A look at Saudi Arabia\'s current political and economic situation and its propensity for revolution. (Presented on 3/8/2011 at Fuh Hwa Security Investment Trust, Taipei, Taiwan)

1. Emma 日期： 2011/03/08 Crying out for reform Saudi Arabia

2. Abdul-Aziz bin Saud founded Saudi Arabia, leaving subsequent heirs in charge Historical Overview Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz crowned king

3. Abdullah is aging; his successors seem less-than-promising Royal Family People kind of like me! But I’m slow to carry out reform and cancer-ridden… who’s next in line to rule the nation? I’ll do it, half-brother! But I think I might have dementia… I’m also greedy. Oh, and I can’t remember my own age. Well, I guess I’m next. But don’t expect to see much reform while I’m in power. I hate change. King Abdullah, “king of the people” (age 87) Crown Prince Sultan, defense minister (age 83-86) Prince Navef, Minister of Interior (age 77)

4. In contrast to the aging regime, a growing number of the Saudi population are young, educated, globally aware… and unemployed Demographics Total Saudi Arabian population: 27.1 million 70% of which are under age 30 Unemployment Rate: 10.8% (almost 3 million people) … for women ages 25-29: 45.5% Governmental funds for education in 2011 : SR150 billion (US$40 billion) 26% of the country’s budget

5. Demographics Great divide exists among demographic groups in terms of employment opportunities and wages Average monthly salary of Saudi youth: 3,000 riyals (US $830 , NT $24,348 ) … meanwhile, princes’ salaries are in the hundreds of thousands. Citizens vs. Royal Family Men vs. Women Nationals vs. Non-Nationals

6. Highly religious, traditional Saudi regime’s policies leave very little room for self-expression Policies According to the Shari’a…

7. Disenchanted Saudis use Facebook as a vehicle to gather like-minded citizens, publicize their demands, and push for change Social Media If the government fails to respond to and address these demands, the people will revolt on March 11 at Riyadh on Olaya St. As of 3/4/11. Two days prior, membership was at 8,528.

8. Three petitions directed at the Saudi regime and detailing reform demands have circulated over the Internet Petitions Toward the State of Rights and Institution http://dawlaty.info Signed by 1,554 people. Blocked in Saudi Arabia by the government a few days after its launch. So, what do they want? Constitutional monarchy, a government for the people, equal treatment, employment, better job prospects Feb. 23 Youth http://hasantalk.com/?p=492 Mainly signed by journalists and cyber activists. Led by Mahmoud Sabbagh. A Declaration of National Reform http://www.saudireform.com/ Most detailed statement thus far, mostly signed by known “liberals” in Saudi society. Blocked in Saudi Arabia as of 2/28/11.

9. Uprisings are spreading rapidly on all borders and have already spanned 14 nations across Northern Africa and the Middle East Regional Unrest

10. Neighboring nations Oman and Bahrain, which recently saw its first series of protests, share several similar attributes with Saudi Arabia Protesting neighbors Saudi Arabia Bahrain Oman GDP per person 22.9 24 23.3 Total population 26.2 million 807 thousand 2.9 million Population under age 25 50.8% 43.9% 51.5% Government Absolute Monarchy Constitutional Monarchy Absolute Monarchy Monarch’s reign King Abdullah, since 2005 King Hamad, since 1999 Sultan Qaboos, since 1970 Monarch’s overall image Honest, uncorrupt Reformative Main Religion Islam Islam Islam Shi’ite population 10-15% 60-70% 15% Unemployment Rate 10.8% (as of 2010) 15% (as of 2005) 15% (as of 2004) Main Export Oil, gas Oil Signs of discontent Slow governmental reform, unemployment, some corruption Heavy governmental discrimination against Shia majority, slow reform, mistrust Unemployment, uncertainty about monarch’s succession

12. Growing protests The latest updates in Saudi Arabia foretell mounting unrest, discontent with the government and a desire for more equality, as well as a very tense monarchy that is ready to retaliate February 28, 2011 (Source: saudiwoman.wordpress.com)

17. Appendix Education & Unemployment: Charts