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                           Original Text  ( Arabic / Look at the  translation below )            

تأسست الشركة الوطنية لنقل الكيماويات ("الشركة") كشركة سعودية ذات مسؤولية محدودة بموجب السجل التجاري رقم 1010076778 بتاريخ 12 /1/ 1410هـ الموافق 7 /5/ 1990م. وقد وافق معالي وزير التجارة والصناعة، بموجب القرار الوزاري رقم...... بتاريخ..........(الموافق.........)، على تحول الشركة من شركة ذات مسؤولية محدودة برأسمال حالي يبلغ 610.000.000 ريال سعودي مقسم إلى 61.000.000 سهم عادي إلى شركة مساهمة برأسمال يبلغ 871.500.000 ريال سعودي يمثل 87.150.000 سهماً عادياً بقيمة اسمية قدرها 10 ريال للسهم. وذلك من خلال طرح إجمالي مبلغ الزيادة المقررة في رأس المال والبالغة 261.500.000 ريال سعودي للاكتتاب العام مقسمة إلى 26.150.000 سهم عادي بقيمة أسمية تبلغ 10 ريالات للسهم. وبمجرد انتهاء الاكتتاب (كما هو محدد أدناه)، وبعد انعقاد الجمعية التأسيسية العامة لتحويل الشركة إلى شركة مساهمة سوف يتم تقديم طلب إلى وزير التجارة والصناعة بإعلان تحويل الشركة إلى مساهمة. وتعتبر الشركة محولة نظاماً من تاريخ صدور القرار الوزاري بإعلان تحويل الشركة.

سيكون الاكتتاب العام الأولي "الاكتتاب" لطرح26.150.000 سهماً عادياً "أسهم الاكتتاب" بقيمة أسمية قدرها 10 ريالات سعودية وعلاوة إصدار قدرها 13 ريال سعودي للسهم الواحد، تمثل بمجملها 30% من رأس المال المصدر للشركة، مقتصراً فقط على الأشخاص السعوديين الطبيعيين والأولاد القصر للمرأة السعودية المطلقة أو الأرملة من زوجها غير السعودي          (ويشار إليهم بـ "المكتتب" وفي حالة الجمع "المكتتبين"). ويتم بيع أسهم الاكتتاب من قبل الشركة الوطنية لنقل الكيماويات كزيادة لرأسمال الأسهم في حين يكون المساهمون الحاليون هم الشركة الوطنية السعودية للنقل البحري وشركة سابك للاستثمارات الصناعية ("المساهمون الحاليون"). وبعد انتهاء الاكتتاب فسوف يمتلك المساهمون الحاليون مجتمعين 70% من الأسهم وبالتالي سيحتفظون بحصة مسيطرة في الشركة. وسوف يتم استخدام صافي متحصلات الاكتتاب من قيمة رأسمال الأسهم وعلاوة إصدار الأسهم في تمويل خطط التوسع المزمع في عمليات الشركة، وعليه سوف لن يستلم المساهون الحاليون أي نسبة من متحصلات الاكتتاب . هذا ، وقد تم التعهد بالتغطية الكاملة للاكتتاب (راجع قسم "التعهد بالتغطية").

سوف يبدأ الاكتتاب في.......... (الموافق.......) ويستمر لفترة........... يوماً شاملة آخر يوم لإغلاق الاكتتاب وهو يوم............ (الموافق.........) ("فترة الاكتتاب"). ويمكن تقديم طلبات الاكتتاب إلى أي من فروع البنوك المستلمة (كما هو محدد في قسم "إشعار هام") خلال فترة الاكتتاب. يجب على كل من يرغب الاكتتاب في الأسهم المطروحة أن يكتتب بـ....... (..) سهم كحد أدنى، و...... (....) سهم كحد أعلى. وفي حالة زيادة المبالغ المكتتب بها عن القيمة المطروحة للاكتتاب سيتـم تخصيص ... سهم على الأقل لكل مكتتب، وما يتبقى من الأسهم المطروحة للاكتتاب – إن وجدت- سيتم تخصيصه على أساس تناسبي بناءً على نسبة ما طلبه كل مكتتب إلى إجمالي الأسهم المطلـوب الاكتتاب فيها. وإذا تجـاوز عدد المكتتبين ..... (.....) مكتتب، فإن الشـركة لا تضمن الحد الأدنى للتخصيص وسيتم التخصيص بالتساوي على عدد المكتتبين. وفي حالة تجاوز عدد المكتتبين عدد الأسهم المطروحة للاكتتاب، سوف يتم التخصيص بحسب ما تقرره هيئة السوق المالية "الهيئة". وسوف تتم إعادة فائض الاكتتاب (إن وجد) إلى المكتتبين دون أي عمولات أو استقطاعات أو تأخير من البنوك المستلمة. وسوف يتم الإعلان عن عملية التخصيص ورد الفائض (إن وجد) في موعد أقصاه ___هـ الموافق ___م.

تعتبر جميع أسهم الشركة أسهم عادية ذات فئة واحدة، ولا تعطي لأيّ مساهم حقوق تصويت امتيازيه. يحق لكل مساهم يمتلك مائة (100) سهم أو أكثر حضور اجتماعات الجمعية العمومية والتصويت فيها بصوت واحد عن كل سهم يحمله. وتستحق الأسهم المطروحة للاكتتاب أرباح تعلنها الشركة بعد تاريخ بدء فترة الاكتتاب لسنة 2006م والسنوات المالية التي تليها. علماً بأن الشركة قد حققت أرباحاً صافية بلغت 65 مليون ريال للسنة المالية 2005م.

لم يسبق أن تم تداول أسهم الشركة الوطنية لنقل الكيماويات بأي سوق للأوراق المالية داخل المملكة العربية السعودية أو بأي مكان آخر. تقدمت الشركة بطلب لهيئة السوق المالية بالمملكة العربية السعودية لتسجيل الأسهم في القائمة الرسمية، مشفوعاً بكافة الموافقات ذات الصلة بما في ذلك الموافقة على نشرة الإصدار هذه وعلى كافة المستندات المؤيدة الأخرى التي طلبتها هيئة السوق المالية. كما تم الحصول على جميع الموافقات الرسمية للقيام بعملية طرح الأسهم. ومن المتوقع أن يبدأ تداول الأسهم في السوق بعد الانتهاء من عملية تخصيص الأسهم بفترة وجيزة (راجع قسم "تواريخ مهمة للمستثمرين")، وعندئذٍ سيسمح لمواطني المملكة العربية السعودية وللشركات والبنوك وصناديق الاستثمار السعودية بالتداول في الأسهم. ينبغي دراسة قسمي" إشعار هام" و"عوامل المخاطرة" الواردين في هذه النشرة قبل اتخاذ أيّ قرار بالاستثمار في الأسهم المطروحة للاكتتاب بموجب هذه النشرة.

البيانات المالية المختارة الواردة أدناه مستخرجة من وتجب قراءتها مقرونة بالقوائم المالية المراجعة للشركة بما في ذلك الإيضاحات المرافقة والقسم الخاص بـ "مناقشات الإدارة وتحليل الأوضاع والنتائج المالية للعمليات" الوارد في موضع آخر من هذه المذكرة. وقد استخلصت البيانات المراجعة للعمليات للسنوات المنتهية في 31 ديسمبر 2003م و 2004م و 2005م والميزانيات العمومية كما في 31 ديسمبر 2003م و 2004م و 2005 من القوائم المالية المراجعة والموضحة في موضع آخر من هذه المذكرة.

                      ‌أ-         أبرمت الشركة في عام 1998م اتفاقية قرض مصرفي مشترك مع سامبا وسيتي بنك تبلغ قيمته 55 مليون دولار (تعادل 206.3 مليون ريال)لتمويل عمليات الشركة. ويتضمن القرض المذكور رسوم تمويل بسعر الفائدة بين البنوك في سوق لندن زائداً هامش متفق عليه. وسيتم سداد الرصيد المتبقي من القرض البالغ 69.9 مليون ريال كما في 31 ديسمبر 2005م على ثلاثة أقساط نصف سنوية متساوية إضافة إلى دفعة واحدة تبلغ قيمتها 40.7 مليون ريال سيتم دفعها في 1 ديسمبر 2007م. وسيتم رهن ثلاث من السفن التي تملكها الشركة (تبلغ قيمتها الدفترية الإجمالية 80 مليون ريال) كضمان لهذا القرض.

وفي عام 2004م أبرمت الشركة اتفاقية قرض مع سامبا تبلغ قيمته الإجمالية 52.3 مليون دولار (تعادل 196.3 مليون ريال) لتمويل بناء سفينتين. ويتضمن هذا القرض رسوم تمويل بسعر الفائدة بين البنوك في سوق لندن زائداً هامش متفق عليه. وسيتم سداد القرض الذي يبلغ 196.3 مليون كما في 31 ديسمبر 2005م على 20 قسطاً نصف سنوية متساوية إضافة إلى دفعة واحدة تبلغ قيمتها 58.9 مليون ريال سيتم دفعها في 12 أكتوبر 2015م. وسيتم رهن اثنتين من الناقلات المملوكة للشركة (تبلغ قيمتها الدفترية الإجمالية 258.8 مليون ريال) كضمان لهذا القرض .

وأبرمت الشركة في عام 2004م أيضاً اتفاقية قرض مصرفي مشترك مع سامبا، البنك السعودي الفرنسي والشركة العربية للاستثمارات البترولية تبلغ قيمته الإجمالية 104.6 مليون دولار (392.2 مليون ريال) لتمويل بناء أربع سفن. ويتضمن هذا القرض رسوم تمويل بسعر الفائدة بين البنوك في سوق لندن زائداً هامش متفق عليه. وسيتم تسديد الرصيد المتبقي من القرض (88.3 مليون ريال كما في 31 ديسمبر 2005م) بعد عام 2006م. وسيتم رهن السفن الأربع كضمان لهذا القرض .

                    ‌ب-       أبرمت الشركة في عـام 1994م اتفاقيـة قـرض مع بنك الرياض بلغت قيمته 50 مليـون دولار (187.5 مليون ريال) لتمويل تكلفة سفن الشركة قيد الإنشاء. ويتضمن هذا القرض رسوم تمويل بسعر الفائدة بين البنوك في سوق لندن زائداً هامش متفق عليه. وقد تم تسديد الرصيد المتبقي من هذا القرض البالغ 9.4 مليون ريال كما في 31 ديسمبر 2004م خلال عام 2005م.

                    ‌ج-        أبرمت الشركة اتفاقية قرض مصرفي في عام 1996م مع بي ان بي باريباس، فرنسا، بلغت قيمته 50 مليون دولار (187.5 مليون ريال) لتمويل تكلفة سفن الشركة قيد الإنشاء. ويتضمن هذا القرض رسوم تمويل بسعر الفائدة بين البنوك في سوق لندن زائداً هامش متفق عليه. وسيتم سداد الرصيد المتبقي من القرض المذكور البالغ 56.3 مليون ريال كما في 31 ديسمبر 2005م على أقساط ربع سنوية متساوية إضافة إلى دفعة واحدة تبلغ 37.5 مليون ريال سيتم دفعها في 25 إبريل 2007م. وسيتم رهن إحدى السفن التي تملكها الشركة (تبلغ قيمتها الدفترية الإجمالية 200.4 مليون ريال) كضمان لهذا القرض. وبالإضافة إلى ذلك، تضمن الشركة الوطنية لنقل الكيماويات كافة التزامات شركة الساحل الجنوبي للملاحة المتعلقة بالاتفاقية المذكورة.

                     ‌د-         أبرمت الشركة في عام 2005م اتفاقية قرض مع صندوق الاستثمارات حصلت بموجبها على قرض تصل قيمته إلى 116.200.000 دولار لتمويل بناء 4 سفن.

                                    (Translated Text ( From Arabic Into English )

                        National Company for The Transport of Chemicals (NCC)

                   A Saudi Joint Stock Company (under the process of conversion)

On 12^th of Muharram of the year 1410 AH corresponding to 7^th of May of the year 1995 , and on the basis of the commercial register under No. (1010076778), the National Company for the Transport of Chemicals was established as a limited liability company. The Minister of Commerce and Industry in accordance with Resolution No. ………….

Dated ………… ( corresponding to …………) agreed that the company shall be converted from a limited liability company with the present capital of SR (610.000.000) representing ( 61.000.000) shares into a joint stock company with the capital of SR (871.500.000) representing (87.150.000) shares and a nominal value of SR (10) per share.

This can be done subtracting the total of the surplus in the capital which is SR ( 261.500.000) to represent (26.150.000) shares with a nominal value of SR (10) per share for subscription. As soon as the subscription ends as hereinafter determined and after the General Assembly is convened , an application shall be submitted to the minister of Commerce and Industry to declare the conversion of the company into a joint stock company. Therefore, the company shall be considered a converted company as of the date of the ministerial Resolution issuance date.

The primary subscription “subscription” for the first year will offer (26.150.000) shares “subscription shares” with a nominal value of SR ( 10) per share and a bonus issue of SR (13) per share. The amount of the subscription shares mentioned hereinabove shall stand for % of the company’s capital. The persons who are entitled to subscribe are normal Saudis, minors of a Saudi divorced woman, minors of a Saudi widow being married to a man who isn’t Saudi. (they shall be referred to hereinafter as ( a subscriber for singular ,and (subscribers) for plural). The National Company for the Transport of Chemicals (NCC) is entitled to sell subscription shares to increase the share capital. Yet, the selling shareholders are National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia and Saudi Basic Industries Corporation ( SABIC) “selling shareholders” .Having the subscription ended , the selling shareholders if they act together shall won ( %70) of the shares. Thus and therefore, the selling shareholders will exert control and have the dominant share of the company. The net revenues of the capital share and the bonus issue will be used in the future expansion plans for the company. Accordingly, no one of the present shareholders will receive any of the subscription’s revenues. In addition, a full coverage of the subscription has been undertaken (the reader is referred to section “Pledge of Coverage”)

Subscription shall take place on ……….. (Corresponding to ……….) and last for …….. days including the closing day of subscription which is ………. (Corresponding to ………) ( “ Duration of the Subscription”). Subscription applications can be submitted to any branch of the receiving banks (as determined under section “Important Notification”). Any one who wants to subscribe shall subscribe ……. Share minimum, or ………. Shares maximum during the duration of

Subscription. In case there was an increase in the subscribed amounts over the offered shares, each subscriber will be allotted …….. share minimum, the rest of the subscribed shares_ if available_ will be allotted proportionally. In other words, each subscriber will be given a proportion according to what he asks for and according to the total of the subscribed shares. In case the number of the subscribers became …… , the company doesn’t have any assurance of the minimum percent of  allotment. Therefore, allotment will take place equally among subscribers. In case the number of the subscribers exceeded the offered shares , allotment of shares shall take place on the basis of what The Capital Market Authority decides “Authority”. Thus, the surplus of the subscription will be returned “ if available” to subscribers without any commissions,reductions,or delay on the part of the receiving banks. The announcement about the return of the surplus shall be by ………..corresponding to …………  .  The shares of the company shall be considered normal ones of the same category. Therefore no shareholder is entitled to have any privileges of voting. Any shareholder having (100) shares and above shall have the right to attend the meetings of the General Assembly, and have one vote for every share he represents. When the profits of the shares are due, the company will declare them after subscription starts to the year 2006 and the following fiscal years . It shall be known that the company achieved a net profit of SR (65) million during the fiscal year 2005.

It shall be known that no subscription ( Tadawul) to the share of the National Company for the Transport of Chemicals ( NCC) took place in Saudi Arabia stock market or any where else. The company submitted an application to the Capital Market Authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to register the shares in the main Listing enclosed by all types of related consent including this prospectus and all supporting documents required to the Capital Market Authority. Furthermore, all types of consents were achieved to offer such shares. It is expected that Tadawul of shares in the stock market will take place as soon as allotment of shares ends ( the reader is referred to section “ Important dates for  Investors”); Saudis in Saudi Arabia , companies, banks, and Saudi Investment Funds are allowed to use shares in Tadawul . The tow section of “Important Notification” and “ Risk Factors” herein shall be read before taking any decision pertaining to the investment in the subscribed shares hereupon.

Summary of Material Information

The selected financial data mentioned below   are taken from and shall be read side by side with the enclosed financial statements, explanations attached, and the special section “Deliberations of the Administration, Analysis of the Status, and Analysis of the financial results of Operations” herewith. The data revising the operations of the ending years on December 31^st 2003, 2004, and 2005 and general budgets as in December 31^st 2003,2004, and 2005 were derived from the statement hereon.

Consolidated Statement of Income

(Annex- G-3-4)

Source: the audited financial statement

 Consolidated Balance Statement as in December 31^st .

(In Riayls)

Source: the audited financial statement.

Main Factors

Source: taken from audited financial statement.

A-  In 1998, the company entered into a joint banking loan agreement with Samba and City bank with for the amount of $ ( 55) million which equals SR ( 206.3)million to finance the operations and business of the company. The loan above – mentioned shall include fees to support the company financially with an interest rate as the rate used among banks of London market, plus an agreed upon margin. The rest of the loan which is SR ( 69.9) million will be3 paid back  as mentioned in 31/12/2005 on three (3) semi-annual installments equally, and Sr ( 40.7) million as one payment which will be paid in 1/12/2007. Three ships of the company will be mortgaged  ( with a book value SR ( 80) million ) as a guarantee to this loan.

In 2004, the company signed a loan agreement with Samba .The loan was $ (52.3) million that equals SR ( 196.3) million to finance the construction of tow ships. This loan includes financial fees with an interest rate as the rate used among banks of London’market plus an agreed upon margin. The loan which is SR ( 196.3) million will be paid on ( 20 ) semi-annual installments equally as mentioned in 31/12/2005. There will be also one payment of SR ( 58.9) million that will be paid in 12/10/2015. The tankers ( a book value of SR ( 285.8) million of the company will be mortgaged as a guarantee to this loan.

Furthermore, the company reached a banking loan agreement with Samba, ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. in 2004. The amount of the loan was $ (104.6) million which equals SR ( 392.2) million to finance the construction of four ( 4 ) ships. This loan includes operating fees with an interest rate as the rate used among banks of London’ market and an agreed upon margin. The rest of the loan which is SR ( 88.3 ) million as mention in 31/12/2005 will be paid back after 2006. The four ships will be mortgaged as a guarantee to this loan.

B-   The company entered into a loan agreement with Riyad Bank in 1994. The loan was $ (50) million which represents SR ( 187.5) million . The purpose of the loan is to finance the ship under construction. This loan includes financial fees with an interes rate as the rate used by banks of London’market and an agreed upon margin. The rest of the loan which was SR ( 9.4) million was paid back as in 31/12/2004 during the year 2005.

C-  The company entered into a banking loan agreement with ………………………. , Franc, in 1996. The amont of the loan was $ ( 50) million ( SR 187.3 million) to finance the ships under construction. This loan includes operating fees with an interest rate as the rate used by banks of London’ market and an agreed upon margin. The rest of the loan SR ( 56.3) million will be paid as in 31/12/2005 on installments every four months equally and there will be a payment of Sr ( 37.5) million on 25/4/2007. One of the company’s ships having a book value of Sr ( 200.4) million  will be mortgaged as a guarantee to this loan . In addition, the National Company For the Transport of Chemicals ( NCC) shall guarantee all commitments of …………………….. .

D-  The Company entered into a loan agreement with the Investment Fund in  2005. Accordingly, the company got a loan which was $ ( 116.200.000) to finance the construction of the four ships.

Risks                                                                 

                  Original Text In English

R               Relating to the Market                                               

A)                 Competition

The fast food industry is highly competitive.  Some of the Company's competitors are larger and have greater financial and other resources than the Company.  There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete effectively against such competitors, and changes in the competitive environment may result in price change, reduced margins or loss of market share, any of which could materially adversely affect the Company's profitability.

B)                 Market Share for New Products

Consumer preferences change, and the Company's failure to anticipate, identify or react to these changes could result in reduced demand for the Company's products, which in turn could result in the Company loosing its market share.

Risks Relating to the Offered Shares

A)                 Selling Shareholders Owns a Majority Stake in the Company

Following the Offering, the Selling Shareholders will effectively own 70% of the Company’s Shares, enabling the Selling Shareholders, if they were to act together, to exert control over most matters requiring shareholder approval, including any merger, consolidation or sale of any assets, the election of the Board of Directors, preventing or causing any change in control of the Company and deciding whether to issue any further shares.  Therefore, the Selling Shareholders may exercise this ability in a manner that could have a significant effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations and could be to the detriment of the minority shareholders’ interest.

B)                 Absence of a Prior Market for the Shares

Currently, there is no public market for the Company’s Shares, and there can be no assurance that an active trading market for the Company’s Shares will develop or be sustained after this Offering. 

The Offer Price has been determined based upon several factors, including the history of and prospects for the Company’s business and the industry in which it competes and an assessment of the Company’s management, operations and financial results.  Various factors, including the Company’s financial results, general conditions in the industry, health of the overall economy or other factors beyond the Company’s control could cause significant fluctuations in the price and liquidity of the Company’s Shares.

C)                 Share Price Volatility

The market price of the Shares in the Company could be volatile and subject to significant fluctuations due to a variety of factors, including changes in sentiment in the market regarding the Shares, any regulatory changes affecting the Company's operations, variations in the Company’s operating results, ability to implement its business plans, the business developments of the Company and its competitors, the sector in which the Company operates, or speculation about the Company’s business.

There can be no assurance that the Shares will appreciate in value or will not lose value once they are listed on the Tadawul.

Confirmation from the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of Herfy confirms that the financial information has been extracted without adjustment from the audited financial statement of the Company for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005 and six months ended June 30, 2006 that the financial statements have been prepared and audited in accordance with the accounting standards issued by SOCPA.

1.          Bankruptcy of Board of Directors

The Directors, Chief Financial Officer, and Company Secretary and the Senior Management declare as of the date of this Prospectus that they:

¡  Have not at any time been declared bankrupt or been subject to bankruptcy proceedings;

¡  Except as disclosed elsewhere in this document, do not themselves, nor do any relatives or affiliates, have direct or indirect interests in the shares or debt instruments of the Company; and

¡  Except as disclosed elsewhere in this document, do not themselves, nor do any relatives or affiliates, have any material interest in any written or verbal contract or arrangement in effect or contemplated at the time of the Prospectus, which is significant in relation to the business of the Company.

2.                  Commissions, Discounts or Brokerage Fees

No commissions, discounts, brokerages, or other non-cash compensation were granted within the last two years immediately preceding the application for listing in connection with the issue or sale of any Companies securities to any director, proposed director, senior executive, promoter or experts.

Except as discussed in the “Summary of Material Agreements” section of this Prospectus or otherwise disclosed herein, there is no direct or indirect interests of any director of the Company and senior executives and the company secretary and any of their relatives and affiliates in the shares or debt instruments of the group.

3.                  Material Change

-           No material adverse change in the financial or trading position of the Company in the two financial years preceding the listing year and during the period from the end of the period covered in the auditors report to the date of the approval of the prospectus has occurred.

-           No material change in the nature of the business is contemplated.

4.                  Working Capital Statement

The Directors undertake that the Company has sufficient working capital for the 12 months immediately following the date of publication of this Prospectus.

5.                  Other Declarations

In addition to the above declarations, the Directors also declare that::

·         There is no power enabling a director or the CEO to vote on a contract or proposal in which he has a material interest

·         There is no power enabling a director or the CEO to vote remuneration to themselves

·         There is no power allowing the directors or the senior executives to borrow from the Company

Quorum of Ordinary General Assembly

The Ordinary General Assembly shall not be valid unless attended by shareholders representing at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the Company’s capital.  If such a quorum is lacking at the first meeting, a second meeting shall called to be held within the thirty (30) days following the previous meeting.  The second meeting shall be valid regardless of the number of shares represented. 

Quorum of Extraordinary General Assembly

The Extraordinary General Assembly shall be valid only if attended by shareholders representing at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the Company’s capital. If such quorum is lacking at first meeting, a second meeting shall be called and shall be valid if attended by shareholders representing at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the Company’s capital. 

Voting Rights

Each shareholder shall have one vote for each share he/it represents at the Conversion General Assembly. Votes at the meetings of Ordinary and Extraordinary General Assemblies shall be computed on the basis of one vote for each share represented at the meeting. However, a member of the Board of Directors may not participate in voting on any resolutions at the General Assembly meetings relating to the removal of such member from office. 

Voting Majorities

Resolutions of the Ordinary General Assembly shall be adopted by an absolute majority of the shares represented thereat.

Resolutions of the Extraordinary General Assembly shall be passed by a majority of two-thirds (2/3) of the shares represented thereat, unless the resolution related to increasing or decreasing the capital of the Company, prolongation or shortening of the Company’s durations, or dissolution of the Company, or the merger of the Company, in which case the resolution will be valid only if adopted by a majority of three-quarters (3/4) of the shares present or represented thereat. 

Rights of Shareholders at the General Assembly

Every shareholder shall have the right to discuss the items listed in the General Assembly's agenda and to direct questions in respect thereof to the members of the Board and the auditors in this respect.  The members of the Board or the auditors shall answer the shareholders' questions to the extent that their answers do not expose the Company's interest to any damage.  If the shareholder deems the answer to the question unsatisfactory, then he/it may refer the issue to the General Assembly and its decision in this regard shall be conclusive and binding.

Proceedings of the General Assembly

The General Assembly shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board of Directors or, in his absence, the director designated by him.  The Chairman shall appoint a secretary for the meeting and a canvasser.  Minutes shall be kept for the meeting showing the names of the shareholders present or represented, the number of shares they represent, the number of votes allotted, the resolution adopted, the number of votes for or against them, and an adequate record of discussions.  Such minutes shall be regularly recorded after each meeting in a special register to be signed by the Chairman of the Assembly, the secretary and the canvasser.

                                                Translation In Arabic

 Original Text In Arabic

من أسباب التصحيف

- تشابه رسم حروف اللغة العربية

وقد قع هذا بسبب أن بعض حروف اللغة العربية وضعت على هيئة واحدة لا يميزها عن بعضها إلا وجود التنقيط من عدمه, وان كانت منقوطة فيميزها اختلاف النقط في العدد, وان تساوى عدد النقط في حرفين أو أكثر, فيفرق بينهما بتغيير المكان, كأن توضع نقطة أو نقط احد الحروف المتساوية في الرسم فوق الحرف, ونقطة أو نقط الحرف الآخر تحته، مثال: ب- ن أو ج-خ أو يـ - ت كذلك مزدوجات الحروف مثل (ر- ز) و (س- ش) و(ص- ض) و(ط-ظ) و(ع-غ) و(ف-ق).

 لكن بعد جهود حماية اللغة العربية من نقط وشكل, وكذلك ظهور الطباعة، كلها ساعدت على الحد بشكل كبير من التصحيف, لأن الكتابة باليد من أسباب ظهور التصحيف, يقول اسطيري: " وقد يساعد على التصحيف في اللغة العربية أن الكتب ظلت مخطوطة باليد قرونا طويلة فأي نقطة زائدة أو ناقصة  أو وسخة فوق الحرف أو تحته قد تغير معناه". 1

ويقول الطناحي "وأخطر ما في قضية التصحيف أن بعض الذين يكتبون فيها الان يردون التصحيف كله إلى طبيعة الحرف العربي الذي يتشابه مع عدم النقط، وهذا غير صحيح، لاننا نجد كلمات كثيرة منقوطة نقطا واضحا لا لبس فيه ومع ذلك تقرأ على غير وجهها، وهذا هو مفتاح القضية، أن كثيرا مما يتصحف من الكلام انما يأتي نتيجة للغفلة او الجهل بتاريخ امتنا وعلومها وتاريخ رجالها وكل ما ابدعته وانتجته ومن بعد ذلك ومن قبله عدم اعطاء الكلام حقه من التامل والأناة2  يؤكد هذا قول ابو احمد العسكري فالاحتراس من التصحيف لا يدرك الا بعلم غزير ورواية كثيرة وفهم كبير وبمعرفة مقدمات الكلام وما يصلح أن ياتي بعدها مما يشاكلها وما يستحيل مضامته لها ومقاربته بها ويمتنع من وقوعه بعدها.3

 ومن امثلة التصحيف الناشئ عن هذا السبب ما ذكره العسكري بإسناده قال: "صحف بعضهم: (لا يورث حميل إلا ببينة)" فقال: (لا يرث جميل إلا بثينة) والحميل: من يحمل من بلده صغيراً، ولم يولد في بلد الإسلام ، وهي جملة مأثورة عن عمر بن الخطاب رضي الله عنه إذ كان بعضهم يدعي أنساب البعض فلا يقبل ذلك منهم إلا ببينة. 4 

ومنه ما رواه الحاكم والسيوطي أن بعضهم صحف حديث "زر غباً تزدد حباً" فقال زرعنا تردد حنة ثم فسره السيوطي بأن قوماً كانوا لايؤدون زكاة زروعهم فصارت حناء. 5

وذكر العسكري بإسناده قال ذُكر رجل عند ابن عون فقال ذاك رجل نزكوه يعني طعنوا فيه كأنهم ضربوه بالنيازك وهي الرماح القصار، قال فصحف أصحاب الحديث وقالوا ذلك رجل تركوه 6

 حكى العسكري في كتاب تصحيفات المحدثين باسناده عن سليمان بن عبد الملك انه كتب الى ابن حزم أن أحص مَنْ قِبَلَكَ من المخنثين فصحف كاتبه فقرأ: اخص من قبلك من المخنثين قال فدعاهم فخصاهم7        

3. تصحيف السمع اي الناتج عن سوء السمع                                                                          ويسمى كذلك خداع السمع وهو كثير شائع ويأتي هذا النوع من التصحيف من طريق الإملاء في أكثر الأحيان وهو التصحيف السمعي وقد كانت عادة الأوائل إملاء كتبهم على تلاميذهم وتتفاوت قدرات هؤلاء التلاميذ في التنبه لما يملى عليهم قوة وضعفا فقد يكتب احدهم شيئا على غير وجهه بسبب خداع السمع 8 وهذا قد ينتج عن خفوت صوت الشيخ لعجز أو مرض أو ضعف في حاسة السمع للمستمع او اتساع المجلس وكثرة الطلبة 9 و من الواضح أن الخلط يقع بين الحروف عند سماعها بسبب تقارب مخارجها أو في أوزانها أو صيغها الصرفية. منه ما سبق ذكره من تصحيف واصل الأحدب إلى عاصم الأحول.

ومنه أيضا ما ذكره السواحلي حيث قال في الاحتفال الذي أقيم لمبايعة شوقي بإمارة الشعر اي بتوليه منصب أمير الشعراء، وحضر بعض الصحفيين وكانوا يعلمون أن نفراً من الأدباء يعارضون هذه المبايعة حيث جاء في قصيدة لحافظ إبراهيم:

أمير القوافي قد اتيتُ مبايعا             وهذه وفود الشرق قد بايعت معي                                                           لكن احد الصحفيين قد سمع البيت "وهذه وفود الشر قد بايعت معي" ظنا منه أن حافظا ممن عارضوا شوقيا في تقلده هذه الإمارة وسجل البيت في صحيفته على ما توهم1 وقوى هذا الوهم لديه صحة وزن البيت على الرواية المصحفة.

مثال اخر: تنص قواعد اللغة على أن الوصف للأنثى من أفعل فعلاء ولا يقال فعلاءة وقد روي أن الأحمر (ت 194 هـ) زعم أنه يقال حمراءة وبيضاءة فقال له الكسائي: ما سمعت هذا (ت 191هـ) فقال الأحمر: بلى والله، سمعت أعرابيا ينشد: كأن في ريقه لما ابتسم   بلقاءةً في الخيل عن طفل متم*                                                                    يعني السحاب فقال له الكسائي ويحك إنما هو بلقاء تنفي الخيل عن طفل متم ويعد هذا من أخطر ألوان التصحيف إذ يترتب عليه خلاف لغوي (بلقاء تنفي الى بلقاءةً في) وسببه وجود التنوين                                                                                                                                                                               

___________________

1.        اسطيري, جمال , التصحيف وأثره في الحديث والفقه , الطبعة الأولى, 1415هـ/1995م  61

2.        الطناحي , محمود , صفحات في التراجم واللغة والأدب , الطبعة الاولى ,  1422هـ - 2002م ,  2/ 4,3,1

3.        العسكري ,الحسن , شرح ما يقع فيه التصحيف والتحريف ، الطبعة الأولى , 1383هـ/1963م , ص1-2

4.        العسكري , الحسن , تصحيفات المحدثين, 1402هـ ,  1/40 والعسقلاني, أحمد, تهذيب التهذيب , الطبعة الأولى , 1404هـ/ 1984م ,ص 1 /62 كذلك عالم الكتب من قضايا الحرف 642

5.        الطناحي , محمود , مدخل الى تاريخ نشر التراث العربي, الطبعة الأولى , 1405هـ/1984م ,  ص299

6.        العسكري , الحسن , تصحيفات المحدثين, 1402هـ ,  1/40 والعسقلاني, أحمد, تهذيب التهذيب , الطبعة الأولى , 1404هـ/ 1984م , 4/370

7.        المصدر السابق 1/71 

8.        الطناحي , محمود , مدخل الى تاريخ نشر التراث العربي, الطبعة الأولى , 1405هـ/1984م , ص 304

9.        العسكري , الحسن , تصحيفات المحدثين, 1402هـ ,  1/40 والعسقلاني, أحمد, تهذيب التهذيب , الطبعة الأولى , 1404هـ/ 1984م , 1/39

        Some reasons that create the problem of   AL Taşhyf (misplacement of the diacritical marks):

-          The similarity in the shapes of the letters in the Arabic language

In fact, this problem appeared because some letters in the Arabic language have the same shape .Yet, the only thing that distinguishes these letters which have a similar shape is the availability of diacritical marks or not. However, if these letters have diacritical marks, the problem is the number of marks over or under the letter. In addition, in case we have two letters with marks, what distinguishes those letters is the changeable place of the marks over or under letters. For example, there might be two letters of the same shape but a mark or a point could be put mistakenly over or under one of them which shouldn’t originally have any marks at all such as the letters:

Or pairs of letters such as:

            As a result of the efforts to protect Arabic from distortion in terms of diacritical pointing, vowelization and the emergence of printing, mistakes in AL Taşhyf (misplacement of the diacritical marks) were eliminated. This is because handwriting leads to AL Taşhyf. Jaml Al Astiri says” what adds worse to insult in AL Taşhyf in Arabic is that all books were handwritten  for many centuries which means that any additional , missing  point or even any spot over or under the letter may change its meaning”[1].AL Tanaji says “ the biggest danger in the issue of  AL Taşhyf is that some researchers who write in this issue consider that the issue of  AL Taşhyf emerged because of the similarity in the shapes of the letters in Arabic which may look the same without diacritical points, which is completely wrong. This is because we may find words with correct diacritical pointing but are read incorrectly which the core of AL Taşhyf. Much of what is misspelled is unintentional or an ignorance of our nation’s history, science, leaders, and heritage. Another point is that speech isn’t given the appropriate meditation and deliberateness”[2]., Abu Ahmad Al Askari reiterates that” cautiousness cant be achieved ,unless we have much information ;deep understanding ; knowledge of speech ‘s introductions ,what comes after or  before such introductions, what looks like them or that can never be attached to its content[3].

            Regarding the issue of AL Taşhyf, Al Askari gives examples such as " lā ywarretho Hamil Ela Bibayenah" , Hamil means the foundling or the inheritor who wasn’t born in an Islamic country or taken from his homeland when he was a child. This inheritor can inherit in case there is a proof by blood relationship or kinship. This is a reported statement uttered by Omar Ibn Al Khattab (may Allah bless his soul). As a result, some misheard the statement and said “ La Yaritho Jamil Ela Buthaina”   [4] i.e.( the only person who can inherit Jamil is Buthaina) which is completely a wrong interpretation. In Addition, some misheard "Zor Gubbn Tazdad Hubban" i.e ( cut and come again) as a result of  the mishearing, some misinterpreted the statement as "Zarana Tardad Hinah" which was misinterpreted by Al Sayuti by saying that some people didn’t pay Zakat for their plants and became henna[5]^.

According to AL Askari in his book, a man said " Dhak Rajulon Nazkoh" i.e. that man is a person whom we dispraise as if they hit him by small arrows of derogatory words, so some misinterpreted that statement by saying that man was released [6]^.

            In Al Askari's book Tashyfat Al Muhadithin , Al Askari says on the authority of Suleiman Ibn Abd Al Malik that “Ihsi Adad AL Mukhanathen" i.e. Suleiman Bin Abd Al Malik  ordered Bin Hazm to count the number of the womanish men. The writer of the letter misheard and wrote to Bin Hazm, instead, to castrate the womanish men, and he did[7].

            3) AL Taşhyf which results from mishearing of statements, phrases or words

            This kind of AL Taşhyf is very common and may be a result of dictating others statements, phrases or words. The reason why this emerged is that predecessors used to dictate their students in the past; therefore, we all know that students’ abilities differ from each other in noticing or hearing every single word or minute details exactly as dictated. Consequently, some students may mishear and therefore write down their notes according to what they hear which is incorrect[8] In addition, the degree of dictators’ voice differs in terms of loudness or softness for some reason or another. For example the dictator may be ill at that time; the hearer (student) may suffer from a problem that makes him unable to receive words exactly as said, or big place with large number of students[9].It is worth noticing that this kind of interference (mishearing) is a result of similarity of letters in terms of pronunciation, meter, and morphology. In fact, what has just been mentioned explains why some wrote “ Wasil Al Ahdab” as Asim Al Ahwal”

            Another example was mentioned by Al Sawahili who talked about the celebration made on the honor of Poet Ahmad Shawqi to nominate and grant him the title of Poet Laureate. The celebration was attended by some journalists who knew that some writers and poets opposed such a nomination. Yet, Hafiz Abraham declaimed a poem for this occasion in which he said:

 Amer  Al qawafi Qad Atait Mubayan    Wa Hathehi Wofood Al Sharqi Qad Bayat Maie

i.e.

             The rhymes prince I have come to a supporting and this the East delegations have pledged allegiance with me

Unfortunately, a journalist misheard the verse  Wa Hathehi Wofood Al Sharqi Qad Bayat Maie  as  (Wofood Al Shari) and interpreted it as ( the vile delegations  have pledged allegiance with me) which may mean at that case that  Hafiz Abraham was one of the people who opposed this nomination. Another reason for the journalist to misunderstand the verse is the same meter in both cases.

Another example on the interference resulting from mishearing a word is that the  morphological rules of Arabic dictate that we can use Afal   and Fala to describe females and is prohibited to say Falaa .Therefore, it has been reported  that  Al Ahmar (t 194 Hijri) claimed that Hamraha ( redness of a female) and Baidah ( whiteness of a female) can be used in Arabic , whereas, AL Kisai said: it can not (t 191 Hijri) but Al Ahmar said : I swear that I heard a nomad say :

            Kaan Fi Rayiqihi Lama Ebtasama      Balqaatan fi AL khaili an Tiflin Mutam

What he means is clouds, but AL Kisai told him Waihak ( damn you) it should be    Balqaa fi AL khaili an Tiflin Mutam Balqa

In Fact, This is considered one of the most dangerous Tashyf ( misinterpretation) and has much of a linguistic debate .The reason of this debate is the nunnation on the last letter of the word Balqaatan .

Teeth

            It is a sad fact that the concept of totality, or holism, is poorly understood and not applied to dental health, although teeth are an integral part of the body and can powerfully influence its general condition. Rarely do physicians consider checking the teeth of the patient who presents with various problems, perhaps a tendency to infection, a weakness or some other malfunction of the metabolism that is difficult to diagnose. The reason for this omission is that teeth belong to a totally different area of medicine with which a physician is not concerned.

            على الرغم من أهمية الأسنان في جسم الإنسان و مدى تأثيرها على مستوى صحة الجسم  العامة ,إلا أن استيعاب مفهوم الشمولية فيما يتعلق بالأسنان  ضئيل جدا و لا يطبق في هذا المجال. فقلما يولي الأطباء أهمية لعملية فحص أسنان المريض و التي أحيانا قد تكشف بعض المشاكل منها بداية وجود التهاب, أو ضعف أو حتى أي قصور في الأيض الذي يصعب تشخيصه . ففي واقع الأمر سبب عدم فحص الأسنان هو أن الأسنان تنتمي إلى مجال ضب  مختلف تماما يجهله الأطباء.        

It is a serious mistake to ignore teeth; worse still, it can become a terrible mistake to treat them incorrectly. Only a few years ago, the dental profession became aware of the problems caused by root canal treatment. This came about because George Meinig, former head of the Root Canal Society, was reading a book written some hundred years ago by WestonPrice,69 and began to understand that it was a grave mistake to drill into root canals, try to clear them ,refill the now empty space and assume that this has taken care of the problem. In his book, Dr. Price relates that he was asked to treat the tooth of a lady who was bedfast with RA throughout her body. He removed the previously root canal-filled offending tooth, cleaned and sterilized it and implanted it under the skin of a rabbit. In five days, the rabbit developed severe RA; in 10 days, the disease killed it. Meanwhile, the patient started to feel better, was able to get up, lost much of her pain and swelling and eventually recovered. Dr. Price was impressed by this development and decided to research it further. Whenever he removed a damaged tooth, he proceeded in the same way to sterilize and implant it under the skin of a rabbit.

            إن إهمال الأسنان خطأ فادح بل قد يزدادا الوضع سواء في حال عولجت الأسنان بشكل خاطئ . فمنذ عدة سنين أصبح طب الأسنان على دراية بمشاكل الأسنان الناتجة عن علاج قناة الجذر . جاء ذلك عندما كان جورج ميينج, الرئيس السابق لجمعية قناة الجذر.  يقرأ كتابا ألفه  ويستون برايس منذ حوالي مئة عام . فقد اكتشف  جورج ميينج  أن حفر قنوات الجذر عبارة و تنظيفها و ملئ القناة التي تم حفرها بالحشوة و افتراض أن المشكلة قد  انتهت  عبارة عن  خطأ فادح . فقد بين د. برايس في كتابه أنه  طلب منه علاج سيدة طريحة الفراش و تعاني من إلتهاب المفاصل الروماتزمي . فقد قام د. برايس بإزالة سن تم علاجه بالحشوه مسبقا , ثم قام بتنظيفه و تعقيمه و من ثم قام بعملية زراعه له تحت جلد أرنب , فخلال  خمسة أيام  تبيين أن الأرنب قد أصيب بالتهاب  مفاصل روماتزمي حاد  حيث مات الأرنب خلال عشرة أيام بسبب هذا الالتهاب. أمابالنسبة للمريضة التي يقوم على علاجها د. برايس , فقد تعافت و بدأت تتحرك و تنهض من الفراش و ذهبت الأوجاع التي كانت تعني منها بعد إزالة هذا السن . ما كان من د. برايس انه قام باليحث بشكل أكبر في هذا المجال بعد فوجئ بهذه النتيجة  و إتبع نفس الأسلوب كلما أزال سن و قام بزراعته تحت جلد أرنب.  

 To his amazement, whatever disease the patient had suffered from showed up in the rabbit within five days and killed it in 10. This happened dozens, even hundreds, of times with teeth removed from patients suffering from kidney disease, heart disease and other problems. Dr. Price then carried out two more experiments. In one, he implanted a tooth lost by accident from a healthy person under the skin of a rabbit and noted that the rabbit remained healthy and eventually survived for 15 years. Next, he took a tooth from a diseased patient and autoclaved it (i.e., exposed it to steam pressure at 250° F (121° C)). It made no difference: the rabbit still died of the patient’s disease.

            من الجدير بالذكر أن ما زاد دهشة د. برايس أنه عندما يجري عملية زراعة أي سن , كان المرض يظهر خلال خمسة أيام و يقتل الأرنب خلال عشرة أيام , و تكرر هذا الوضع مئات المرات عندما كان يأخذ الأسنان من مرضى يعانون من أمراض الكلى و القلب و مشاكل أخرى . أجرى د. برايس تجربتين حيث زرع  في التجربة الأولى سن تحت جلد أرنب  لشخص سليم لكن مات في حادث, و ما لاحظه  د. برايس  أن الأرنب فد حافظ على صحته و عاش لمدة (15) عاما , أما في التجربه الثانية  , فقد أخذ سن من شخص مريض  و عمل على تعقيمه ( أي عرضه لضغط  البخار على درجة حرارة  (250) فهرهنهايت, و كانت النتيجة نفسها بحيث مات الأرنب بسبب زراعة سن  المريض.

            Having understood the biochemical damage inflicted on the whole body by treating root canals with fillings, George Meinig resigned from the Root Canal Society and wrote a book titled The Root Canal Cover-Up,70 exposing the facts originally discovered and recorded by Price. Dr. Meinig explains that there are two factors behind the actual damage caused by root canal fillings. One is that removing the nerve of a tooth leaves that tooth dead. No nutrients can enter it via the canules(the equivalent of capillaries in other tissues) nor can metabolic residues be released from it. The second factor occurs due to the fact that the now-empty canules fill with germs and viruses, which then penetrate the jawbone and can in time cause severe infectious bone damage.

            ما كان من د. ميينج أن إستقال من جمعية روت  كانال و قام بتأليف كتاب أسماه روت كانال كفرأب( غطاء قناة الجذر ) بعد ان إستوعب الضرر البيوكيميائي الذي يؤثر على الجسم نتيجة لعلاج قنوات جذور الأسنان بالحشوة . فقد ناقش د. مييتج في كتابه عاملين إكتشفهما د. برايس . فقد قال د. ميينج ان إزالة العصب يترك السن ميتا , باتالي لا توجد مواد غذائية تدخل خلال القنوات و التي تعتبر بمثابة  الأوعية الشعرية في الأنسجة و لا تستطيع البقايا الحيوية الخروج أو التخلص منها عبر هذه القنوات . أما العامل الثاني فهو امتلاء هذه القنوات الفارغة بالجراثيم و الفيروسات  و الذي بدوره يؤدي الى اختراق هذه الجراثيم و الفيروسات لعظم الفك مما يؤدي مع مرور القت الى حدوث  ضرر حاد و معدي في العظام .        

            Toxins from these infections are released into the bloodstream, causing an almost permanent poisoning. Unfortunately, even deep bone infections with resulting cavitations (hollowed-out bone) do not cause pain, so that frequently the patient is not aware of having a problem. Even a standard dental x-ray doesn’t show the bone damage; only the new “panoramic “dental x-rays are able to do that. The only solution is to remove the offending tooth and clear infectious material from the cavitations , which allows the hollowed-out bone to heal. If a dentist discovers an abscess at the tip of the root of a tooth, he or she will urge the patient to have a root canal treatment done. Do not agree to this procedure. The filling used in the canal eventually shrinks a tiny bit also, allowing germs and viruses to enter, which become conduits for the invaders, causing much trouble. The dentist will assure you that the filling material currently used in the root canal doesn’t shrink. However, even if this were true, there remains the problem of the dead tooth, the germ-filled canules and a constant focus of infection active within the organism. Rather than having the root canal treated, regretfully that tooth has to be extracted. Beside root canals, there are many other dental problems, such as receding gums, gum infections and cavities, which are easily detected and corrected. These should be cleared so that no oral infections can interfere with the healing process. Once we have understood the unbreakable unity of the organism, it becomes clear how an unresolved and ignored dental problem can cause serious damage in some other part of the body.

            نتيجة لهذه الإصابات , تجري السموم مجرى الدم مما يؤدي إلى الإصابة بتسمم دائم . و مما بجدر ذكره هنا أن كلا من  الالتهابات و الإصابات العميقة في العظام و التجويف الناتج عن حفر الأسنان لا يسبب أية أوجاع و لا يمكن الكشف عنه لسوء الحظ,  بالتالي لا يعاني المريض من أية أوجاع  و لا يدرك انه فد يكون هنالك مشكلة عنده.  بل تجدر الإشارة هنا إلى أنه حتى الأشعة السينية لا يمكنها الكشف عن هذا الخراب و لا يمكن الكشف عنه إلا بواسطة الأشعة السينية البانورامية الحديثة. اما الحل الوحيد هو إزالة السن الملتهب و إزالة المادة التي تسبب الالتهاب مما يسعد التجاويف الموجودة في العظام على التعافي  .  فإذا كتشف طبيب الأسنان وجود خراج فإنه سيعمل على نصية المريض بالخضوع لعلاج قناة الجذر , مع ذلك لا توافق على هذا الإجراء لان مادة الحشوة ستنكمش مما يؤدي ذلك الى دخول الجراثيم و الفيروسات بحث تصبح هذه الحشوة عبارة عن قنوات للجراثيم و تؤدي إلى المشاكل عند المريض. بل أن طبيب الأسنان سيؤكد لك أن المادة لن تنكمش , فإذا كان ذلك صحيحا ماذا نقول عن مشكلة السن الميت لأن الجراثيم ستملئ القنوات و تسبب منطقة التهاب , أضف الى ذلك أنه حتى و أن تمت معالجة القناة فإنه يجب إزالة السن . بجدر بنا الإشارة الى أن مشاكل الأسنان لا تنحصر فقط في قناة الجذر بل هناك مشاكل أخرى مثل اللثة المنحسرة و التهابات اللثة و التهابات التجويف و التي يمكن اكتشافها و علاجها بسهولة عن طريق تنظيفها من أجل تجنب أي إصابة بالفم و عدم السماح لمثل هذه الإصابة أن تؤثر على سير عملية الشفاء . فحالما نستوعب حقيقة الوحدة العضوية لأي عضو , نستطيع فهم حقيقة أن إهمال معالجة أي مشكلة  قد يؤدي إلى وجدود مشكلة خطيرة في جزء آخر من الجسم.     

Translated Text From Arabic Into English

Chapter Three

The Reliability of  Electronic Signature

The Role of  E- Signature in Evidence

            In Fact, the evidence of electronic transactions is technically hindered by many obstacles because of this new technology side by side with its complexities. Another reason is that the users of the illegal transactions are usually characterized by cunning, foxiness, trickery, deceit and fraud, the use of highly qualified technologies by which such users can hide any illegal action, delete the tangible marks of it and destroy any evidence within seconds especially if they were – mostly- equipped with high technological skills, and technical knowledge in the field of information retrieval as well as computer programs. In addition, they are resourceful with the style used in formalism and the language used in storing and retrieving information. Yet, they could be specialists in the field of information technology[1].

            Regardless of the obstacles that go along with evidence in the electronic transactions on the legal side[2] especially the new electronic documents that are saved on tools like Microfilms and other supporters as one of the outcomes of computers as well as other outcomes on tapes, discs, CDs and videos in line with information technologies in all fields more than traditional paper-based documents, such technologies do not adapt easily to traditional rules of evidence in terms of the availability of the written evidence and the concept of the copy or the photocopy side by side with their reliability. Yet, we should not forget the difficulty that lies in the system and the way such electronic documents are stored or retrieved. This is because the only recognized way till now in proving legal effectiveness – in civil issues and multiple works- is writing.

          The legal system of evidence  in Egypt and France is basically paper-based signed in handwriting by the person who issued this document. Therefore, both writing and handwritten signature are the factors of the written evidence in traditional systems. On the first hand, the problem lies –in civil issues- in the degree of harmony among such new technological tools for the purpose of the accomplishment of transactions and legal requirements of proving legal behaviors. On the second hand, it is also for the acceptance of new mean as convincing evidence[3].

          However, the rule stipulates that there is no jurisprudence in case the text is frank. In addition, it has been frankly prescribed in United Nations UNCITRAL Model Law about the reliability of the electronic signature as well as the electronic writing. Not only this reliability has been provided in Tunisian Law of Electronic Commerce in 2000, but it also has been laid down in The Law of Dubai under No. (1) Of the year 2002 and finally in Egyptian Law under No. (15) Of the year 2004.

          Therefore, the discussion of subjects will be as follows:

          Chapter One: The electronic reliability and evidence in UNCITRAL Model Law

          Chapter Two: The reliability and evidence in Tunisian Law

          Chapter Three: The reliability and evidence in the Law of the United Arab Emirates- the Law of the Emirate of Dubai.

          Chapter Four: The reliability and evidence in Egyptian Law.

Chapter One

The Electronic Reliability and Evidence in UNCITRAL Model Law

          The United Nations UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signature provided a very important principle which is the reliability of that signature providing that there shall be some restricting conditions that the signature shall be linked to the signatory and to no other person, that the signature creation data were, at the time of signing , under the control of the signatory and of no other person, and that any alterations to the electronic signature, made after the time of signing, are detectable. This is because the legal requirement of a signature is used for the purpose of providing assurance to the integrity of specific data or information, and detecting any alteration made to these data or information after the time of signing.

          On the first hand, these are the general conditions stipulated by the international legislator in Article (6) of the Model Law in respect with the reliability of the electronic signature in the evidence of transactions.

          On the second hand, any person can prove the reliability of the electronic signature as a medium to establish confidence in the signed transactions. Furthermore, the same person is entitled to disprove and repudiate reliability by any possible evidence.

          The Initiative gave also permission to exclude some transactions that are disproved by the electronic signature. Thus, this principle was made use of as in Law No.2 of 2002 of the Emirate of Dubai- Electronic transactions and Commerce Law. In fact, this law excluded the reliability of the electronic signature in some transactions such as the ones under the jurisdiction of Notary Public like contracts of marriage, and contracts of movable real estates[4].  

          Article (8) of the aforementioned Model Law stipulates that the signatory shall have obligations towards the signature issued by him to be recognized as a reliable signature.

Information Technology in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

I.      Foreword

          Fascinated by the overpowering and enormous developments in the field of Information Technology , not only they affected all aspects of our life, but their effects exceeded those of  Industrial Revolution’s. In this context, we voice our appreciation to Space Communications; both rapid increase in computer networks and the internet ;  and the merge among all of  Communication &Information Technologies . All of that turned the World to a Global Village by which  individuals  can easily carry out commercial transactions, and have access to information anywhere at anytime .

          As developed countries are aware of the usefulness of enhancing corporate productivity, and strengthening the potentials of corporations to overcome both geographical and political barriers , so that they can reach new markets, they followed different procedures since the mid nineties . For example, they established the necessary infrastructure for Information Technology, and allocated funds for this purpose as well. In addition,  they adopted the most suitable policies; and endorsed national programs for the purpose of enhancing IT industry and improving research institutions to be in line with ongoing changes whether regionally or internationally. In return,  they created  new job opportunities, developed social services like education and health, and improved effectiveness in administrations.

As a matter of fact, the case for developing countries is not different. Regardless of the fact they spent much money on the investments in the field of information and telecommunication technologies, they adopted a two-way strategy. First, they made use of Information Technology to develop basic services in the field of education, health and government institutions. Second, they worked on the development of modern industries such as computer hardware and software relying on the help form local and foreign investors. They exerted much effort to meet the demands of domestic markets and reduce as much as possible the reliance on the outside world.

Thus, our key word here is “ determination” i.e. the determination of the political leaderships was behind the achievement of this success to cope with the changes on the actual world of reality be it economically, socially, and culturally.

What we are going to do here is that we are going to cast shadow on the efforts exerted by Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the development and application of Information Technology at the level of national planning, initiatives and projects. Then , there will be a presentation of main indicators used in this field to measure the level of  progress by Saudi Arabia towards the Information Society.  

II.   National Plans and Studies

It is worth mentioning that The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  has given priority to Information Technology in the field of National Planning

A.      Seventh Five-Year Development Plan

In fact, the National ICT Development Plan sets a long-term vision  for the role of  IT in the domestic economy as well as the scientific development. In addition, it looks forward to birding the  technological gap between KSA and the developed countries by 2020 .This Plan encompasses many objectives. Among of which are :

A-  Enabling all societal sectors to reach and access ICT services

               easily and utilize them effectively.

B-   Determining the roles of  Data production and Data collection entities and information integration.

C-   Creating the foundation stone for information systems within national information networks.

D-  Raising the efficiency of education and training through ICT side by side with  the preparation of qualified manpower in compliance with international standards for the purpose of improving local capabilities to deal with modern technologies.

B.      National Policy for Science and Technology

Having endorsed  the National Policy for Science and Technology Paper by the Council of Ministers in Saudi Arabia on 8^th July 2002 jointly by Both The Ministry of Planning and King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology ( KACST), the Paper includes (10) strategic principles. Each of which encompasses mechanisms and programs to be implemented. In fact, the Tenth principle places emphasis on the availability and accessibility  to scientific and technological information by way of applying a number of steps which are as follows:

a-     The development of access to national scientific database,

b-    The development of  national programs to enhance production, dissemination and exchange of information,

c-     The development of mechanisms for the purpose of securing and protecting information,

d-    The use of Arabic content in IT

e-     The development of a national information plan side by side with global development in KSA,

f-      Emphasis on the adaptation and national information technology development to strengthen efficiency and effectiveness of the use of information in KSA.

It is worth mentioning in this respect that both KACST and the Ministry of Planning are under the process of  establishing the fourth phase of the Comprehensive National Plan for Science and Technology using a number of mechanisms for the implementation of some projects with a view to the realization of  the national policy objectives for science and technology.

C.      Adaptation of IT

A document called “ National Vision of the Adaptation and Use of IT in Saudi Arabia” was set forth by both King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology ( KACST) and King Fahad University  on the adaptation of IT in KSA. This study is a Draft of a National Plan for the Adaptation of Information Technology.

D.      National IT Plan

In compliance with the Royal Directive endorsed on 6^th March 2001, Saudi IT Association was given the orders to formulate a national IT plan side by side with mechanisms required for implementation. Therefore, the secretariat followed two tracks.

The First Track : the secretariat exerted maximum efforts to draw up the plan ,and strategies of implementation . As a result, there was a number of studies carried out in this field for the purpose of unveiling a comprehensive plan with a long-run vision of  IT in KSA within the next 20 years. The studies included an analysis of the present situation, interests and experience of other countries, interests in the new technologies pertaining to four major areas which are education and culture; economy and trade; communications and information security; and administration and services. Each of which will be will be discussed later.

The Second Track: This track witnessed the approval of a Paper called “ Initiatives for Immediate Implementation”. This paper encompasses six main points to cover: restructuring of the information sector; training of manpower in this field; developing ICT infrastructure; developing IT industries; enhancing the use of Arabic and Islamic content; and focusing on the realization of e-government. The final plan should be finalized  by 2003.

III.                       Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

          Establishing Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, we can notice that  KSA gives high importance to such a crucial sector with a view to making use of Information & Communication Technologies as a result of the rapid development of KSA in many aspects of  life such as social, economic, and administrative ones side by side with the development towards an information society. The purposes behind that were to contribute to the increase and diversity of revenue sources; the maximum use of the resources available; the accomplishment of long term savings;   and finally the contribution to the prosperity of the people in KSA with a view to raising the competitiveness  of  KSA on the international and regional scene.

A. Saudi Communications and Information Technology  Commission

The establishment of Saudi Communications and Information Technology  Commission was a step for the adoption of a privatization strategy for the improvement of the efficiency and competitiveness of domestic economy.

As a result of the establishment of Saudi Communications and Information Technology  Commission on 27^th June 2001 and the endorsement of the Telecommunications Act on 27^th July 2002 , there were a great opportunity to competition in Telecommunications market and the development of the telecommunications sector in Saudi Arabia.

In fact, Saudi Communications Commission enjoys financial and    administrative independence. It also enjoys functions . Some of which are to issue the necessary licenses in accordance with the Act; to achieve the orderly expansion of the telecommunications infrastructure and telecommunications services which are provided for the users in an effective and reliable manner; to encourage reliance on market forces for the provision of telecommunication services; to prepare the Bylaws for the Act for the purpose of ensuring clarity, equity, effectiveness and adequacy; to encourage investment in telecommunication services and their infrastructure, and encourage the provision of reliable telecommunications services at affordable prices and high quality in all the districts of the Kingdom; to protect the interests of users in respect of public telecommunications services and the Internet; to monitor the performance of licensed entities providing such services and take the measures necessary to obligate these entities to abide by the license conditions, including type and level of services and development of new and innovative services; to ensure the users and licensed operators perform their duties without prejudice to the public interest; to encourage research and development in the telecommunications sector and encourage modernization of telecommunications networks and services; and to establish bases for determination of the rates of telecommunications services as required by competition.

In this respect, it is worth mentioning that the Commission finalized its rules of procedures in processing applications for licenses.

Drawing on the experience of other countries, the Commission works on the development and establishment of a flexible and effective competition system such as  the production of  an interconnection system based on cost. Not only the Commission works on such a system, but it also works on the preparation of a National Numbering Plan for the purpose of liberalizing telecommunications market and encouraging competition. In addition, the Commission works on plans for opening a mobile market to competition and granting licenses for providers of such services . It is expected that licenses for VSAT will be granted by the end of the year.

In short, the establishment of the Commission had great effects on how to deal with rapid changes of technology at domestic, regional and international levels such as economy, competition and international standards.

B.      Communications Sector

To put it clear, Saudi Arabia shares the world aspiration to build a people-centered, development-oriented Information Society. Saudi Arabia  took clear steps to develop communications sector by the adoption of a various –phase strategy and reforms.

Responsibility for the provision of telecom services was transferred from the Ministry of Post, Telegraph and Telephone (PTT) to a state-owned company, incorporated in 1989 as Saudi Telecom Company (STC).In other words, the privatization of the telecommunications sector by selling ( 30%) of the Saudi Government’s equity took place. This process had special interests on this sector positively which can be viewed as the vast development leading to an increasing demand on internet services; this development was reflected on the large number of services offered by the company; there was an oversea demand on the services of  land  or fixed telephones which can be seen by the increase in the land telephones reaching 70% since 1997, and the increase in the number of the subscribers as well reaching ( 3.4) million by 2002 with a penetration rate of 15% of the total population.

On the other hand, mobile services grew which can be seen the increasing number of subscribers from ( 316000) in 1997 to more than (5) million by 2002. In addition, there was a dramatic change in the penetration rate from (1.7%) in 1997, to (11.8%) in 2001 and ( 22.7%) in 2002 respectively. Another development took place in the field of Data Transmission Circuits.

Data Transmission Circuits reached ( 3.6%) annually since 1997.According to STC , this number rose from ( 15000) in 1997 to over (20000) during the first quarter of 2002, ( 4 0000)  in 2006 respectively with an annual growth rate of ( 18.3%).

In conclusion, the Government tries to fulfill its role to establish balance among economic activities and sectors in this field.

C.      Internet

Different channels are used to provide the internet service to the public. For example, the functions of KACST are to provide, manage, and operate international lines which are connected  with the national internet network, it also monitors or blocks undesirable sites; the role of STC is to provide, manage and maintain  the telecommunications infrastructure in KSA, it also links between customers and ISPs, between ISPs and KACST, and between KACST and the international network.

The estimated number of the internet subscribers in 1999 was about ( 100000) which increased to reach ( 425 000) in 2001,( 625 000) in 2002 respectively. Furthermore, the number of the users reached ( 1.375.000) with the percent of ( 6.41%) in 2002 in KSA. There were about ( 3500) digital subscriber lines and about (2500) leased ones.

Regarding the reliability of the service, different linkages were used via a number of international ISPs and optic fiber lines by way of various marine cables. In addition, KACST controls the assignment of domain names in the international domain ( .sa).

D.      Information Security

In conformity with Council of Ministers ‘Resolution No. (163) endorsed on 4^th March 1997, the establishment of An Interagency Standing Committee for The Security of Information took place. This Committee was headed by the Ministry of Interior and the membership of different agencies. This Committee was tasked with the oversight and regulation of issues in the field of management of Information Security. Therefore, the Committee endorsed regulations that govern the use of the internet in KSA, and developed a draft system for information protection and control of acts of piracy in the internet.

IV.                       Capacity Building

Moving from theory to practice, different training programs by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education and the General Organization for Technical Education and Vocational Training were established as follows :

A.   Imparting knowledge in the Field of Information Science

Much attention was given to different fields for the interest of the public good and public education. For example, enhancing concepts like self-education side by side with the pursuance of education at different levels as the foundation stone for information culture for the purpose of providing new generations with necessary skills to access, analyze, and evaluate information. In this respect, the Government worked on two directions which are :

-         The Development of educational facilities for the purpose of providing trainees with computer labs, and virtual intelligence techniques with a view to implementing such techniques to produce an educational software for the interest of the educational programs

-         The development of vocational training in all IT related activities. The purpose behind that was for the achievement of effective management accompanied by the efficient use of facilities, equipments and networks.

-         Therefore, the implementation of such a plan started by training instructors via the use of organized courses. One of which was “ Use of ICT in Teaching Science and Mathematics at the Secondary Level of Education” sponsored by all of the Ministry of Education, UNESCO, with a number of some national, regional and international organizations, and the support of the private sector in KSA. In addition, teachers were encouraged to apply for International Computer Driving License ( ICDL) , and Teacher Computer Driving License (TCDL).

B.   Integration of ICT in Education

Many projects were provided in this field. The most important one was the comprehensive plan  to integrate ICT in education.

a.     Prince Abdul Aziz Computer Project for students “ Watany”

I        n fact, this project shows the importance attached  by KSA  to ICT in establishing Information Society for the interest of new generations. This project was sponsored by King Fahad and HRH Prince  Abdulla. This project connected all schools of the Kingdom with the national network and devoted a computer per (10) students.

b.    E-Learning

This project aims at the development of all public and private school libraries and at providing them with Learning Resources Centers ( LRC) as well as access to the internet is provided to printed and non-printed  sources of information for the interest of the educational process. The purpose behind this is to get the maximum interest from modern educational methods and the emphasis on the role of the learner.

c.      Computer-Based Labs

In fact, this project aims at providing students with a first-hand experience . This project is considered as a turning point from memorizing to observing, experimenting, and inducing information ; and using software interactive software applications.

d.     Ta’heel Project for Training High School Students in the Field of Information Science.

In coordination with Saudi Computer Association and a number of private sector firms, this project was established to support the process of follow up of computer curricula and rapid changes with a view to preparing high school graduates in the field of Information Science.

The project is a  two-year training course which encompasses five fields : desk top techniques, system development, internet, computer networks and computer maintenance.

e.      Digital Technique Centers

Such centers were established to meet the educational needs of different governorates in different fields. Each of which is provided with a Unit for the production digital interactive aids in line with digital contents , and educational applications for the support of  school curricula .

V.    Present Initiatives and Programs.

Many initiatives and projects were undertaken in the field of ICT. Some of which are :

A.   E-Commerce

Standing Committee on E-Commerce was established in accordance with the Royal Directive on 14^th February 1999.Laws to streamline e-commerce were drafted . In a later stage, this Standing Committee was promoted to the level of undersecretary under the chairmanship of the Undersecretary of State for the Ministry of Commerce for Technical Affairs. The aforementioned Committee shall :

·        follow up developments in e-commerce and take the necessary steps to be in line with such up-to-date developments;

·        undertake the demands and needs to make use of  e-commerce technology and for the interest of national economy and build channels of coordination with the concerned agencies for the adoption of the practical steps to strengthen e-commerce;

·        undertake the preparation of the periodical progress steps.

a.     Plan of Action[1]

-         To establish the necessary Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) in order to provide safe and secure transactions, identity verification of dealers as well as the safety of interchanged messages , to establish a mechanism for issuing digital certificates and secure the requirements of the certifying agencies as to the safety of document and the technical specifications of the electronic signatures;

-         To develop payment systems necessary for undertaking all banking transactions for executing electronic transactions swiftly and safely through electronic means;

-         To develop communications infrastructure for supporting e-Commerce technologies , and secure data transfer services with the required rates and bandwidths effectively and reliably all over the country.

-         To establish the legal and legislative framework necessary for applying electronic transactions and related contracts securing honoring commitments, safeguarding dealer’s rights and certifying electronic signatures.

-         To identify data safety requirements as well as the privacy of personal data.

-         To prove public services electronically through the so-called “e-Government”.

-         To establish an electronic system for government procurement including calling for bids and related procedures.

-         To establish a marketing website for national companies and factories to enable them market and sell their products in and outside the country through the internet.

-         To promote the propagation of e-Commerce concepts and applications and encourage related investments.

-         To provide related support services for e-Commerce applications such as improving the delivery of postal parcels and identifying the addresses of government agencies, trading companies and individuals.

-         To promote awareness of e-Commerce with all its benefits and possible positive results and promoting confidence in the efficiency and safety of electronic transactions.

-         To train national human resources for meeting the demand which is expected to increase with the spread of e-Commerce.

-         To undertake studies and research on ways and means of benefiting from e-Commerce technologies.

B.   The Role of the Private Sector

One of the important steps taken for the interest of e-commerce was the establishment of an E-Commerce Advisory Team with a view to giving advice and preparing proposals for promoting e-commerce in KSA; providing the necessary environment for both public and private sectors; and providing incentives for the investment in e-commerce technologies. This Advisory Team included a number of expertise businessmen who undertook field visits, held meetings with the concerned agencies to make a complete revision and gauge the development in the field of e-commerce. In addition, regular meetings were convened with the Permanent Committee on E-Commerce to discuss suggestions working on securing the required environment for e-commerce technologies in KSA. 

a.     E-Government Program[2]

In compliance the Royal Directive issued on 20^th March 2003 and within the framework of the strategic vision visions for the application of e-government, the Public Investment Fund of the Ministry of Finance provided a program for the establishment of e-government[3] based on an Action Plan.

The objectives of this program are:

·        To improve the productivity and efficiency of the public sector .

·        To provide better and more easy-to-use services for individual and business customers .

·        To raise return on investment ( ROI ) .

·        To establish the required information in a timely and highly accurate fashion .

This program was governed by two tracks:

The First one shall

-provide the necessary requirements for the program;

-carry out a number of pilot e-government projects based on high revenues, quick results, and low implementation cost.

The Second shall

-draw  up the execution plan based on priorities;

-draw up policies , procedures, specifications and regulations.

Another step was the establishment The National Center for Digital Certification which shall work on providing a complete system that manages the public key infrastructure ( PKI ) by which  all electronic served e-Government’s electronic transactions are performed confidently and securely .Then , the project of a Single Portal for e-government comes.

b.     E-Government Portal[4]

E-Government Portal is a joint project between the ministry of finance ( MOF ), the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT ), and the Communication and Information Technology Commission ( CITC ) . The objective of this project is to facilitate innovative and effective use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies ( ICT ) in the country to simplify government transactions with the public .Therefore, we can see that it aims at installing a reliable unified and Information Portal to serve the users through using modern communications means to provide information about government service for the public

          Accordingly, we notice that the strategic vision  of Ministry of  Finance and National economy worked within a specific framework . The first one is the decentralization of e-government related projects. The second one is the joint projects for  the integration ministries to form a pert of the infrastructure for e-government.

C. Saudi Project for Electronic Data Interchange ( Saudi EDI)

          Taking wide strides to implement Saudi EDI Project, the Public Investments Fund of the Ministry of  Finance by this project aims at securing both speed and transparency in business. The scope of this project involves international trade including import and export services along side with e-trade in KSA ; electronic interchange of the consignment manifest information; delivery papers ; and import-export information among the different concerned agencies such as Customs Department, the General Ports Department, Shipping agents and clearing agents.

D. Electronic Financial and Banking Services

 A system called “ SARIE” was established by Saudi Monetary Authority for the purpose of immediate settlement of funds transfers among Saudi banks. This system works  by connecting banks’ accounts with Saudi Monetary Authority .Another project  developed by Saudi Monetary Authority is automated information system on Saudi shares ( transactions). It is worth mentioning that  this system enables information interchange between Ministry of Finance and Saudi Monetary Authority electronically and confidentially. According to this system , no cheque shall be paid unless electronic information verification shall take place. Nowadays, all salaries of government civil servants are paid electronically as a result of the coordination between Ministry of Finance and Saudi Monetary Authority by the use of the speedy money transfer system “ SARIE”.

A large number of  banking services among national banks can be electronically carried out via fixed line telephones, the internet or mobile phones which are provided with WAP function.

Therefore, many subscribers can perform many services , pay bills, and traffic fines electronically.

B.   The Omrah Project

This project helps people who wish to perform Omrah and Haj ( to visit the Black Rock and Holy Places) in Saudi Arabia by sending their applications electronically via travel agencies abroad. In return, Ministries of Haj, Foreign Affairs and Interior issue entry visas electronically .

C.   Smart Cards

The use of smart cards did not come from vacuum,  smart cards are considered among other technologies one of the most developed means in e-government for many reasons : they enjoy high storage capacity, they have multiuse ,  they also have t long life span, they contain a micro-processor which enables them to carry out complex processes.

Many steps were undertaken by Saudi Ministry of Interior for the development of such an important means. The Ministry provided a number of staff with high training in the field of developing and programming smart cards.

In a later stage, many applications took place for instance replacing smart cards by Personal Identity Cards; and  the integration of  other official documents like driving license,  family status cards, and electronic passports.

An integral objective of Ministry of Interior was the establishment of the Public Key Infrastructure ( PKI) that would make the way for several smart card applications.

VI.                        Indicators of the Transformation to the Information Society in KSA

Having previously discussed the steps undertaken to gauge the transformation to an Information Society in KSA, there some indicators in this respect. Yet, most of which depend on measuring the penetration of ICTs within a given society like the density of land or fixed line and mobile phones.

A.    Penetration of Fixed –Line and Mobile Phones

During the last five years, there was a rapid and obvious increase in the number of fixed line telephone subscribers. For example , the teledensity reached 6.7% representing about 36.96% of the number of households in 1998 in KSA; in 1999, 12.3% ; 91.64% in 2002 respectively.

On the other hand, the number of cellular subscribers  increased from ( 661 000) in 1998 representing 3.3% of the teledensity to reach ( 5 008 000) representing 22.7% by the end of 2002 respectively.

B.    Penetration of Personal Computers and Number of Internet Users

          Under this title , we will see that the number of PCs amounted to ( 860 000) representing ( 4.3%) of the residents; the number increased reaching ( 1 425 000) representing (6.5%) in both 1998 and 2001 respectively. In addition, the household penetration at that time was 39.4% .  the case to the internet was the same i.e. the number of internet users reached (1 375 000) representing 6.41% of the inhabitants in 2002.

VII.                     . Conclusions

As a matter of fact, it out question that the government of Saudi Arabia attached special importance to ICTs at different levels;

I.      Planning

·        The Seventh Five-Year Development Plan was a wide step to deepen the role of ICTs in KSA by 2020;

·        The National Policy Document for Science and Technology which was adopted by Council of Ministers embodies the importance of Information Technologies side by side with the mechanisms for the achievement of the objectives stated above;

·        Saudi Computing Association was given the orders to draw up  a National Plan for the development of  IT in KSA to keep abreast with information in this field.

B. Infrastructure

A-  The establishment of  Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology casts shadow on the attention given to this field;

B-   The restructuring of The Telecommunications Authority for the purpose of  building and creating the proper environment for such growth and widening the horizons in this field;

·        The provision of internet access at all levels along side with securing requirements to produce vast resources for the  Information Society;

·         The protection information security against any misuse side by side with the capacity building via good training

C. Projects and Initiatives

Such steps  can be seen by :

·        E-Government Program;

·        Saudi Project of Electronic Information Interchange ( Saudi EDI) with a view to securing speed and transparency in business;

·        Saudi System for speedy Money Transfer “ SARIE”;

·        Smart Cards, Omrah Project and issuance of visas electronically.

In conclusion, such efforts by Saudi Government  in the field of ICTs can be viewed by the application of ICT penetration in KSA namely as the use of the internet, the use  ICTs in Saudi companies, the number of fixed-line telephones and mobiles and the number of  PCs, which indicates the rapid growth of  IT  in KSA.

Main Areas of National Plan

In fact , the major areas of the National Plan are Trade and Economy;  Communication and Information Security; Management and Services ;  and Culture and Education.

A.   Trade and Economy

There different sub-areas of the above mentioned major areas. One of which is trade and economy. Under trade and economy we have:

IT industry adaptation covered many fields like the development of IT industry  for the purpose of providing the requirements in order to establish a national industry having the capability to enter into a competition at the local, regional and international levels; and to afford the provision of strategic needs of KSA. The case is similar in e-commerce. In other words ,IT was used for the development of commercial activities to support transactions be it business-to business (B2B) or business-to- customers. The remote use of IT, similarly, under this field there shall be the execution of procedures pertaining to managerial or professional  tasks via communication media on both sides. This was for the purpose of ensuring that such media shall be the convergence of either sides.

B.   Communication and Information Security

Under this area, we have sub-areas similar to Trade and Economy.

The development of communication and the internet with a view to supporting internet and communications technology side by side with the development of infrastructure to satisfy the domestic needs; and transforming the Saudi society to an Information Society. In addition, The application of information security was given high importance . The reason behind that was for securing and protecting information interchange via techniques, policies and institutions that shall lead to the transformation to an Information Society as well in KSA. Furthermore, many rules, laws and regulations were endorsed to govern and deal with electronic crimes like the protection of national industries and consumer; to encourage investments and competition, and to develop services via the internet.

C.   Management and Services

The project of e-government was for the implementation of  the effective use of  ICTs to facilitate interaction among the government sectors, government and citizens, and government to business. On the other hand, the use of informatics criteria was to ensure the criteria  needed for users, products and services to develop such services and products, protection of the consumer, and the transformation to the information society. The use of  IT was also in both the field of military and national security sectors and public and private sectors for the purpose of  increasing productivity and efficiency in surveillance, follow up , and decision-making. It was also for the improvement of services offered to users and the adaptation information technologies as well as the medical services in both sectors.

Concerning the Health sector, the use of It was for the purpose of establishing a database for the interest of medical planning, managerial and financial performance, procurement systems,  and stock control . In fact, this can be achieved by connecting all health sectors.

D.   Culture and Education

Great strides were undertaken under this field starting from the education, rehabilitation and training programs in both private and public sectors for the purpose of meeting the needs of quantitative and qualitative improvements towards the information society. Another step was the maximum use of  information technology in education and computer literacy  in all fields such as institutions  and selection of  both assessment and evaluations in general, technical, vocational, graduate, post graduate and continuous education. Furthermore, digitization of the Arab and Islamic content was enforced by spreading the basics of Arab and Islamic cultures, encouraging  both institutions and individuals to adopt techniques pertaining to advocacy , educational and cultural endeavors.