For the first time, Saudi Arabia will establish 17 technical colleges for women in various parts of the country, Arab News reported today. "The new technical colleges for women will have specializations required by the job market and suitable to their nature," said Dr. Ali bin Nasser Al-Ghafees, Governor of the General Organization for Technical Education and Vocational Training (GOTEVOT). He was speaking to reporters after signing contracts with national firms to establish 101 technical institutes and 52 technical colleges at a total cost of SR6 billion. He said the Cabinet would soon issue a decision transferring the responsibility for training women to GOTEVOT on the recommendation of the Shoura (Consultative) Council. He said the new projects including the 17 technical colleges for women would be completed within three to five years. --MORE 1015 Local Time 0715 GMT