The Kingdom of Norway
When were you posted to Saudi Arabia? / How many years have you been in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia?
I came to Riyadh in August 2017, after four years in Shanghai, China. Two very different places in the world. Earlier in my career, I have served in Reykjavik, Iceland and London, United Kingdom and of course several years in Oslo. I like contrasts.
I think it is the right time to be in Saudi Arabia now, although I guess all my colleagues would have said exactly the same thing at any time. However, for my part, I feel that there are some significant changes going on and it is a privilege and a challenge to try to describe and analyze the developments taking place when Norwegian authorities and Norwegian businesses ask me about information and advice.
What is the most challenging part of being the ambassador to Saudi Arabia? What is the most rewarding?
Seen here from the Gulf region, Norway may be a far-away country in the Arctic, although we have a lot in common since Norway is a large oil and gas producer. We also have the world’s biggest sovereign wealth fund based on our oil revenues. Norwegians in Saudi Arabia is a small tribe, just around 50-60 people, and most of them live in the Eastern Province, engaged in the petroleum industry, some of them since 10-20 years ago. At the same time, we are members of a larger Nordic family.
My job is to establish and develop contact between officials and decision makers in the two countries. My task is also to put Saudi Arabia on the map for more Norwegian businesses and for Norwegian students, universities, media, the arts and civil society. When Saudi Arabia opens up for tourists, I guess we will see a significant increase of Norwegians who want to go to a country very few of them yet have seen. Norwegians like to travel and they spend money when going abroad. Every day I see a very positive development the other way; more and more Saudis, businesspeople and families, travel to Norway and they post inspiring videos in the social media.
On a daily basis, the main task for me is to assist Norwegian companies who want to do more trade and business with Saudi Arabia, and to provide inputs to Saudi companies who want to explore new possibilities and invest in Norway. I see an increasing interest from both sides and this is very encouraging. Norwegian businesses are discovering Saudi Arabia, however, the culture and language are different, and they need to maneuver in a new terrain. My job is to see how the embassy can help overcoming thresholds and obstacles. Many see that the economic reforms taking place open up for sectors where Norway has a lot to offer, for instance within renewable energy, clean-tech, aquaculture technology, maritime sector or digitalization. In the coming weeks, we are working on the plans for a large Saudi aqua culture delegation traveling to see how this industry is man.aged in Norway, and we will for the first time receive a big group of Norwegian fish exporters – and a world-famous chef – participating at the Saudi Horeca food fair, at the end of November. In addition to commercial affairs including tourism and promoting Norway, I spend a lot of time with my colleagues at the embassy and our contacts analyzing the political development, since Saudi Arabia’s role in the international politics of the region is important.
What are your favorite places to visit in Riyadh?
I like to go to Diriyah and to the parks at the National Museum & Historical Center. Here in the DQ, I appreciate that more cafes and restaurants are opening. I like the sounds, how the rhythm of the afternoon and evening is sung. It reminds me of the even songs of a particular neighborhood of my childhood’s Norway.
Embassy of Norway
Amr Aldamri St. Al Safarat
Riyadh, 11693
Tel: 011-488-1904
Website: https://www.norway.no/en/saudi-arabia
Twitter: @oyvind_stokke
ABOUT THE EMBASSY
The motto of the Kingdom of Norway Embassy in Saudi Arabia is “we are the embassy”. In essence, the work culture at the Norwegian embassy promotes the embassy staff as being the backbone, the foundation of the embassy and the diplomatic mission in Riyadh. “We are proud to carry of the flag of Norway wherever we go”, Ms Khulood Zakzouk, proudly remarked as we sat down at the Ambassador’s residence. This is the Norwegian philosophy and why the Ambassador insisted that the focus of interview should not be solely on him but rather on the organization and the individuals behind the success of the mission. After our interview with the Ambassador, we took time to sit down with Ms. Zakzouk, a local staff member with over fourteen years’ experience in diplomacy, and Alma Lindstrom, a masters student interning at the embassy, to learn about their experience and role in the embassy.
About the Embassy Staff
Khulood Zakzouk
How long have you worked on the Norwegian Embassy and what is your role?
My diplomatic career started in 1997 with the Turkish Embassy in Riyadh, and I joined the Norwegian diplomatic mission in 2004. My background in translation sparked an interest in working with different people from various backgrounds and cultures and this is the essence of my job at the embassy. As an executive assistant, no day is the same, and my role varies from consular affairs, to managing the Ambassador’s schedule, and working with visiting delegations.
What is the most exciting/interesting element of your job?
Accomplishing tasks and feeling that we as the embassy staff are part of something that is bigger than ourselves are the most rewarding aspects of my job. Participating in events and working with various colleagues on different projects are enriching. As part of my work, I attend various workshops and courses and I recently attended an intensive week-long course on consular affairs in Oslo. The embassy encourages its employees to participate and attend work enrichment-related courses.
I feel accomplished in my work. As a single working mom, the embassy really values me and my efforts. The ambassador presented me with the memorable words of gratitude on my 50th birthday. The embassy is my second family .
What activities are you involved in outside of work?
Outside of work, I am involved in various charities to promote freedom and education for children and help organize various fundraisers and charity events to help children in camps in Palestine, Jordan and Lebanon.
About the Embassy Staff: Alma Lindstrom
What was your reaction when you were posted at the Norwegian Embassy in Riyadh?
I was extremely excited, as having a background in Middle Eastern history I wanted to be stationed at the heart of the Middle East; Saudi Arabia. I am in the middle of my master’s degree, and this six-month internship has provided a window into the world of diplomacy. As I am exposed to the various elements of the embassy, I get a flavor of what it is like to be part of a Norwegian foreign mission.
What is a typical day like for you at the Norwegian Embassy?
Being an intern at the Norwegian embassy is a unique experience. The interns are part of a great variety of embassy work, and we are able to actively participate in various talks and discussions as well as important events. My work also involves analysis of the various countries that the embassy covers.
What are your favorite activities to do in the DQ?
I am enjoying biking to work every day. Living in the DQ provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while still being part of the city. As the weather cools down, I hope to explore the various hiking and walking trails that the DQ has to offer.
