As a detention centre, they surely do not come more opulent than the five-star Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh.
Within its gilded walls, 200 VIPs have been held since November 4, accused of corruption, money-laundering, bribery, extortion and abuse of their position. They are said to include 11 princes - two of them nephews of the monarch, King Salman.
Yet notwithstanding the glittering chandeliers, the in-house gym, swimming pools, bowling alley, the restaurants and the ornamental fountains, the hotel is their cage, albeit a most lavishly-appointed one. And according to the BBC, which was granted rare access to the hotel, 95 per cent of the detainees are willing to make a deal.
The BBC reports that when they were brought to the hotel three weeks ago, the VIPs were angry, but they assumed it was a stunt for show and that they would not have to stay there long. But when they realised they were not being allowed to leave - and told the reasons why - they became furious.
"Anyone accused of being a thief would be upset," a source told the BBC.
But with the passing days they have been confronted with what is apparently "substantial" evidence to back up the allegations of financial wrong-doing. And the BBC reports that most of the high-ranking detainees are proposing to pay back a "substantial" proportion of their allegedly ill-gotten gains in exchange for their freedom.
Those currently residing at the Ritz-Carlton include the billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, one of the world's richest men.
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Read more:
Saudi detains and questions 208 over embezzled $100 billion
What further steps can Saudi Arabia take to embrace transparency?
Kingdom Holding likely to retain assets following Alwaleed arrest
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The New York Times reported that one business tycoon was detained after being summoned back from abroad for a meeting. A billionaire was told to turn himself in or he would be picked up like a common criminal. An official was called in to discuss an attack that apparently never happened.
A special Supreme Committee for Combating Corruption is investigating all charges against the detained officials, businessmen and royal family members. Their personal bank accounts have been frozen.
The Saudi attorney general, Sheikh Saud Al Mojeb, revealed that the arrests are the culmination of three years' work by the committee. Of the 208 originally arrested, seven have been discharged because there was a lack of evidence against them.
Despite intense speculation, the identities of those still in custody are not being revealed so that they "enjoy the full legal rights granted to them by the kingdom", said Sheikh Saud. The two-minute BBC report does not show any detainees, only shadowy, unidentifiable figures behind frosted glass.
Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
Bookshops: A Reader's History by Jorge Carrión (translated from the Spanish by Peter Bush),
Biblioasis
EXPATS
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Honeymoonish
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No.6 Collaborations Project
Ed Sheeran (Atlantic)
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo
Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Company Profile
Company name: Fine Diner
Started: March, 2020
Co-founders: Sami Elayan, Saed Elayan and Zaid Azzouka
Based: Dubai
Industry: Technology and food delivery
Initial investment: Dh75,000
Investor: Dtec Startupbootcamp
Future plan: Looking to raise $400,000
Total sales: Over 1,000 deliveries in three months
The Word for Woman is Wilderness
Abi Andrews, Serpent’s Tail
The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
The five pillars of Islam
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
Company%20profile
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COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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Company%20Profile
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Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
Aggro%20Dr1ft
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AL%20BOOM
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Saturday's results
West Ham 2-3 Tottenham
Arsenal 2-2 Southampton
Bournemouth 1-2 Wolves
Brighton 0-2 Leicester City
Crystal Palace 1-2 Liverpool
Everton 0-2 Norwich City
Watford 0-3 Burnley
Manchester City v Chelsea, 9.30pm
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
More on animal trafficking
Everton%20Fixtures
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Thank You for Banking with Us
Director: Laila Abbas
Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum
Rating: 4/5