Saudi Arabia Markets Itself As 'Modern Nation'

"Saudi Arabia breaks ads in the top 25 U.S. markets this month to give Americans a 'better perspective' of the Kingdom, and highlight its 'steadfast commitment' to fighting terrorism. The ads also depict Saudi Arabia as a 'modern nation' with 'normal people' who are struggling against the scourge of terror," O'Dwyer's PR Daily reports. The Kingdom paid its PR firm Qorvis Communications $1.4 million during its latest six-month reporting period, according to the company's Justice Dept. filing. Qorvis billed $1.2 million of that amount for PR, $150,000 for government relations and $50,000 for research. "The firm's extensive media relations effort included arranging the two-day trip to Saudi Arabia for Katie Couric of 'Today' in which she chatted with Crown Prince Abdullah and Prince Saudi Al-Faisal," O'Dwyer's writes. Qorvis also arranged "off the record briefings" for top Saudi spokesman Adel Al-Jubeir attended by major TV and print news outlets.