How expats are discovering a home away from home in Riyadh

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Hana Nemec adopted the Saudi culture in almost all aspects of her life, from how she dresses, speaks and eats. (Supplied)
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French expat Arthur Rossi describes culture as an invisible thread that connects us all, transcending geographical boundaries. (Supplied)
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French expat Arthur Rossi describes culture as an invisible thread that connects us all, transcending geographical boundaries. (Supplied)
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Hana Nemec adopted the Saudi culture in almost all aspects of her life, from how she dresses, speaks and eats. (Supplied)
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Hana Nemec adopted the Saudi culture in almost all aspects of her life, from how she dresses, speaks and eats. (Supplied)
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Hana Nemec adopted the Saudi culture in almost all aspects of her life, from how she dresses, speaks and eats. (Supplied)
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Updated 23 September 2023
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How expats are discovering a home away from home in Riyadh

  • Newcomers and residents share their experiences of forging cross-cultural bonds of friendship
  • Despite cultural and language differences, Saudis have shown tolerance and acceptance of expatriates

RIYADH: Expatriates in Saudi Arabia often find themselves in a position where they can adopt and embrace the rich and fascinating culture of the country.

Culture sparks curiosity, ignites imagination and fosters understanding, allowing people to connect with their roots and the wider world. It is a living, breathing force that shapes our shared humanity.

Assimilation is vital as expatriates take part in local traditions, customs and values. By engaging with the local community, expats gain a deeper understanding of the Saudi way of life, forging bonds of friendship and respect. However, it is important to recognize that culture is dynamic in nature, evolving as it is passed down through generations.

Hana Nemec, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, told Arab News: “I moved here in April 2015 before Vision 2030 and the changes. I consider myself a ‘Saudi hipster’ because I moved here before it was cool.”

Nemec, who has family roots in the Czech Republic, spoke about the tolerance and acceptance she experienced from the Saudi people.

“From the moment I landed, I felt this sense of home I had never felt before. For the first time, I felt like I fitted in somewhere.

“Because I’m so deeply passionate about Saudi Arabia, its people and its culture, Saudis are usually shocked to learn that I’m not originally Saudi.

“They are even more surprised when I tell them I’m American.”

She added: “When they do realize that I’m ‘really American,’ they share stories about their time spent studying in the US, or their favorite travel spots in the States. It’s been a pleasure to develop our relationships and friendships, and hear more about how much we love and respect one another’s cultures.”

Nemec has embraced Saudi culture in almost all aspects of her life, from the way she dresses and gestures with her hands while speaking, to her love for authentic Saudi dishes such as jareesh and mutazeez.

She refused to allow the language barrier to stop her from assimilating.

“I enjoyed learning Arabic, specifically with a Saudi dialect, traveling to delve deep into the traditions and cultures of each region, and integrating into an incredible network of Saudi friends.”

She has been encouraging expats from all over the world to explore the opportunities she has enjoyed. Alongside Vision 2030, Nemec is looking forward to seeing the next generation of expats “join me here in the Kingdom to contribute to its goals — not only temporarily but long term.”

She said: “I have fallen in love with the Kingdom, its people and its culture, and I am confident that other expatriates coming for their first time, whether to visit or work, will share my sentiment.” 

French expat Arthur Rossi describes culture as “an invisible thread that connects us all, transcending geographical boundaries.” He made the decision to move from Paris to Riyadh to work at the Saudi Central Bank.

“Before coming to Riyadh, I worked in Washington D.C., in Frankfurt, Paris and in London, and it is in Saudi Arabia that I have found the kindest and most welcoming people,” he told Arab News.

Rossi adopted the Saudi culture in numerous ways. “I watch Saudi shows like ‘Masameer’ — my favorite character is Turad.” He also occasionally wears traditional male, tailor-made thoub and shemagh.  

He is learning Arabic and has begun following the Saudi football league and Al-Ittihad. “I am trying to learn more about Islam and Arabic calligraphy, and I also often visit architectural landmarks such as Diriyah, which is the heart of the Kingdom in Riyadh.”

Saudi citizen Sarah Khaled told Arab News: “Culture in our household became a mixture of Saudi and Spanish traditions. That is mainly because my neighbors moved from Spain to Riyadh in 2022.” 

She said that every Friday, her 5-year-old twins wake to the smell of paella, the Spanish rice dish. “Our children have even mingled and played a lot in the past year and started teaching each other their respective languages.

“Despite cultural and language differences, we as Saudis have shown remarkable tolerance and acceptance toward expatriates, inspiring coexistence and harmony toward a joyous societal blend.”

Indian resident Faiz Al-Najdi arrived in Riyadh in April 1997 when he began his career with Saudi Oger Ltd. He now lives and works in Yanbu as a senior structural engineer with Egis, a project management consultancy for SEVEN, which is responsible for Saudi entertainment ventures mandated by the Public Investment Fund.

“The first thing that I had noticed about the local people, both Saudis and expats, was how particular they are about performing prayers five times a day, even during office hours.

“Frankly speaking, I was not at all mindful about prayers. However, as time passed, I also changed myself and began to adapt and became a regular visitor to mosques,” he said.

Expatriates in Saudi Arabia often develop a deeper appreciation of the values and teachings of Islam as they immerse themselves in the nation’s culture. This trend reflects the power of cultural exchange in fostering mutual understanding and bridging gaps. It also highlights the open-mindedness and acceptance within Saudi society, creating an ideal environment for expats seeking a spiritual awakening.

Al-Najdi said that a profound spirituality permeates the country, whether it is the serene atmosphere of the holy cities or the echoes of the adhan (call to prayer) in the streets.

Culture is a rich tapestry of traditions, languages, customs, arts and beliefs that reflect the uniqueness of each society, a kaleidoscope of creativity that celebrates human diversity and illuminates our lives.


Saudi crown prince extends condolences to Kuwaiti counterpart on death of Sheikh Mohammed Abdulaziz Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah

Updated 26 November 2024
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Saudi crown prince extends condolences to Kuwaiti counterpart on death of Sheikh Mohammed Abdulaziz Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a cable of condolences to Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on the passing of Sheikh Mohammed Abdulaziz Hamoud Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah.
In the cable, the crown prince extended his deepest sympathy to Sheikh Sabah and the family of the deceased.


Saudi tech diplomat meets Iraqi PM to discuss digital cooperation

Updated 25 November 2024
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Saudi tech diplomat meets Iraqi PM to discuss digital cooperation

  • Deemah Al-Yahya, head of the multilateral Digital Cooperation Organization, commended Iraq’s investment in human capital as driver for growth and expansion of digital economy
  • Iraq has been working in recent years to develop a strategy for digital transformation to help support the private and public sectors and grow the economy

RIYADH: Saudi senior tech diplomat Deemah AlYahya, the secretary-general of the multilateral Digital Cooperation Organization, held talks on Monday with Iraq’s prime minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, about support for Baghdad’s plans to develop its digital business and artificial intelligence sectors.

They discussed Iraq’s strategy for digital transformation, and the need to create and develop a workforce with the tech skills required to help grow the Iraqi economy effectively, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Though Iraq is not a member of the DCO, an international body that focuses on the digital economy, Al-Sudani said his country is keen to work with the organization to meet the nation’s needs for a skilled workforce in the business sector.

AlYahya commended Iraq for the progress it has already made in terms of investment in the human capital needed to develop the digital skills that are essential to drive growth in a digitized economy.

Iraq has been working in recent years to develop a strategy for digital transformation to help support the private and public sectors and grow the economy. Authorities this month organized the first Digital Space Iraq Forum, which focused on the use of advanced technologies, including AI, to help build a comprehensive digital economy.

The DCO says that since it was founded in November 2020, it has been at the forefront of efforts to curate policies and initiatives to support the digital economy in several countries. Currently, 16 nations are members, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Pakistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh and Oman. It also has 39 observer partner organizations.

DCO member states have a collective gross domestic product of $3.5 trillion and serve a combined market of nearly 800 million people, more than 70 percent of whom are under the age of 35.


Saudi FM pushes for regional stability at G7-Arab foreign ministers meeting

Updated 25 November 2024
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Saudi FM pushes for regional stability at G7-Arab foreign ministers meeting

  • In his address, Prince Faisal highlighted the ongoing crises in Gaza and Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan took part in an expanded session of the second meeting between G7 foreign ministers and their counterparts from Arab nations on Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The meeting was hosted in Italy under the theme “Together for the Stability of the Middle East.”

The session, which addressed pressing regional and international challenges, was held with the participation of Saudi, Jordanian, Emirati, Qatari and Egyptian officials, as well as the secretary-general of the Arab League.

In his address, Prince Faisal emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships to address these challenges effectively.

He highlighted the ongoing crises in Gaza and Lebanon, urging the international community to act immediately to secure a ceasefire, facilitate unrestricted humanitarian aid, and progress toward establishing an independent Palestinian state.

He also called for respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty, and renewed international efforts to resolve the crisis in Sudan and alleviate the resulting human suffering.

The meeting was also attended by Prince Faisal bin Sattam bin Abdul Aziz, Saudi ambassador to Italy, the SPA reported.


Scientists awarded for sustainable water innovation at Saudi conference

Updated 25 November 2024
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Scientists awarded for sustainable water innovation at Saudi conference

  • Research aims to improve desalination efficiency
  • Makkah’s deputy emir in attendance

JEDDAH: Scientists were awarded prizes for their work in researching desalination and wastewater treatment technologies during an event in Jeddah on Monday.

The third edition of the Innovation-Driven Water Sustainability Conference was attended by 480 experts, scientists, researchers, specialists and 40 leading organizations in the water sector, from 20 countries.

The grand prize — the Global Prize for Innovation in Desalination 2024 — went to Lee Nuang Sim from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University for his project “uncovering the power of centrifugal reverse osmosis,” and Sue Mecham, CEO of NALA Membranes, for her project “chlorine stable new membranes for sustainable desalination and wastewater treatment/reuse.”

Visitors attend the third Innovation-Driven Water Sustainability Conference in Jeddah on Nov. 25, 2024. (Supplied)

Mecham, from North Carolina, US, spoke to Arab News after receiving her award, saying: “We are honored to be selected for the Global Prize for Innovation in Desalination 2024. Our mission is to bring new membranes to market and reduce the cost and complexity of water purification.”

Meanwhile, Saudi Ghadeer Al-Balawi from the University of Tabuk was another one of this year’s prizewinners with her project “novel heterogeneous catalysts for improving wastewater treatment plants in Saudi Arabia.”

Al-Balawi told Arab News: “I am incredibly honored to be one of the recipients of the Global Prize for Innovation in Desalination 2024. This recognition means so much to me. This project has been conducted at the University of Sheffield with hard work and dedication with the assistance of my supervisor, Dr. Marco Conte.”

The event’s opening ceremony was attended by Makkah Deputy Emir Prince Saud bin Mishal and Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, as well as other senior officials.

Following the opening, Abdullah Al-Abdulkarim, chairman of the Saudi Water Authority, said that the event reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting scientific and research innovation as a pillar for achieving water sustainability and security.

Through the conference, the SWA aims to share the impact of innovation in promoting the sustainable supply of water, according to SWA spokesperson Sultan Al-Rajhi.

“This conference discusses the latest global practices and innovative solutions in the water industry, with the participation of experts, scientists and specialists, who emphasize the pivotal role of innovation in accelerating the future prosperity of water and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for water and the environment,” he said.

The two-day conference will continue to feature discussions on more than 180 research papers, as well as a water hackathon organized by the Saudi Water Innovation Center.

 


PSC members visit Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh

Updated 25 November 2024
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PSC members visit Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh

  • The EU and the GCC held a political dialogue session, co-chaired by Pronk and Jasem Albudaiwi, secretary-general of the GCC

RIYADH: Members of the EU’s Political and Security Committee, including its chair, Ambassador Delphine Pronk, and ambassadors of EU member states, paid an official visit to the Gulf Cooperation Council headquarters in Riyadh on Monday.

The delegation was accompanied by the European External Action Service Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa Helene Le Gal, and EU Special Representative for the Gulf Luigi Di Maio.

The EU and the GCC held a political dialogue session, co-chaired by Pronk and Jasem Albudaiwi, secretary-general of the GCC.

The two parties discussed matters of mutual interest and the need to increase joint efforts to tackle global challenges.

This included the situations in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon, Gulf security and Iran, maritime security in the Red Sea region, Iraq, Sudan and the Horn of Africa, as well as Russian aggression against Ukraine.

The committee delegates and the GCC also agreed on strengthening the EU-GCC regional security cooperation.

The political dialogue constitutes an important step forward following the successful first EU-GCC Summit in Brussels on Oct. 16.