making money. Big American cars are also popular with the locals.

More later if I get a chance to get online.

PoC