#King Abdullah Financial Center

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King Abdullah Financial Center

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THIS DAY IN GAY HISTORY

based on: The White Crane Institute's 'Gay Wisdom', Gay Birthdays, Gay For Today, Famous GLBT, glbt-Gay Encylopedia, Today in Gay History, Wikipedia, and more … December 24

1305 – France: Grand Master Jacques de Molay and over 500 Knights Templar recant their confessions of homosexual activities to which they had admitted under torture. King Phillip IV burned 54 of them soon after the false confessions. Philip had de Molay burned upon a scaffold on an island in the River Seine in front of Notre Dame de Paris in March, 1314. The sudden end of both the centuries-old order of Templars and the dramatic execution of its last leader turned Molay into a legendary figure.

1573 – French diplomat and law professor Hubert Languet wrote to Sir Philip Sidney, "My affection for you has entered my heart far more deeply than I have ever felt for anyone else, and it has so wholly taken possession there that it tries to rule alone."

Sir Philip Sidney

1905 – Howard Hughes Jr. (d.1976) was a USA business magnate, investor, record-setting pilot, engineer, film director, and philanthropist, known during his lifetime as one of the most influential and financially successful individuals in the world. He first became prominent as a film producer, and then as an important figure in the aviation industry.

Later in life, he became known for his eccentric behavior and reclusive lifestyle—oddities that were caused in part by his worsening obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), chronic pain from a near-fatal plane crash, and increasing deafness.

Hughes dated many famous women, including Joan Crawford, Billie Dove, Faith Domergue, Bette Davis, Yvonne De Carlo, Ava Gardner, Olivia de Havilland, Katharine Hepburn, Hedy Lamarr, Ginger Rogers, Janet Leigh, Pat Sheehan, Mamie Van Doren and Gene Tierney. He also proposed to Joan Fontaine several times.However, a rumour persists that Hughes and another notorious womanizer Errol Flynn had a sexual relationship, with Flynn at the top man!

1912 – A report issued by Utah's State Board of Insanity recommends sterilization of persons convicted of sexual crimes.

Robert Joffrey (rear) with Gerald Arpino

1930 – Robert Joffrey, born Abdullah Jaffa Bey Khan, (d.1988) was an American dancer, teacher, producer, choreographer, and co-founder of the Joffrey Ballet, known for his highly imaginative modern ballets. He was born Abdullah Jaffa Bey Khan in Seattle, Washington to an Afghan father and Italian mother.

As a teenager, Joffrey met 22-year-old Gerald Arpino, then serving in the Coast Guard. Arpino moved into the Joffrey home. From then on, the two were inseparable. They became best friends, artistic collaborators, and lovers.

Joffrey studied ballet and modern dance in New York City and made his debut in 1949 with the French choreographer Roland Petit and his Ballet de l'Opéra National de Paris. From 1950 to 1955, he taught at the New York High School for the Performing Arts, where he staged his earliest ballets. He founded the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City in 1954.

In 1954 he formed his own company, which premiered Le bal masqué (The Masked Ball, 1954; music by French composer Francis Poulenc) and Pierrot Lunaire (1955; music by Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg). Joffrey's other works include Gamelan (1962) and Astarte (1967), which was set to rock music with special lighting and motion-picture effects.

The Robert Joffrey Ballet took up residence at New York City Center in 1966. In 1982 it moved its principal activities to Los Angeles, California and in 1995 to Chicago, Illinois. Noted for its experimental repertoire, the company was called the "Joffrey Ballet of Chicago" after its move but has since returned to being called simply the Joffrey Ballet. Besides Joffrey's works its repertoire includes many works by Gerald Arpino, Joffrey's long-time lover, co-director, and eventually artistic director emeritus until his 2008 death, and ballets commissioned by Joffrey from new choreographers as well as works by such established choreographers as George Balanchine, Alvin Ailey and Twyla Tharp.

Joffrey was sexually promiscuous but discreet. His pattern was to have Arpino at home for domestic stability, one principal romantic attachment, and numerous one-night stands.

In 1973, Joffrey fell in love with A. Aladar Marberger, a 26-year-old gay activist and manager of the Fischbach Gallery in New York. In the 1980s, both men contracted AIDS. While Marberger was outspoken about his illness, Joffrey remained silent. He was ashamed and wanted his obituary to say that he died of liver disease and asthma. Arpino agreed to his pleas, but the secret could not be maintained, as AIDS took a staggering toll on the dance world in general and on Joffrey's company in particular.

Robert Joffrey died of AIDS on March 25, 1988 in New York City. Aladar Marberger died eight months later.

1952 – Kevin Killian is an American poet, author, editor, and playwright of primarily LGBT literature. My Vocabulary Did This to Me: The Collected Poetry of Jack Spicer, which he co-edited with Peter Gizzi, won the American Book Award for poetry in 2009. His novel, Impossible Princess, won the 2010 Lambda Literary Award as the best gay erotic fiction work of 2009.

Killian is also co-founder of the Poets Theater, an influential poetry, stage, and performance group based in San Francisco.

Kevin Killian was raised Roman Catholic and attended a Roman Catholic parochial school run by Franciscan monks where he suffered what he has described as "routine abuse". He discussed these experiences in an essay in the edited work Wrestling With the Angel, which describes the experiences of 21 gay men with religion. He was also the New York City spelling bee champion.

Kevin attended graduate school at the State University of New York at Stony Brook (SUNY-Stony Brook) in the 1970s, and moved to San Francisco in 1980. Although he is gay and Dodie Bellamy is a lesbian, the couple married and have an active heterosexual sex life.

Killian is also active in bringing attention to important LGBTQ artists and writers of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. He has held poetry readings of a wide number of influential poets and writers, and participated in a number of panels, art installations, retrospectives, and memorials.

1958 – Bob Smith (d.2018) was an American comedian and author. Smith, born in Buffalo, New York, was the first openly gay comedian to appear on The Tonight Show and the first openly gay comedian to have his own HBO half-hour comedy special. Smith, along with fellow comedians Jaffe Cohen and Danny McWilliams, formed the comedy troupe Funny Gay Males in 1988.

With Funny Gay Males, Smith is the co-author of Growing Up Gay: From Left Out to Coming Out (1995). Smith is also the author of two books of biographical essays. Openly Bob (1997) received a Lambda Literary Award for best humor book. Way to Go, Smith! (1999) was nominated for a 2000 Lambda Literary Award in the same category. Smith published his first novel, Selfish and Perverse, in 2007, and Remembrance of Things I Forgot in 2011. He published a new collection of essays, Treehab: Tales from My Natural Wild Life, in 2016. The essays cover a wide range of subjects including his career in stand-up, his love of nature, and his experience with ALS. He performed at the inaugural We're Funny That Way! comedy festival in 1997, and appeared in the festival's documentary film in 1998.

While taping a 2007 comedy special for Logo, Smith disclosed that he was suffering from a neurological disorder. He described his symptoms at that time as slurred speech, making him sound inebriated. In response to an August 2012 New York Times article on openly gay male stand-up comedians, Smith posted a comment stating he had ALS.

On February 2013, Smith gave a candid interview to Canada's Global News, where he elaborated about his condition. The article also revealed that Smith assisted with the conceiving of fellow LGBTQ comedian Elvira Kurt's children, who with Kurt reside in Canada, and that he was a direct descendant of Henry Smith, an early settler of Canada's Niagara Region for whom the Henry of Pelham Winery is named.

Bob Smith died on January 20, 2018 from Lou Gehrig’s Disease in his Manhattan, New York home at 59 years of age.

1971 – On this date the international singer and actor Ricky Martin was born. Born Enrique Martín Morales in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he is known to millions of fans by his stage name Ricky Martin, is a Puerto Rican pop singer and actor who achieved prominence, first as a member of the Latin boy band Menudo, then as a solo artist after 1991. During his career he has sold more than 60 million albums worldwide. He is the founder of Ricky Martín Foundation (in Spanish Fundación Ricky Martin) a non-profit charity organization.

Martin rose to fame as a member of the Latin American boy band Menudo, after which he became a solo artist in 1990. During forays into acting on Broadway ("Les Miserables") and soap operas (General Hospital) he released numerous albums of Spanish music, which sold millions of copies throughout Latin America and Europe. In 1995, Martin refocused on his music career through his third album, A Medio Vivir. With this album, Martin made a shift from formulaic hit ballads to a more risky fusion of music centered around traditional Latin sounds, with the hit "Maria", which epitomizes this new sound. "Maria" broke Martin into Europe through Spain. With the ballad "Te Extraño, Te Olvido, Te Amo", Martin began his expansion from Latin American and Spanish-speaking audiences to the European and Asian markets. He was chosen to sing the anthem of the 1998 FIFA World Cup, the famous hit "The Cup of Life"/"La Copa de la Vida", that reached number one on the charts in 60 countries.

He broke into the English-language market with his mega-selling hit single "Livin' la Vida Loca," which reached number one in many countries around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, France, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Guatemala, Mexico, Russia, Turkey, and South Africa. He followed up with the hit "She's All I Ever Had" which peaked at #2 on The Billboard Hot 100. This album became one of the top-selling albums of 1999, and was certified 7 times platinum, selling over 22 million copies worldwide to date.

During the Livin' la Vida Loca era, Martin's personal life went under the microscope due to his large Gay following, and he was questioned about his sexual orientation. In December, 2000 during an interview in The Mirror, Martin was asked, '"So what about all these rumors?" "There's not a lot I can do about that," he said. "I guess these rumors were started by people who don't have a life, or perhaps it's because they want me to be like them and I'm not. I try not to pay attention to any of these allegations. I could have been married with kids for years or have 27 girlfriends, and if people still want to go around saying that I'm gay, they will."'

In August 2008, Martin became the father of twin boys, named Matteo and Valentino. The babies were delivered via gestational surrogacy.

On March of 2010, Martin publicly came out as Gay in a post on his official web site by stating, "Today is my day, this is my time, and this is my moment. These years in silence and reflection made me stronger and reminded me that acceptance has to come from within and that this kind of truth gives me the power to conquer emotions I didn't even know existed ... I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am."

"What will happen from now on? It doesn't matter. I can only focus on what's happening to me in this moment. The word 'happiness' takes on a new meaning for me as of today. It has been a very intense process. Every word that I write in this letter is born out of love, acceptance, detachment and real contentment. Writing this is a solid step towards my inner peace and vital part of my evolution."

In January 2018, Ricky Martin married his long-time partner artist Jwan Yosef.

Ricky and Jwan

1973 – Paul Foot is an English comedian. He commands a significant cult following called The Guild of Connoisseurs. Foot is known for his musings, rants, 'disturbances' and apparent aversion to pop culture. The Daily Express likened Foot to "a rare exotic bird", whilst six national newspapers including the The Independent and The Age have declared Paul to be "a comedy genius".

Foot was born and raised in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, he studied mathematics at Merton College, Oxford.It was during his studies he first started performing stand-up. As of 2011 Foot has refused to discuss his years at Oxford or former pursuits as a mathematics student.

Graduating from Oxford in 1995, Foot was head-hunted by a computer software company in the run-up to the dot-com bubble, however he loathed the industry: "I had to read manuals on HTML and just write websites from scratch. None of us really knew what we were doing".

He started to pursue a career in comedy, doing open mic slots at various venues, in the hope that show business would allow him to meet his idol Ella Fitzgerald. Tragically Ella Fitzgerald died a few days after this decision was made, but Foot decided to stick with comedy as a career anyhow.

He is openly gay. Foot also has a much admired collection of pre-war Toby jugs, which he parades on a custom made milk float on his yearly trip to the Edinburgh Comedy Festival.

1981 – Chris Kluwe is a former American football punter and writer. Kluwe played at Los Alamitos High School in Los Alamitos, California, where he was a 1999 USA Today High School All-American, and then attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he played college football for the UCLA Bruins. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2005 and played professionally in the National Football League for the Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, and Oakland Raiders.

Kluwe is widely known for his eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, where he set eight individual team records. During this period, Kluwe became an outspoken advocate on social issues, including same sex marriage and gay rights, which ultimately led to tension between Kluwe and coaching staff.

Kluwe is widely known for his eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, where he set eight individual team records. During this period, Kluwe became an outspoken advocate on social issues, including same sex marriage and gay rights, which ultimately led to tension between Kluwe and coaching staff.

Kluwe publicly released a letter on September 7, 2012, via sports website Deadspin he had sent to Maryland state assembly delegate Emmett Burns, defending the opinions of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo and condemning Burns on his attempt to stifle Ayanbadejo's free speech. Ayanbadejo has been a vocal supporter of same-sex marriage and Burns had sent a letter requesting that the Ravens ownership "inhibit such expressions" by their employee. On October 1, 2012, Kluwe published a letter to the editor that responded to a video statement released by former Viking Matt Birk in supporting a ban on same-sex marriage. In the letter, Kluwe outlined six primary reasons why he disagreed with Birk's statement. Kluwe was also featured in a documentary called The Last Barrier which aired on NBC Bay Area on December 8, 2012. During this interview he spoke about his feelings towards equality.

Kluwe and Ayanbadejo filed an amicus brief to the United States Supreme Court on February 28, 2013, regarding Hollingsworth v. Perry, in which they expressed their support of the challenge to California Proposition 8. Kluwe appeared on the January 18, 2013, episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, to discuss his support of same-sex marriage. Ellen DeGeneres inducted Kluwe as the first inductee in her Hall of Fame, since NFL punters are unlikely to be voted into the league's hall of fame. On April 16, 2013, in recognition of his steadfast support of same-sex marriage and for starting a conversation about LGBT issues in athletics, Kluwe was named the Grand Marshal of the 41st annual Twin Cities Pride festival in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

On January 2, 2014, Kluwe alleged that he was released from the Vikings due to his support of same-sex marriage. He stated that the Vikings requested that he "deliberately sacrifice my own numbers to help the team, a request with which I always complied." The team stated it was not previously made aware of Kluwe's allegations, and countered that he "was released strictly based on his football performance." Kluwe said that special teams coach Mike Priefer in 2012 made homophobic remarks and criticized the player for his views on same-sex marriage. Priefer responded with a statement saying that "I do not tolerate discrimination of any type and am respectful of all individuals. I personally have gay family members who I love and support just as I do any family member.” Kluwe called the coach's acts "inexcusable", and hoped he prevented Priefer from ever coaching again. He also alleged that head coach Leslie Frazier told him to stop speaking out on same-sex marriage. Kluwe later said his comments on Priefer were "a little too harsh originally", and stated that he preferred that the coach get therapy and counseling and return to the league as a role model.

Kluwe was released by the Vikings after the 2012 season, signed with the Oakland Raiders prior to the 2013 season, and was subsequently released. Kluwe was unable to find another NFL team with which to sign and retired from professional football in 2013. Following his departure from football, he has pursued a writing career and is a humor columnist for the sports website Deadspin.

2012 – The Serbian Parliament approves changes to the Penal Code to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes when it comes to hate crimes.

2013 – Alan Turing considered the father of computer science, was a code-breaker who helped shorten WWII. Since he was gay, the British government offered him the choice of prison or chemical castration after he was convicted of gross indecency. He selected hormonal castration via estrogen. He died in 1954 of cyanide poisoning. In 2009, Prime Minister Gordon Brown made an official apology, and Queen Elizabeth II issued Turing a royal pardon on this day in 2013.

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Three months ago, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, which swiftly responded with an operation to eradicate the militant group. So far, around 1,200 Israelis and an estimated more than 23,000 Palestinians have died, with many more injured. Amid calls for a cease-fire, many observers are speculating what a “day after” might look like in the Gaza Strip.

Whether or not Hamas can be destroyed is a matter of considerable debate. Regardless, Israel and the United States—its most important ally—have insisted that the group can have no role in Gaza’s future administration. Instead, both have proposed the establishment of a multinational force that would include a role for Arab states—including those in the Persian Gulf. This means that Gaza could become a hot spot for geopolitical rivalries between Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Qatar is at the center of this conflict. Its capital, Doha, has hosted and financially bolstered Hamas’s political wing since 2012, when it relocated from Damascus—providing Gaza with much-needed humanitarian assistance. Qatar’s support for Hamas is part of a broader geopolitical strategy to back Islamist groups, particularly those associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, along with allies Iran and Turkey. This counterbalances Qatar’s regional rivals, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The small Gulf sheikhdom fashions itself something of a regional diplomat—and views diplomacy as a way to protect itself in a turbulent neighborhood. Since its traumatic 2017-to-2021 blockade, this has proved effective: Qatar moderated high-stakes talks like those between the United States and Taliban in 2020. It also secured the release of U.S. prisoners held in Iran in 2023.

The United States had previously requested that Qatar open a line of communication with Hamas in 2006 after the group’s legislative victory in the Palestinian territories, which preceded its 2007 takeover of Gaza and the Israeli blockade that followed. Since then, Doha—which does not have official relations with Israel—has actively mediated between Hamas and Israel on at least three occasions: in 2015, 2018, and 2021.

This time, Qatar is hoping to secure the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas—most of them Israeli—in exchange for a cease-fire or a humanitarian pause. From Nov. 24 to Dec. 1, 2023, ongoing talks resulted in the release of 110 hostages from Gaza and 240 Palestinian prisoners from Israel.

Qatar may go on to support nonmilitant members of the Muslim Brotherhood in Gaza after the war. (These could include members of Hamas’s political—rather than military—wing.) Doing so would satisfy U.S. and Israeli calls for Gaza to be rid of Hamas while also helping Doha to maintain its alliances with Turkey and, to a lesser extent, Iran—countering the influence of the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has long competed with Iran for Islamic and regional leadership. Ever since the late Saudi King Abdullah launched what he called the Arab Peace Initiative in 2002, Riyadh has also supported the Arab-Israeli peace process. While Tehran—and Doha—financially and militarily back Hamas, Riyadh supports the Palestinian Authority (PA) and might wish to install the PA—which partially governs the West Bank—in postwar Gaza.

However, this could be difficult to implement. While U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed support for a post-Hamas Gaza under what he calls “a revitalized Palestinian Authority,” Israel remains opposed to any PA rule in the territory. What’s more, the PA, which many view as a proxy of Israeli occupation, is reviled by Palestinians—while Hamas’s popularity has soared. For PA rule in Gaza to be possible, Riyadh and Washington would need to do the difficult task of identifying a leader who is both accepted by Israel but also popular enough among Palestinians to dampen Hamas’s—and Iran’s—pull.

One potential candidate is former PA Prime Minister Salam Fayyad. Fayyad, a pragmatic leader, received support from the United States and Saudi Arabia during his tenure from 2007 to 2013. He also held talks with Hamas in 2021 in an unsuccessful attempt to form a national Palestinian unity government. In the past, Fayyad has suggested including Hamas under the umbrella of the Palestine Liberation Organization. While Fayyad has not commented publicly about the possibility of leading Gaza now, Saudi media reported in early January that his name has been mentioned by international diplomats in private discussions on the matter.

Before Oct. 7, Israel and Saudi Arabia had seemed to be moving toward normalization. The Biden administration had tentatively agreed to ambitious requests from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, including a NATO-style security pact, access to advanced weaponry, and a civilian nuclear program. The crown prince told U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken last week that normalization was still in the cards after the war ends—provided that there is also a road map to Palestinian statehood.

Saudi leverage in normalization talks might unsettle the UAE. Though the two countries are ostensibly allies—especially opposite Qatar and the Muslim Brotherhood—they have stepped up their geopolitical competition in recent years in their respective quests to become the preeminent Gulf power. Both states have vied for regional dominance in the wars in Yemen and Sudan. The Arab-Israeli peace process in general—and discussions over Gaza’s future—could escalate this rivalry further.

Abu Dhabi seeks to wield a moderating influence on the war while safeguarding its own regional interests. In addition to condemning Israel’s attacks on Gazan hospitals, the UAE has been proactive in getting aid into the enclave, particularly at the United Nations. That is in part because the UAE, which balances relations between major powers such as Russia and the United States, has expansionist ambitions. In addition to Yemen and Sudan, Abu Dhabi also backs proxies in conflicts in the Horn of Africa and Libya.

The UAE’s 2020 normalization of relations with Israel was another such strategic move. Yet the country remains cautious of potential shifts in regional power dynamics, and particularly the prospect of Saudi-Israeli normalization. Emirati détente was, in part, an attempt to become the preeminent Arab power that can effect change on Palestine, wrestling that mantle away from Saudi Arabia. If Riyadh normalizes with Israel, it will be able to reclaim the Palestinian file.

Abu Dhabi may be considering Mohammed Dahlan to manage Gaza within the framework of Biden’s “revitalized” PA. Dahlan, a prominent former leader of the PA’s leading Fatah party and a native of Gaza, was once its security chief. However, Dahlan is now despised in Gaza because he spent years battling Hamas. In the eyes of many Gazans, he is no better than an Israeli occupier.

Dahlan has lived in exile in Abu Dhabi since 2011 after allegations of involvement in financial corruption and the assassination of Yasser Arafat, the leader of the Palestinian Liberation Organization. He is thought to have influenced and mediated Israeli-UAE normalization. Although the former Fatah leader has publicly rejected playing a role in a post-Hamas Gaza, Dahlan has also hinted that he is open to leading Palestinian politics in the future. This would bring strategic dividends for the UAE.

Dahlan maintains a strong relationship with Egypt, one of the two neighboring countries with official ties to Israel. The other is Jordan. Both must be included in any international diplomatic discussion over Gaza’s future—and could find themselves pulled into Gulf rivalries.

Jordan, which borders the West Bank and occupied the territory from 1948 to 1967, is home to a large Palestinian refugee population. Amman’s 1994 peace treaty with Israel recognizes the Hashemite monarchy’s custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem—providing the country with an image of regional prestige, leadership, and religious significance. And in 1979, Egypt, the former occupier of Gaza, became the first Arab country to normalize ties with Israel. Ever since, it has aimed to balance its strategic relationship with Israel with popular support for the Palestinians and the need to maintain stability along its borders.

With most Gazans barred from Israel, Egypt’s Rafah border crossing is their main exit route. The border area also harbors Hamas’s smuggling tunnels. During this war, Cairo has helped control the Rafah crossing and shared intelligence with Israel, while President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has attempted to position himself as a mediator by hosting an international summit. Jordan has similarly convened U.S. and Arab leaders.

But both countries suffer from vulnerabilities that could be exploited by Gulf powers eager to play a leading role in post-Hamas Gaza. They are much poorer than their Gulf counterparts, and their respective economies are in dire states—fueling popular anger even in repressive political environments.

Amman has received relief aid from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations since 2018 and has become especially dependent on support from the group due to COVID-19 pandemic-induced pressures. Egypt was struggling economically before the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, but these crises—and their impact on food and fuel prices—have only made things worse. Sisi is under more scrutiny than ever.

In Egypt, Qatar could wield leverage by urging the government to ease pressure on the Muslim Brotherhood, which won Egypt’s first—and only—democratic election in 2012 and was subsequently labeled a terrorist organization after Sisi’s military took over in a 2013 coup. Riyadh and Abu Dhabi could exert sway Egypt to impact the wars in Sudan, Libya, and in Yemen.

Influence over Jordan would grant Gulf countries access to—and possible control over—the West Bank and East Jerusalem. National Defense University’s Michael Sharnoff argued in Foreign Policy in 2021 that Saudi Arabia wished to displace Jordan as the custodian of Jerusalem’s holy sites. Saudi Arabia’s demand to get this distinction would strengthen Riyadh’s hand in normalization talks with Israel and boost Riyadh’s image of being at the forefront of Islamic and Arab leadership—adding the Al-Aqsa Mosque (Islam’s third-holiest site) to the kingdom’s custodianship of Mecca and Medina (the first two).

Expanded Gulf influence over Jordan and Egypt could prove detrimental to Palestinians’ already fragile existence—and to the increasingly unrealistic two-state solution—by opening up new schisms in Palestinian society. It would also create a quagmire for the governments in Amman and Cairo. Being affiliated with a GCC state that helps displace Hamas in Gaza could bring much needed financial aid at the risk of alienating constituencies that are increasingly supportive of the militant group.

Intra-Gulf competition in Gaza has already begun. Among other actions, Qatar hosted three-way negotiations with the United States, Hamas, and Israel to allow for temporary pauses in fighting and provisions of humanitarian aid. Saudi Arabia was quick to bring forward its own initiatives, hosting a summit of major regional actors and Muslim-majority countries, such as Iran and Turkey, and announcing Chinese-brokered talks for ending the war. An Israeli start-up signed an agreement with the UAE to set up a land bridge to transfer goods from Dubai through Saudi Arabia and Jordan to Israel’s ports following a slate of Houthi attacks on Israeli cargo in the Red Sea.

Israel, the United States, and many Arab leaders are united in wanting to see Hamas’s demise. But in getting rid of one problem, others may arise. The Israel-Hamas war could intensify the growing rivalry among Gulf states—and one source of escalating regional tension may give way to another.

[blueweave8]

Saudi Arabia Construction Market Industry Trends, Analysis, 2023-2030

BlueWeave Consulting, a leading strategic consulting and market research firm, in its recent study, estimated the Saudi Arabia Construction Market size at USD 70.67 billion in 2023. During the forecast period between 2024 and 2030, BlueWeave expects the Saudi Arabia Construction Market size to expand at a CAGR of 5.19% reaching a value of USD 96.21 billion by 2030. Favorable government investments and programs, such as the Kingdom's Vision 2030 National Development Program, as well as growing demand for residential complexes due to increased housing demand are major growth factors for the Saudi Arabia Construction Market. The growing adoption of automation solutions in the building sector is also projected to propel the Saudi Arabia Construction Market during the period in analysis.

Opportunity: Rising private investments in thriving construction industry

Building & construction is one of the most lucrative sectors in Saudi Arabia. As a result, it has been significantly attracting major investments from private players and international investors. For instance, Samsung Engineering and GS Engineering and Construction Corp. won a USD 7.2 billion contract for the gas plant project in Saudi Arabia. In another example, the design and build contract for two new complexes in King Abdullah Financial Sector (KAFD), Saudi Arabia's premier financial sector situated in the center of Riyadh, has been awarded to Taj Dhabi, a subsidiary of Trojan Construction Group.

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Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions on Saudi Arabia Construction Market

The geopolitical tensions hinder the growth of the Saudi Arabia Construction Market. For instance, escalating geopolitical tensions in Israel and across the Middle East region have resulted in the disruptions of international shipping and supply chains of construction materials in Saudi Arabia as well. The hindrance to commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden caused a significant spike in the cost of construction materials due to increased shipping costs which have disrupted the overall growth of the Saudi Arabia Construction Market.

Saudi Arabia Construction Market

Segmental Coverage

Saudi Arabia Construction Market – By Construction Type

Based on construction type, the Saudi Arabia Construction Market is segmented into building & construction, new, renovation, and repair & maintenance. The building & construction segment accounts for the highest market share in the Saudi Arabia Construction Market by construction type. The growth of the segment is mainly attributed to the increasing construction of residential and non-residential buildings. The increasing housing demand in the Kingdom owing to rising population and accessibility to housing loans is directly influencing the building and construction of residential buildings, which is propelling its market growth.

Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in the Saudi Arabia Construction Market include Bechtel, Fluor Corp., Tekfen Construction and Installation Co. Inc., Gilbane Building Co., Jacobs, Afras, BEC Arabia, Mofarreh M. Al Harbi Est, Nesma Holding Co. Ltd., and AL Jazirah Engineers & Consultants.

To further enhance their market share, these companies employ various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches.

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[khalid-albeshri]

Commercial and Mixed-Use Developments in Meddle East: Commercial and mixed-use developments play a crucial role in the real estate landscape of the Middle East, particularly in rapidly growing urban centers like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Doha, and others. Here's an overview of these types of developments in the region: - Commercial Centers: Middle Eastern cities boast numerous commercial centers, including office buildings, business parks, and corporate towers. These developments cater to the needs of local and international businesses, offering modern office spaces equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities. - Shopping Malls and Retail Centers: The Middle East is renowned for its extravagant shopping malls and retail centers, which serve as social hubs and entertainment destinations as much as they do commercial spaces. - Mixed-Use Developments: Mixed-use projects integrate various components such as residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, and entertainment within a single development, creating vibrant urban communities where people can live, work, and play. - Hospitality and Entertainment Complexes: The Middle East is home to some of the world's most luxurious hotels, resorts, and entertainment complexes, often integrated into larger mixed-use developments. Projects like Atlantis The Palm in Dubai, The Pearl-Qatar in Doha, and the Ritz-Carlton Riyadh in Saudi Arabia exemplify the region's penchant for extravagance and hospitality excellence. - Transportation Hubs: With increasing urbanization and mobility needs, transportation hubs have become integral components of mixed-use developments in the Middle East. Projects such as Dubai's Union Square and Riyadh's King Abdullah Financial District incorporate transportation facilities like metro stations, bus terminals, and parking structures to enhance connectivity and accessibility for residents, visitors, and commuters. - Sustainable Development: Many new commercial and mixed-use developments in the Middle East are incorporating sustainable design principles and green building practices to minimize environmental impact and enhance energy efficiency. This includes features such as solar panels, green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and efficient HVAC systems, aligning with global sustainability trends and local government initiatives. Overall, commercial and mixed-use developments continue to thrive in the Middle East, driven by urbanization, economic growth, and a desire for innovative and integrated urban spaces that meet the diverse needs of residents, businesses, and visitors.

#KhalidAlbeshri #pivot #Holdingcompany #CEO #Realestate #realestatedevelopment #contentmarketing #businessmanagement #businessconsultants #businessstartup #marketingtips #خالدالبشري

[findsuzhou]

China-Saudi Center to be set up in Suzhou

During the China-Saudi Financial investment Seminar held in Beijing yesterday, Suzhou Land Team, an extensive commercial growth group, signed a Memorandum of Recognizing with Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Economic City, focusing on enhancing participation in developing the China-Saudi Center and the Saudi-China Facility. Courtesy of China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and…

[tabreed]

King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Advantages

The King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) is evidence of Saudi Arabia's dedication to economic growth and diversification. Named for the late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, this expansive financial center offers a plethora of advantages that go well beyond its striking skyline. Let's examine the benefits that the Kingdom receives from the King Abdullah Financial District.

[fiberglassfactorysaudiarabia]

Construction boom in Saudi Arabia 2023

The Construction Boom in Saudi Arabia: A Bright Future for the Fiber Glass Industry

Saudi Arabia is experiencing a remarkable boom in the construction industry, driven by ambitious development plans and a vision for a diversified economy. As the nation undertakes major infrastructure projects and urban development initiatives, the demand for advanced construction materials, including fiber glass, is on the rise. At Al Badhar Modern Fiber Glass Factory, we are excited to be a part of this thriving industry and to meet the increasing demand for our high-quality fiber glass products.

Here are some of the key factors contributing to the construction boom in Saudi Arabia and the growing demand for fiber glass:

Vision 2030: Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 aims to transform the nation into a global investment powerhouse and a hub for trade and tourism. This ambitious vision has paved the way for large-scale projects across various sectors, including infrastructure, tourism, entertainment, and real estate. Mega-projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Development, Qiddiya, and Amaala are set to reshape the landscape of the country and attract significant investments.

Urban Development Initiatives: Saudi Arabia is actively developing its cities and urban centers to create vibrant and sustainable communities. The expansion of existing cities, such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, and the creation of new economic cities and smart cities are driving the demand for modern infrastructure, commercial complexes, residential buildings, and public facilities. Fiber glass products, with their strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal, are increasingly being chosen for these projects.

Economic Diversification: In line with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is focusing on diversifying its economy and reducing its reliance on oil revenue. This has led to investments in sectors such as tourism, entertainment, manufacturing, and renewable energy. Each of these sectors requires robust infrastructure and construction projects, creating opportunities for the fiber glass industry to provide innovative solutions for various applications.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: As part of the nation's commitment to sustainable development, Saudi Arabia is increasingly emphasizing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly construction practices. Fiber glass, with its thermal insulation properties, corrosion resistance, and recyclability, aligns perfectly with these objectives. The demand for energy-efficient buildings and infrastructure, along with sustainable construction materials, is driving the adoption of fiber glass products.

Mega-Projects and Landmark Structures: Saudi Arabia is home to several mega-projects and landmark structures that showcase architectural excellence and engineering marvels. These projects, such as the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), the King Abdullah Financial District, and the Jeddah Tower, require advanced construction materials to meet the highest standards of quality and performance. Fiber glass, with its versatility and design flexibility, is increasingly being utilized in the construction of these iconic structures.

At Al Badhar Modern Fiber Glass Factory, we are proud to be at the forefront of the fiber glass industry in Saudi Arabia. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and skilled workforce enable us to meet the growing demand for fiber glass products in the construction sector. We provide a wide range of customized fiber glass solutions, including tanks, gratings, cladding, ladders, and architectural elements, to support the evolving needs of the industry.

As the construction boom in Saudi Arabia continues to thrive, we are committed to delivering top-quality fiber glass products that contribute to the success of major projects and the development of the nation. Partner with us at Al Badhar Modern Fiber Glass Factory Saudi Arabia and witness the transformative power of fiber glass in the construction industry. Together, let's build a future of innovation, sustainability, and architectural excellence.

Fiber Glass Factory in Saudi Arabia

[worldwideanalysis]

Growing Construction Industry Driving Middle East and Africa HVAC Market

A number of factors, such as the increasing requirement for energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, expanding construction industry, rising number of strict government regulations, growing tourism sector, and upcoming major events, are projected to boost the growth of the Middle East and Africa (MEA) HVAC market at a CAGR of 4.9% in the forecast period (2019–2024). At this growth rate, the market size is expected to reach $10.1 billion by 2024 from $7.8 billion in 2018.

The Middle East and Africa HVAC market is witnessing the increasing need for energy-efficient HVAC systems, as these are very crucial to control the greenhouse gas emission and limit the impact of global warming. Moreover, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are introducing sustainable development policies and have strict regulations for energy-efficient solutions. Hence, to obey the regulations and support policies, market players are introducing energy-efficient systems in the region. For instance, due to violating the standards of Saudi Energy Efficiency Center, the customs department of Saudi Arabia seized 759,000 products in 2017.

The primary factor improving the market growth prospects is the growing construction industry. International events like the World Expo 2022 in the U.A.E. and the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar are projected to fuel the tourism sector, which, in turn, drives the construction industry. For instance, as per the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics, Qatar, eight football stadiums are under construction, which are likely to be completed by 2022. Thus, with the increasing construction activities, the demand for HVAC systems is surging in the region.

The type segment of the Middle East and Africa HVAC market is classified into heating, ventilation, and cooling. Among these, the cooling category held the largest market share in 2018. This is attributed to the fact cooling systems are required in almost all commercial and residential facilities. This category is further classified into ducted split/packaged unit, chiller, split unit, room air conditioner (AC), and variable refrigerant flow (VRF). Of these, the VRF category is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, owing to its economical nature and wide usage in commercial spaces.

Additionally, the Middle East and Africa HVAC market is categorized into residential, commercial, and industrial, on the basis of end user. Among these, the commercial category accounted for the largest market share in 2018. This is due to the rising number of commercial facilities, surging hospitality industry, increasing infrastructure investments in the region. For instance, the Saudi Government has invested $26.6 billion for the expansion of the grand mosque in Mecca and $16.5 billion for the Haramein high speed railway, connecting Mecca and Medina.

Furthermore, based on country, Saudi Arabia accounted for the largest share in 2018 in the Middle East and Africa HVAC market. This is due to the increasing number of construction projects, with a focus on green buildings, in the country. King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), a new financial hub in Saudi Arabia, is a key example of the green building project. The rising construction of green buildings is pushing the demand for high-efficient HVAC systems in the nation.

Thus, the growing construction industry and the increasing demand for HVAC systems in MEA are expected to propel the growth of the market during the forecast period.

[dailyoverview]

Check out this amazing, low-angle view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Riyadh is Saudi Arabia’s capital and most populous city, with more than 7.6 million residents. At the center of this Overview is the King Abdullah Financial District, a $10 billion development project that began in 2006 and is still under construction.

See more here: https://bit.ly/3GmUAJa

24.633333°, 46.716667°

Source imagery: Planet

[jordanianroyals]

According to a World Bank report that came out in February, Jordan is among the aid-dependent countries that deposit billions of dollars annually in off shore accounts. Then the government had the guts to accuse the union of corruption? I wish a Jordanian who lives in Jordan can weigh in on this.

The Jordanian government and some of the elites are heavily entrenched in corruptions and offshore company accounts in Cayman Islands etc. If the union is indeed corrupt, let the law be the judge of that. It’s the hypocrisy that upsets me. Years and years of foreign aid and voila, most of them are probably in the wallets of corrupt officials. I saw the report and Jordan wins among all countries listed for having the most offshore deposits. 

I am not surprised because this is exactly what happens to foreign aid and development aid in developing countries (this is why if you study international development, you will see this topic appears a lot during lectures). I guess this explains why even elites like Fares Al Fayez (of the Beni Sakhr tribe, supposedly a staunch ally of the monarchy) and Amjad Hazza Al Majali (a former PM’s son & brother of Princess Taghrid) basically called the king and the royals thieves. *Read the following articles with caution though, they made some valid points but their criticism is sometimes over exaggerated and in the case of Fares, his criticism has a misogynist undertone which I don’t agree with*

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/jordanian-tribe-threatens-shake-country-unless-jailed-figurehead-freed

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/jordanian-politician-slammed-king-abdullah-sponsoring-corruption

From what I have been reading, there’s no hope in this country if they don’t start getting rid of these greedy vultures and replace them with a clean government who actually knows how to run a country.

For those who are interested in reading the paper: 

“Elite Capture of Foreign Aid Evidence from Offshore Bank Accounts” by Jørgen Juel Andersen, Niels Johannesen and Bob Rijkers published by the World Bank Group in February 2020 (link)

Thesis: Do elites capture foreign aid? This paper documents that aid disbursements to highly aid-dependent countries coincide with sharp increases in bank deposits in offshore financial centers known for bank secrecy and private wealth management, but not in other financial centers. The estimates are not confounded by contemporaneous shocks such as civil conflicts, natural disasters, and financial crises, and are robust to instrumenting with predetermined aid commitments. The implied leakage rate is around 7.5 percent at the sample mean and tends to increase with the ratio of aid to GDP. The findings are consistent with aid capture in the most aid-dependent countries.

[hadi37]

The King Abdullah Financial Center (“KAFD”) is located in the city of Riyadh, and it is one of its largest existing projects, and the only one of its kind in the Middle East, as Riyadh will become the economic capital of the Middle East. There are several sectors in the center and there are more than 59 skyscrapers, amounting to The center’s area is 1.6 million square meters, and it is located north of the city of Riyadh. The King Abdullah Financial Center will be able to accommodate many highly qualified employees working in the financial and related sectors. It will include the main headquarters of the Capital Market Authority, the Financial Market, banks, and financial institutions. In addition to the offices of other service institutions such as accountants, legal professionals, lawyers, analysts, financial advisors, classification bodies, and technical service providers.

[covid-impact]

Novel Coronavirus Drugs Market Size, Share, Global Forecast to 2026

Latest  Novel Coronavirus Drugs Market Report published by Value Market Research, it provides a comprehensive market analysis which includes market size, share, value, growth, trends during forecast period 2020-2026 along with strategic development of the key player with their market share. Further, the market has been bifurcated into sub-segments with regional and country market with in-depth analysis.

The research report also covers the comprehensive profiles of the key players in the market and an in-depth view of the competitive landscape worldwide. The major players in the novel coronavirus drugs market include CanSino Biologics Inc., Entos Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Gilead, Inovio, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Naval Medical Research Center, Novavax, Philipps University Marburg Medical Center, SAB Biotherapeutics Inc.. This section includes a holistic view of the competitive landscape that includes various strategic developments such as key mergers& acquisitions, future capacities, partnerships, financial overviews, collaborations, new product developments, new product launches, and other developments.

Get more information on "Global Novel Coronavirus Drugs Market Research Report" by requesting FREE Sample Copy at https://www.valuemarketresearch.com/contact/novel-coronavirus-drugs-market/download-sample

Market Dynamics

The market for novel coronavirus drugs will be in mayhem until a specific drug for the complete treatment of the disease is available. The major drivers for this pandemic drug market are the effect of the virus on a larger scale and the increasing number of deaths even in developed countries like the USA. The drug market will see tremendous growth globally until the number of COVID -19 cases is reported as nil throughout the world. The main challenging factor is the fact that development and testing of suitable drugs and vaccines take a longer time than the rate at which this virus is having a devastating effect on humankind. Restrictions imposed by the WHO may have a restraining effect on the market.

The report covers Porter’s Five Forces Model, Market Attractiveness Analysis and Value Chain analysis. These tools help to get a clear picture of the industry’s structure and evaluate the competition attractiveness at a global level.

Additionally, these tools also give inclusive assessment of each application/product segment in the global market of novel coronavirus drugs.

Browse Global Novel Coronavirus Drugs Market Research Report with detailed TOC at https://www.valuemarketresearch.com/report/novel-coronavirus-drugs-market

Market Segmentation

The entire novel coronavirus drugs market has been sub-categorized into drugs and age group. The report provides an analysis of these subsets with respect to the geographical segmentation. This research study will keep marketer informed and helps to identify the target demographics for a product or service.

By Drugs

·         Remdesivir

·         Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine

·         Ritonavir/lopinavir

·         Ritonavir/lopinavir + interferon beta

·         Others

By Age Group

·         <10 Years

·         10-19 Years

·         20-29 Years

·         30-80 Years

·         >80 Years

Regional Analysis

This section covers regional segmentation which accentuates on current and future demand for novel coronavirus drugs market across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Further, the report focuses on demand for individual application segment across all the prominent regions.

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We facilitate clients with syndicate research reports and customized research reports on 25+ industries with global as well as regional coverage.

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[noramoya]

A LAWSUIT BROUGHT SEVEN YEARS AGO BY THE SINGER’S MYSTERIIOUS EX-MANAGER, TOHME TOHME, FINALLY GETS TESTED AT TRIAL. AMONG THOSE SCHEDULLED TO TESTIFY ARE JOHN BRANCA, JOHN McCLAIN, KATHERINE JACKSON, JERMAINE JACKSON, AND TOM BARRACK Jr.

For the past few months, thanks largely to the documentary Leaving Neverland, the discussion on Michael Jackson has centered around whether the late pop superstar deserves a more critical reexamination due to multiple allegations of child sexual abuse.

But how did the singer, who was up to his ears in debt around the turn of the century and suffering from many stains on his reputation, rehabilitate himself in the first place? And who deserves a chunk of the billions of dollars in spoils from what was collected in the aftermath of the King of Pop's fateful overdose on propofol at age 50 on June 25, 2009?

This coming Tuesday, nearly a decade after Jackson's death, a trial is scheduled to begin that will explore the singer's final, strange days, and in particular, his relationship with Tohme Tohme, a mysterious man who came into Jackson's life in 2008 boasting of connections throughout the Arab world.

In Tohme's lawsuit, filed all the way back in 2012 — so long ago that it's understandable that this legal dispute has slipped off almost everyone's radar — he alleges providing the necessary "advice, guidance and skillful work" to improve Jackson's public image, alleviate the singer's financial situation and put his client in a position to make a final tour.

Tohme continues to allege that the Michael Jackson Estate owes him a 15 percent commission on compensation that Jackson received during his last year on Earth and also wants a cut of revenues relating to This Is It, the concert film that grossed hundreds of millions of dollars. Finally, he's seeking a finder's fee for securing a loan that prevented foreclosure on Jackson's beloved Neverland Ranch home.

As Jackson's manager, under a services agreement, Tohme got a $35,000 monthly fee on top of a 15 percent commission, and it's the position of the Michael Jackson Estate that the agreement was properly terminated before Jackson's death. The defendant has also presented the service agreement as being unconscionable and has alleged in its own claims against Tohme that in securing a very lucrative financial package for himself, the ex-manager breached his fiduciary duties and stole money from the singer.

The trial is being split into two phases.The first will be contractual interpretation. Tohme is hoping to bring experts to the witness stand to testify that post-termination commissions are customary in the entertainment industry. If Tohme did the groundwork for This Is It, he believes he's entitled to 15 percent as any agent or manager would get even after being fired. The Michael Jackson Estate responds that the plain language of the agreement is what counts — and that customs and practices are irrelevant.

The second may get into the nitty-gritty of the relationship between Jackson and Tohme — for instance, whether or not Jackson actually fired Tohme is a point of controversy among the parties and something that would be dealt with if necessary at the later stage. Tohme alleges that he only took 15 percent after Jackson proposed becoming 50/50 partners.

The trial will have some very notable witnesses, including Jackson's mother, Katherine, his brother Jermaine, top agents and lawyers in the entertainment industry and Thomas Barrack Jr., the Donald Trump confidant whose Colony Capital spared Jackson from being evicted from Neverland after buying the loan on the property.

The sex abuse allegations may not figure prominently but could get at least some sideways attention. Tohme wants to spill the beans on the percentage of revenue paid as compensation to John Branca and John McClain, the co-executors of the Michael Jackson Estate. Having allegedly done things like working on Jackson's image, handling licensing requests and settling the singer's dispute with Sheikh Abdullah of Bahrain, Tohme believes his work is comparable to Branca's and McClain's work, so the evidence of their compensation goes to the reasonableness of his own.

This could open up a discussion of how both sides have respectively served Jackson's legacy. Branca and McClain — both scheduled to testify as well — object to the notion that there are parallels and say that if necessary they'd discuss the differences. A final status conference is set for Monday.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mark A. Young will make final evidentiary rulings and gauge each side's preparedness to begin. It's possible that after seven years, the judge may see reason to delay once again, but the trial will likely commence quite soon and add to the story of the much discussed entertainment figure that is Michael Jackson.

[phoenixrising0308]

The Offer: Minefields

Books: The Royal Romance 1-3 to Royal Heir and crossover characters from other choices universes.

Rating: M (18+) Sexual situation and adult themes.

Trigger Warnings in this chapter: Infidelity

Pairing: M!OC x F!OC * these are both original characters

Disclaimer

A/N - Throwing my hat in the ring for the choices prompts #3. challenge. The prompt appears in bold Italics.

Series premise: This is a canon divergent series set after TRR 3 Tariq has not been found. Liam’s duty to his country forces him into marriage. Jessica and Liam enter a Cordonian arrangement, but in Cordonian society, where house prestige is everything. An offer gives her a chance to restore her reputation and have what she wants the most.

Story inspiration: “I choose to love you in silence because in silence I find no rejection, and in silence, no one owns you but me.” - Rumi

Song inspiration song: Faouzia & John Legend - Minefields

Reading time: 4 Minutes

Word count: 836 *please excuse typos and grammatical errors*

“This isn’t working for me anymore.” “Excuse me?” “You heard me.” “This was the agreement. This has always been the agreement. Or have you forgotten?” “I’ve forgotten nothing. But everything is different now.”

Ibrahim closed his eyes, and the tears he held for what seemed like an eternity spilled. Everything indeed was different now. His wife Jadiya was everything a man could want, but she was vain and entitled, and after years of trying desperately to win her favor so that she could fall in love with him, he had enough. Jadiya failed to catch the eye of a newly crowned King during his social season, and as most failed social season suitors did; she attended Social Season Tea, an event for noblemen to find a wife from the pool of women that the King dismissed ‘or did he?’

His ailing father chose Jadiya Al-Abdullah because of her ties to the Moroccan Monarchy, which the Duke thought could help procure the favor of parliament, further securing his house’s station in business and high society. Cordonian nobles seldom marry for love; they marry for connection. Whether the connection is social or financial, love is always second. The marriage would benefit both families. Jadiya would be a Duchess; she would enjoy the Duchy’s riches, prestige, and surname that granted her access to the place she failed to reach during the social season, and the Duke would have the connections he desired.

Ibrahim and Jadiya’s marital bed was cold and unloving; his young bride seemed more interested in the pomp and circumstance of being in court than she ever was in trying to learn to love her husband. Although this was a marriage centered on social connection, Ibrahim remained hopeful that he would find love and acceptance instead of rejection in his wife. Divorce would not be an option in a world where house honor is valued over happiness, and Ibrahim thought it would be better to learn to love each other than be unhappy for the rest of their lives.

The young lord wanted so desperately to be loved and to please his wife he was devastated that no matter the effort, she never showed any genuine affection. He did all he could for her and spared no expense in getting her all that she wanted in hopes that he could warm her heart, but it seemed Jadiya took more than she gave in the marriage.

One day while entering his office in his father’s law firm, he was taken aback by a recent transfer from his father’s firm in Marrakesh to a young legal secretary named Farrah; she had big brown eyes that to Ibrahim resembled two La Vian chocolate diamonds that sparkled in the light. Farrah was intelligent and humble. She made him laugh. He found himself staying in the office to be around her all too soon, and Farrah always returned his advances with tenderness. Ibrahim found love in the arms of another, and so Farrah became his mistress.

Jadiya sucked her teeth and said, “Get rid of it.”

“Jadiya, I can’t do that.” Ibrahim openly sobbed

“What will the people say, Ibrahim? We are nobility. We must keep our station in life. I will not share my wealth with your bastard.” Jadiya stood up from the table and smoothed her dress.

“Jadiya, let me out of this marriage, return to Morrocco. I will pay you handsomely.”

“We must come to a resolution that I can accept,” Jadiya responded.

“Jadiya, I know. I have always known you had your arrangements.”

Jadiya snikered “Prove it… I am not carrying the child of my lover.”

"Can you carry a child at all?" The Duke snickered, "You have been married for five years, and yet there is no heir. But your connections matter more than your womb at this moment." The Duke leaned back in his chair, the wheels in is head-turning going unnoticed as the couple argued the fate of a child.

“Jadiya, you are beautiful. You can have any man you want. You will recover nicely from this separation. Please set me free.” Ibrahim pleaded to no avail.

The Duke slammed his cane on the floor and yelled, “There will be no divorce. This house’s prestige means more to me than your happiness, and the stigma will follow us into ruin. People will assume that we neglect our commitments. Jadiya, I am sure that I can leak to the news who your lover is, and I will end your reputation in this society, affairs are acceptable for men, but women are expected to be faithful. If it is discovered you are barren, no nobleman worth his weight in salt will touch you. Jadiya, you will fake a pregnancy and raise the child as your own when the time comes. Farrah will need to be relocated I will not risk the chance of the child's resemblance to her becoming court gossip. I will discuss her future with a family representative of hers.”  The Duke tapped his cane on the ground, which meant the negotiations were over. This was the directive, and they both had much to lose in life or limb should they rebel against him. The Duke would see to it.

Ibrahim knew his father to be ruthless and cold. He wouldn't risk the life of his love or their child by defying him. Jadiya was ever the social climber, and there was truth to Duke's speculation about her fertility and her lover indeed was not one she could run to... he was a King after all. A spoiled reputation would mean she would be a laughing stock in both the courts of Cordonia and Morocco. Her station would be reduced to nothing, but if she played the part, she would have wealth and a title at least.

Fez, Morocco

… Months later

Ibrahim held his child in his arms and rocked the newborn.

“What shall we call him.” Farrah quietly smiled as she looked at them.”

The new father proudly said,“رشاد (Rashad).”

[reportstore]

Cities from Scratch: The Saudi Construction Boom

In an endeavor to decrease dependence on oil, Saudi Arabia is investing in a gigantic push to lay out new industries. For the plan construct world, this implies projects on a remarkable scale. Chris Lo profiles the Saudi construction blast.

Saudi Arabia's construction market is on the ascent. The Saudi regal family is making enormous investments in government spending, improving the economy and infrastructure to energize differentiated development, independent of nation's oil holds.

This spending looks set to continue - a November 2010 Deloitte Center East report, 'GCC Powers of Construction 2010', anticipated that the nation would grant construction contracts worth a sum of $86bn in 2011 alone.

While the main push with these investments is to lay out Saudi Arabia as an international center point for something beyond oil, obviously oil benefits are providing the financial means for such rich spending. A long way from being restricted to commissioning buildings and streets, the nation is involved with building whole urban communities without any preparation, explicitly as habitats for innovation and monetary development.

To gain more information on Saudi Arabia construction market forecast, download a free report sample

This uncommon investment is drawing designers and project workers from around the world. Henning Larsen Designers is one of the numerous unfamiliar organizations involved in huge tasks in the nation, in any event, setting up a devoted office in Riyadh more than a long time back.

The organization's plan chief Louis Becker summarizes what is going on. "Saudi Arabia is a country that is developing quickly," he says. "Riyadh is, I think, the quickest developing city on the planet right now. They are preparing themselves for a circumstance without oil, and another economy implies an accentuation on schooling and culture, yet additionally new industries. That is the reason there is a great deal of investment happening in Saudi."

"This uncommon Saudi investment is drawing engineers and workers for hire from around the world." Designing the financial urban communities Aggressive is a suitable word to depict a considerable lot of the Saudi Government's arrangements for building projects. "The degree of aspiration and vision has truly filled over the most recent five years, from accepting fair, standard ventures to asking for something specifically. And it's for an enormous scope since you really want huge scope ventures to oblige the demand," says Becker.

Fundamental to the public investment are the six 'financial urban communities' masterminded by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA). Declared investment in these urban communities goes from $7bn to $27bn, and every city will involve the construction of thousands of private, retail and places of business, as well as significant infrastructure and industry works.

Every one of these metropolitan regions will zero in on various monetary bases, from the examination and technology focal point of Information Financial City (KEC) in Medina to the finance center of King Abdullah Monetary City (KAEC) on the country's Red Ocean coast. The end-all strategies for these urban communities are being handled by a scope of huge designers from the Center East and somewhere else.

The expert engineer for Jazan Financial City (JEC), which will be centered around weighty industry and agribusiness, is Malaysian infrastructure and utilities organization MMC International.

Among the biggest of JEC's construction projects is a $2.5bn, 2,400MW hostage power plant to supply power to the city's proposed $3.6bn aluminum smelter. "The construction of the power plant and the aluminum smelter is booked to be finished in 2013," said MMC President Feizal Ali in late 2008. "MMC's investment in these ventures will guarantee a critical recurring income stream for us once these plants become functional."

The construction of the monetary urban communities may be a bet for Saudi Arabia, however obviously investment is as of now pouring in from around the world.