WADDEN BLUE OPENS Located 3km to the west of Sabhā the new trade, education and cultural centre known as Wadden Blue has opened. The Centre is modelled on a similar principle to the Blue project in Royal Seleucid and was funded by King Heydar. The modern archetecure has drawn criticism from some but each of the different tribes from across Waddan have been allocated a space within the complex to promote their goods, arrange business transactions and entertain guests. Alongside Waddan space has been allocated for Tamora and Royal Seleucid with more space avaliable for other nations wishing to take part. Currently it is understood that Lijiang, having been given notification their first shipment of metals is nearing completion, are to be offered a part of the complex. This would make them the first non-Midaranye nation to feature here.
The project was opened by the Sultan who visited each of the different tribes during his visit. Sultan Yahya IV said following his visit. "For us it is becoming important to have a place where rather than just the exchange of physical items for trade can take place we need somewhere larger deals can be investigated and completed. We are thankful that Royal Seleucid have supported this project. They will also provide administrative support to our tribes to help them access the world markets."
Alongside the trade element of the centre an educational suite has been included. This will use Tamoran and Seleucid advisers to teach about matters of international trade, economics and even advice about dealing with foreign cultures. A small theatre and museum are also on the site.
SULTAN TO EQUIP ARMY WITH TANKS Sultan Yahya IV has today confirmed that he will purchase a small number of tanks for his Royal Forces. Currently each tribe maintains a small military force, usually in the guise of rifleman equipped with self modified four wheel drive vehicles. The Royal Forces maintain a higher standard of technology and heavier equipment but have always relied on the principle of mobility and speed, an idea many believe is a hangover from inter-tribal wars where horses were the primary means of getting into battle. The Sultan has, through a spokesman, announced that he will look to acquire 12 tanks initially. "Following the situation in Elysium and the recent bloodshed in our own desert it is clear that should an Elysium situation ever take place with one of the tribes in Waddan the Royal Forces could struggle. The idea has always been to allow the tribes forces for their day to day security with the Royal Forces intervening when needed and then bringing awe inspiring dominant force. Tanks will help impose that should there ever be a need. Meanwhile they will add to the external security of the nation."
The Sultan is expected to dispatch an envoy to Royal Seleucid and Tamora to investigate where to acquire these tanks.