Obamas showered with Saudi diplomatic gifts

FOREIGN leaders showered President Barack Obama and his family with hundreds of thousands of dollars in art, jewellery, rare books and other presents during their first year in the White House.

Saudi Arabia’s king was the most generous gift-giver, according to documents released by the State Department. Saudi King Abdullah gave Obama, his wife and daughters nearly $190,000 (about €140,000) in luxury baubles in 2009, including the single most valuable gift reported to have been given to US officials that year: a ruby and diamond jewellery set, including earrings, a ring, a bracelet and necklace, for the first lady worth $132,000 (about €98,000).

But don’t be looking for the first lady to be wearing the dazzling gems anytime soon. By law, most gifts to US officials must be turned over to the government and the jewellery has already been sent to the National Archives.