• Which particular aspect of Saudi Arabia you like the most?
One of the places on earth where people are very welcoming.
• Can you tell us your favorite and oft-repeated Arabic word?
Favorite word Masha’Allah &
oft-repeated Insha’Allah.
• Which book is now on your bedside?
The Agony and the Ecstasy
— Michelangelo Buonarroti
• What is your favorite holiday destination?
Despite traveling a lot, it is
still Romania.
• What is your dream country where you would like to be posted after leaving Saudi Arabia?
Just arrived in Riyadh & loving it.
• Which country’s people have you found most friendly?
Lebanese & Saudi.
• How do you react to or deal with anger?
In our job, there is no place
for anger.
• What is your source of strength during tough times?
My family.
• What was your first impression about the Kingdom?
Fascinated with rhythm of constructions & the sentiment of national solidarity.
• Which Saudi city fascinated you most?
Jeddah.
• Your favorite Saudi dish.
Lamb kabsa.
• The thing about Kingdom that you will always remember.
Kind gesture of Saudis.
• If you were given only one option between Facebook and Twitter, what would you prefer?
None
• If you had not become a diplomat, what would have been your profession?
A doctor
• Is hiding the truth acceptable in diplomacy?
To hide the truth is not admissible in diplomacy.
• How do you keep yourself fit?
Play tennis, swim and walk.
• Your favorite restaurant?
Najd Village and Karam Beirut (Tahliyah Street)
• You are a fan of which football club?
I like Brazilian football team.
• Who is your favorite actor/actress?
Anthony Quinn
• What is your favorite weekend activity?
We like to go out of Riyadh to admire the desert or visit the Equestrian Club.
‘Saudis are among most friendly people’
‘Saudis are among most friendly people’
New technology to purify drinking water will be expanded in Saudi Arabia
- Stockholm Water Technology has signed an agreement with Saudi company DRC-ChemTec to implement the technology over the next four years
RIYADH: New technology to purify drinking water using an electrical charge will be expanded in Saudi Arabia after an agreement to increase its use over the next four years.
The capacitive deionization technology will be used to treat around 3,500 cubic meters of water per day and provide clean drinking water.
Stockholm Water Technology has signed an agreement with Saudi company DRC-ChemTec to implement the technology over the next four years.
The Swedish company has also put forward a proposal to use the technology to treat wastewater in the Kingdom so that it can be used for agriculture.
The company said in a statement that this proposal includes a plan to remove micropollutants such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals from treated wastewater.
By passing an electrical current through water, the technology removes contaminants without the need for membrane filters or chemical treatment.
Currently, Saudi Arabia primarily uses two forms of desalination to provide clean drinking water: thermal desalination and reverse osmosis.
Thermal desalination uses fossil fuels to heat and evaporate seawater and collect the clean condensation, while reverse osmosis passes water through a filter-like membrane to remove contaminants.
Capacitive deionization has the potential to minimize waste and reduce energy consumption in water purification.
“Saudi Arabia’s water treatment market is at the forefront of sustainable practices, driven by the urgent need for clean, safe water across industries and a growing focus on water recycling and reuse,” said Karthik Laxman, CEO of Stockholm Water Technology, in a statement.
Husam Aljarba, strategic business development director at DRC-ChemTec, added: “DRC foresees strong growth in the residential and industrial segments, where the flexibility of SWT water treatment systems will provide unique value to customers.”
The Swedish company will supply 1,750 of its systems and will initially focus on providing drinking water. It will then expand into industrial and municipal wastewater treatment.
DRC-ChemTec will install and service the technology and manufacture associated parts, strengthening local production capacity.
Desalination accounts for around 75 percent of Saudi Arabia’s water supply, with the Kingdom producing more than 13.2 million cubic meters per day.
‘Makkah Greets Us’ 3rd edition launched to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr
- Activities focus on Islamic culture and historical landmarks
MAKKAH: A wide range of activities await both local people and visitors to the Hira cultural district of Makkah.
“Makkah Greets Us” takes place from March 31 to April 5 — the second day of Eid Al-Fitr until the seventh of the month of Shawwal.
Organized by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, the event features a diverse range of recreational, cultural, and heritage activities suitable for people of all ages.
It aims to “strengthen community bonds, highlight the historical and cultural significance of Makkah, and provide a unique entertainment environment for families and children,” reported the Saudi Press Agency.
“Makkah Greets Us” will include cultural and entertainment activities with a focus on Islamic culture and historical landmarks, along with traditional folklore performances, and will be presented in 26 languages.
The event is open to the public and is free of charge.
Trump’s Saudi visit planned for mid-May: Axios sources
- The Kingdom would be the US President’s first international destination since taking office in January
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump is planning to visit Saudi Arabia in mid-May on his first foreign trip of his second term, Axios reported on Sunday, citing two US officials and a source with knowledge of the president's travel.
Saudi Arabia has been taking a more prominent role in US foreign policy. The country has hosted talks between the US and Russia and Ukraine as Trump seeks a ceasefire to the war and the White House has singled out the country as a possible participant in the Abraham Accords.
Trump said earlier this month he would likely make his first trip abroad to Saudi Arabia. He said on March 6 he would probably travel there in the next month and a half. He noted the first overseas trip of his first term was to Riyadh in 2017.
One source said April 28 was discussed as a potential date for the visit but was postponed, while an official and a source familiar said the current plan is for Trump to travel to Saudi Arabia in mid-May, according to Axios.
The White House did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment, while no official announcement or confirmation was made from the Saudi side regarding the potential dates of the visit.
Saudi interior minister praises success of security, military plans
- The minister expressed the leadership’s appreciation for all security sectors for their exceptional efforts and dedication
MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to employees of the ministry on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr.
The minister expressed the leadership’s appreciation for all security sectors for their exceptional efforts and dedication, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
In a meeting with senior ministry officials and security sector commanders in Makkah, Prince Abdulaziz emphasized that the support and continuous guidance from the leadership played a major role in the successful execution of security and military plans, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for Umrah performers and worshippers.
Authorities bust drug smugglers across Saudi Arabia
- Preliminary legal procedures were completed and all seized items were transferred to the relevant bodies
RIYADH: Saudi authorities carried out multiple drug-related arrests and seizures across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Security patrols in the Asir region arrested a citizen for smuggling 122 kg of qat hidden in his vehicle in Al-Farsha governorate.
Border Guard patrols in Al-Raboah sector of Asir arrested 14 Ethiopians for smuggling 252 kg of qat.
The General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested a citizen in the Qassim region for selling hashish and amphetamines.
The directorate also arrested two citizens in Jouf region for attempting to sell 2,474 narcotic pills.
Authorities in Al-Dayer governorate, Jazan region, thwarted an attempt to smuggle 36,000 narcotic pills.
Preliminary legal procedures were completed and all seized items were transferred to the relevant bodies.
Authorities have urged the public to report drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions.
Reports can also be submitted, in strict confidence, to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at 995@gdnc.gov.sa.
