The Information and Communication Technology Exhibition and Conference (Saudi ICT 2011) will bring together the principal companies and specialists in the industry, from across the Gulf and globe, to showcase their latest products and generate new business. The event will be held 11-15/12 at Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events (JCFE)

Profile for exhibit includes hardware, data warehousing, e-business, government, marketing and learning solutions, enterprise resource planning, supply chain management, banking, finance and accounting solutions, human resource management, internet and e-commerce security, semiconductors and embedded devices, knowledge and information management solutions, telecom carriers, fixed, wireless and mobile operators, broadband operators, media content providers, wireless ISP’s, satellite operators, equipment manufacturers, network equipment providers, cable and fiber optics, testing and measurement solutions, software companies, and consultants.Exhibitors will meet with over 3,000 senior corporate decision makers, industry experts and the highest authorities in the Kingdom’s and the Gulf’s ICT industries. The Saudi ICT conference is dedicated to the major ICT issues shaping the Gulf’s booming economy and offers the ideal setting to cement fruitful and lasting business relationships.

The Saudi higher court in Riyadh announced on late Thursday that Friday is the first day of Dhu al-Hija Islamic month and that Eid al-Adha will be on Sunday November 6th, 2011.

Dhu al-Hija or “the one of pilgrimage” is the twelfth and the last month of the Islamic calendar.

The higher court decided on the eid date after an investigative session citing experts’ witness accounts that said that the crescent of the Dhu al-Hija has been observed.

Eid al-Adha or “Greater Eid” is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the willingness of prophet Abarahm to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God, before God intervened.

The event of standing on Mount Arafat will be on Saturday November 5th, 2011, the higher court added.

Mount Arafat is also known as the Mount of Mercy, and is the hill that Muslims believe that prophet Muhammad stood and delivered the farewell sermon to the Muslims who had accompanied him for the pilgrimage towards the end of his life. It reaches about 70 meters in height.

Eid al-Adha celebrations start right after pilgrims descend from Mount Arafat.

During Eid al-Adha, many Muslims visit family and friends, exchange greetings and gifts, and make donations to the poor and needy.

The inaugural Solar Arabia Summit, which aims to highlight possible challenges and examine the benefits of solar energy in the region, will take place in Riyadh on October 23 and 24.

The initiative is co-organised by French business information group naseba and King Saud University in Riyadh.

Both the Ministry of Water and Electricity, and the Saudi Electricity Company have confirmed their support, with the pioneering platform also attracting key decision makers from prominent Saudi Arabian companies including Saudi Oger and the Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (Apicorp).

Leading global companies Juwi (Germany), Sequel Power (USA), Solairedirect, Alstom Power (both France), Lanco Solar (India) and ABB Group (Switzerland) are confirmed as sponsors.

In view of Saudi Arabia’s $100 billion spending drive for renewable energy resources, the two days features industry experts including Ulrich Dill – VP of Home Appliances and Solar Energy, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and Lex Helsin – President and CEO of the Beautiful Earth Group.

The UN Development Programme has also extended its support, with its deputy resident representative, Kishan Khoday, featuring as a speaker. Key topics being discussed include the Kingdom’s long term vision for the sector, and its true potential as a Middle Eastern hub for solar energy generation.

Alongside the summit, an exclusive exhibition is showcasing the latest solar products, services and technology. Among the solar product manufacturers exhibiting are ENN Solar (China), Conergy, SMA Solar Technology (both Germany), Amonix, SunPower Corporation (both USA), and DelSolar (Taiwan).

“The Middle East is seeing huge interest in investment in renewable energy, and Saudi Arabia’s true potential is yet to be realised. The Solar Arabia platform is a foundation that will allow leading players to contribute to the development of the Kingdom’s alternative energy sector,” said Nic Watson, managing director Sales and Marketing of naseba.

The International Luxury Motor Show (EXCS 2011), in its 5th edition, will include a lot of surprises for car lovers by exhibiting and showing the latest luxury models which will be exhibited for the first time either in Saudi Arabia or the Middle East, including the very famous names in the cars industry.

The Saudi Business Women Forum 2011, in its 6th edition, will be held under the theme “Women Industrial Investment: Promising Future”. It aims to provide opportunities for business women of all profession

al levels to network, create business contacts, and develop additional leadership skills in a motivational and supportive environment. The forum will offer stimulating programs and speakers to educate participants on business and community issues. 

For registration visit http://www.saudibwf.com

The first ever Women’s Recruitment Exhibition will take place this October under the sponsorship og Princess Fahda bint Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud . Looking for a job? Register for the event here!

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s first food, hotel and hospitality event takes place today (Friday) in the capital with Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) chairman Abdulrahman Al-Jeraisy as keynote speaker.

Municipality of Riyadh, in collaboration with a number of official and non-official bodies, offers a laudable celebration program for Eid Al Fitr this year. This comes as a gesture of sharing joy with residents of our precious capital, on this blessed occasion, through a number of festive and recreational events and activities.

Eid Al Fitre Celebrations in Riyadh 2011 will include fireworks, Kenyan show, Chinese show, fourth cars and motorcycles championships, remote control air show, high diving show, flying trapeze, cars show, competitions, games, songs, cartoon, hospitality tent, playstation games, roll skating shows, revised car shows, Saudi dance, horse show, Saudi Tele match and folklore tent.