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Saudi Arabia in Austria | Saudis in Vienna | Bilateral Relations
Austria and Saudi Arabia - Read the latest headlines about bilateral relations in the areas of economy, business, investment, diplomacy, culture and tourism
Emir of Qatar Struggling for Survival Visited Vienna
The 38 year old Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who 5 years ago ascended the throne as successor of his father Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and is now fighting under pressure of his neighbours, especially Saudi Arabia, for the survival of his monarchy, came to an official visit to Austria to talk about business.
March 7, 2019
Saudi Arabia Closes Controversial Private School in Vienna
Saudi Arabia closes the controversial Saudi School Vienna in Vienna's Landstrasse district. The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Vienna sees "better" opportunities for integration into the local community by visiting other schools in Vienna.
February 27, 2019
New Austrian Foreign Trade Strategy: Growth, Jobs, Prosperity
In a joint event in the Aula of Sciences, the Federal Government's new foreign trade strategy was presented by Economics Minister Margarete Schramböck, Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl and President of the Chamber of Commerce Harald Mahrer. The key points of the strategy are the following: Perspective, value orientation, location effect, focal points, future orientation, communication, efficient coordination.
December 20, 2018
The OPEC Fund OFID Has A New Director-General
Saudi Arabian national Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa has taken over the post of Director-General of the OFID (OPEC Fund for International Development) from his predecessor Suleiman J Al-Herbish at the former Palais Deutschmeister at Vienna's Parkring 8. His task is to implement OFID's objective, which is to reinforce financial cooperation between OPEC Member Countries and other developing countries, by providing financial support to the latter for their socioeconomic development.
November 22, 2018
Khashoggi Case: Austria Increases Pressure on Saudi Arabia
The Austrian Foreign Ministry is now having the legal status of the controversial King Abdullah Centre (KAICIID) reviewed. The Centre has been criticised by representatives of civil society who are concerned with Saudi Arabia's poor human-rights record in fears that the KAICIID would in fact be misused by founding member and chief financier Saudi Arabia as a bridge-head for spreading Wahhabism in Austria and Europe.
October 22, 2018
Karin Kneissl at the Foreign Affairs Council - Khashoggi, Libya, Venezuela and the Eastern Partnership
Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl met with Federica Mogherini and the other EU Foreign Ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg to discuss the situation in Libya, migration issues, the EU's Eastern Partnership, and the case of the missing Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.
October 16, 2018
Austro-Arab Energy Community Meets in Vienna to Discuss International Cooperation
The 10th Arab-Austrian Economic Forum & Exhibition took place in Vienna yesterday, organized by the AACC Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the City of Vienna and the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RECREEE). Under the general theme "Energy Transition - Urban Technology and Sustainable Cities", New Opportunities for International Cooperation and Partnerships, representatives from EU institutions, international organizations, funds, European and international financial institutions as well as ministers and high-ranking personalities from the Arab economy met representatives of the local economy, politics and business community. Participants included Nabil R. Kuzbari, Richard Schenz, Michael Ludwig, Omar Al-Rawi, Mahdi Allak, Johannes Peterlik, Samir Koubaa, Michael Esterl and Li Yong.
October 2, 2018
League of Arab States: Meet Mohamed Samir Koubaa the Head of the Permanent Observer Mission in Vienna
The Tunisian and new Head of the Permanent Observer Mission for the League of Arab States to the United Nations (Vienna), Mohamed Samir Koubaa, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Yury Fedotov.
September 21, 2018
20 Years Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT): Ministerial Meeting at VIC
Marking the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), a Ministerial Meeting was held at Vienna International Center. Hosting some 40 international organizations, Austria is a hub for the promotion of peace, safety and security, sustainable development and the fight against crime, drug abuse and terrorism.
June 20, 2016
Siemens Austria Builds World's Largest Metro Project in Saudi Arabia
The Austrian unit of Siemens announced in Vienna Simmering at the rollout of the first vehicle that a "a very, very big order” has been secured. With six lines and a total route length of 175 kilometers, the capital of Saudi Arabia Riyadh is planning the world's largest subway project. Siemens is to supply the entire turnkey system for two driverless metro lines.
February 24, 2016
Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Council of Ministers Places 27 New Diplomats at Head of Embassies
The Council of Ministers of the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to place 27 new Austrian diplomats at head of Austrian Embassies worldwide.
December 10, 2015
Foreign Minister Kurz Met Adel al-Jubeir and King Salman bin Abdulaziz
During his first visit to Saudi Arabia, Austria's Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz was received both by his Saudi Arabian counterpart Adel al-Jubeir, as well as King Salman bin Abdulaziz. The talks included besides bilateral issues - which also include economic relations - the future of Syria, the danger of the "Islamic State" and human rights.
November 27, 2015
"Terrorism Cannot Be Justified by any Means and Stands in Clear Contradiction to Islam"
The President of the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGiÖ), Fuat Sanac, and Minister for Integration, Sebastian Kurz in a joint reaction vehemently condemned the terrorist attacks in Paris.
November 19, 2015
Linhart: “Foreign Policy Should Focus on Stabilization of Neighbouring Regions”
“The European foreign policy must focus more of its attention on the neighborhood, the stabilization thereof – and in the case of the Western Balkans, their way towards the EU – has to be our European priority”, Secretary General for Austrian Foreign Affairs, Dr. Michael Linhart declared on the occasion of the 19th Europe Forum of the Austria Institute for Europe and Security Policy (AIES) in the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna
November 18, 2015
Iranian Foreign Minister to Participate in Syria Conference in Vienna
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will attend the conference on Syria in Vienna on Friday. This has been confirmed today by the Foreign Ministry in Tehran, according to the official news agency ISNA. Iran will meet in Vienna not only to Russia and the USA, but also to its nemesis Saudi Arabia.
October 28, 2015
How Can Exporters Benefit from the "Go-International Initiative" of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce?
Even in a challenging global economic environment, exports remain the driving force behind the Austrian economy. The go-international initiative of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce encourages companies to step across the border by offering advisory services, events and support, as well as making it easier for existing exporters to enter additional foreign markets.
October 19, 2015
OPEC in Vienna Decides to Keep Production Unchanged
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) today hosted its 167th Meeting of the OPEC Conference at the OPEC Secretariat in Vienna. Participants included OPEC Heads of Delegation and the Secretary General. There were some expectations that the production goal of 30 million barrels a day could move higher. However, the key issue the market was looking for will remain at 30 million barrels a day.
June 5, 2015
OPEC Member Countries Discuss Global Petroleum Development Strategies in Vienna
The 6th OPEC International Seminar, with the theme "Petroleum - An Engine for Global Development", aims to build on the previous events from the past decade. It is currently taking place at the Imperial Hofburg Palace in Vienna. The Seminar intends to underpin OPEC’s commitment to stabilize the international oil market by promoting cooperation and dialogue with stakeholders around the world.
June 3, 2015
Quality of Living Rankings: Vienna Tops the List Again
Vienna remaines at the top of the 2015 Quality of Living Rankings, boasting the best quality of living for expatriates. In the top 5 there are two other European cities, Zurich (place 2) and Munich (place 4). Also Auckland (3rd) and Vancouver (5th) are among the top five cities.
March 4, 2015
Global Peace Index: Austria is Third Most Peaceful Country
The latest Global Peace Index analyses the state of peace around the world. It identifies the most and least peaceful countries, trends in violence and conflict, and calculates the economic impact of violence. The top three most peaceful countries are Iceland, Denmark and Austria. Small and stable democracies make up the top ten most peaceful countries. New Zealand, Canada and Japan are the only non-European countries in the top ten.
March 4, 2015
Austria is Celebrating 60 Years of United Nations Membership in 2015
Austria became a member of the United Nations in 1955 and is celebrating 60 years of UN membership in 2015. 70 years ago, the United Nations were founded in San Francisco.
February 5, 2015
Does Abdullah's Death Improve Interreligious Dialogue?
Saudi King Abdullah is dead. Continuity is assured as Crown Prince Salman succeeds brother to the throne. Saudi Arabia is repeatedly being criticised for human rights violations. The case of internet activist Badawi caused in Vienna calls for the closure of the late King Abdullah Center for Interreligious Dialogue.
January 23, 2015
Federal President Against Closing of King Abdullah Dialogue Centre
"I'm not convinced that a closure that comes from Austria, is the right move," the President said on the sidelines of the meeting with religious leaders in the subsequent press conference.
January 13, 2015
Cost of Living Rankings: CEE Capitals Cheaper, Vienna is 32nd Most Expensive City
The Mercer's 2014 Cost of Living Rankings have been published and cover 211 cities across five continents. While Western European cities have all risen in the rankings mainly due to the strengthening of the Euro against the US dollar, most cities in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), however have fallen in the ranking as a result of local currencies depreciating against the US dollar. Bratislava (#84), Prague (#92), Kiev (#98), Ljubljana (#116), Zagreb (#120), Budapest (#135), Warsaw (#142), Belgrade (#184).
July 25, 2014
Large Saudi Delegation in Vienna
A memorandum of understanding in Austrian Federal Economic Chamber between the Austrian Republic and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be signed.
July 9, 2012
Erne Fittings First Austrian 100% Ownership in Saudi-Arabia
Erne buys a 50% share from the former joint venture company Mada in Jubail, Saudi Arabia.
June 4, 2012
Spindelegger: „The Reform Process has Become Unstoppable“
42nd Viennese seminar of the International Peace Institute on the Arab Spring: Austria´s Foreign Minister is optimistic for the Arab community.
May 29, 2012
Saudi-Austrian Forum in Vienna
Saudi Arabia and Austria celebrated the 55th anniversary of Saudi-Austrian relations. Foreign trade is growing substantially.
May 14, 2012
Global Demand for Solar Technology from Austria
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is currently home to the world's largest solar thermal plant. The technology behind this plant came from Austria.
May 8, 2012
Austrian Trade Mission 2012: “A Big Success”
With their trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Austrian companies are highly satisfied.
April 5, 2012
Meeting between Saudi Monarchy and Austrian Embassy
The Austrian ambassador presented Investment opportunities to Saudia Arabia´s Prince Alwaleed.
March 20, 2012
Austria Benefits from Economic Boom in Saudi Arabia
An Austrian trade delegation is looking for Saudi partners. This year, the bilateral trade volume is expected to exceed € 1.0bn again.
March 14, 2012
IPIC Intends Further Increase in OMV
The second core shareholder of OMV, the Arab state fund International Petroleum Investment Company, which is situated in Abu Dhabi, plans another rise in its shareholding.
March 8, 2012
Eder: „Environmental Policy Endangers Economy“
Voestalpine´s CEO criticizes environmental specifications made by EU and domestic politics. Eder sees the danger of a de-industrialization.
March 5, 2012
New Riyadh Sewage Plant With Austrian Technology
Saudi Arabia's Minister signs contract over 80 Mio $ sewage purification plant. ILF participates in the awarded consortium.
March 5, 2012
Rosenbauer Has Good Prospects
The Austrian producer of fire fighting vehicles has full order books. In 2012, CEO Dieter Siegel expects a new record in sales.
February 24, 2012
Lower Sales at Rosenbauer
The Austrian producer of fire fighting vehicles registered a 9% decrease in revenues. EBIT was down by 17%, order intake was up by 66%. Basic capacity utilization secured until 2014.
February 22, 2012
Austria Increasingly Popular for Arab Tourists
In 2011, Austria registered 580,600 guest nights by Arab tourists. Hence, Austria exceeded Switzerland as touristic destination.
January 25, 2012
Rosenbauer Wins Order worth € 245m in Saudi Arabia
The Austrian manufacturer of fire fighting vehicles has won the biggest order in the company’s history. 1,125 vehicles will be supplied.
December 16, 2011
World Tourism Day 2011: Guests from 50 Countries Visit Austria
According to statistics Austria, the diversification of the guest´s nationalities further increased. Culture-oriented travels become increasingly important.
September 26, 2011
RBI Hit by Bankruptcy of Saudi Arabian Company
The Austrian bank has problems with its credit business in Saudi Arabia. “An amount in the low hundreds of millions” is at risk.
July 4, 2011
Austria's Solar Industry Strives For Technological Leadership
The domestic solar energy industry calls for more research funding to ensure the continuation of success achieved also into the future.
May 4, 2011
Al Jaber Intends to make further Investments in Austria
Despite massive criticism of business partners and rumoured illiquidity, the Saudi investor Mohammed Al Jaber wants to realize further investment projects.
April 26, 2011
Al Jaber in Distress
Saudi investor Mohamed Al Jaber has to fight on several fronts in Austria. Kneissl awaits restructuring, loans are due.
April 23, 2011
Every second Company Concerned by Crisis in Libya and Japan
According to a survey in Upper Austria, 46% of the companies are concerned by the rise in commodity and energy prices or by supply bottlenecks in the electronic industry.
April 23, 2011
Österreichische Kontrollbank: "There are no Failures to be Feared"
Despite the unpredictable political and economic consequences of the turmoil in the Arab, OeKB Member of the Board Rudolf Scholten consideres that there will be no failures.
March 12, 2011
Ruttenstorfer: "OMV Stays in Libya '
Despite unpredictable developments, Austrian OMV stays in Libya. Neither are there any changes planned in other Arab countries.
March 10, 2011
Zumtobel: New Light Center in Dubai
The lighting company based in Vorarlberg, Austria, is multiplying its competences in the Middle East. The Dubai Light Center aims to present realistic solutions for professional interior lighting.
March 8, 2011
Kapsch Expects New Orders from the Arab Region
Kapsch emerges as the new GSM-R market leader in the international trade fair Middle East Rail 2011 in Abu Dhabi.
March 2, 2011
Significant Growth for Borealis
The Austrian chemical company records substantial growth in sales. Profits grew from € 38m to € 333m.
February 26, 2011