Despite their small populations, the Arab states of the Gulf exercise an enormous and global influence. But all-too-often, these states are treated as if their only importance were as pawns in a global strategic board game and are simply dealt with as mere models of the intersection of oil, wealth and power. Here, Dresch and Piscatori bring together a more nuanced picture: exploring how the citizen populations of these states define themselves in a wider context. The Gulf provides extreme examples of the nexus of identities, not only because these polities are so dependent on transnational flows of wealth and imagery, but because at home the citizen workforce is often outnumbered by migrant labour. Examining the issues such as Gulf-owned transnational media, the role of women in the Kuwaiti state and the way Saudi Arabia manages the yearly influx of pilgrims for the Hajj, Monarchies and Nations is essential reading for all those interested in the society, politics and the future security of the Gulf.

The book's editor, political scientist Dr. Winberg Chai, provides in his introduction a concise overview of this largely unknown kingdom from its geography and history to its contemporary role in the war on terrorism. Saudi Arabia: A Modern Reader provides readers enough historical data and contemporary information about the kingdom of Saudi Arabia to understand their role in the Middle East and to form their own opinions about its present and future relationship to the United States.

This book examines the link between Islamic thought/jurisprudence on the one hand and political action on the other. It shows how reformism is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and how Sunni scholars have become activists for change in Saudi Arabia.

This book consists of four parts with three chapters each. Part I introduces some useful terms and definitions that are related to the business of mergers and acquisitions. It also lists some of the major mergers that took place during the last decade. Saudis who made significant contributions to the oil industry are also covered in this part. Part II highlights the formation together with a brief about Saudi Aramco, Petromin and Samarec. (Petromin is included as it is very much affected by the creation of Samarec and its merger with Saudi Aramco). Part III describes the actual merger in terms of its resolutions, strategy and implementation. Part IV deals with the impact of such emergence on the organizations, employees and the major joint ventures that were associated with Samarec and Petromin.

2011 Updated Reprint. Updated Annually. Saudi Arabia Government and Business Contacts Handbook