This year took the world to an unprecedented turn and with the holy month of Ramadan ahead of us, we pray for resolution and peace in the days ahead. Our leaders from the Diplomatic Quarter express their messages of hope, compassion and prayer for our community and to all our Muslim brothers and sisters this Ramadan.
Dear DQ Residents,
It is my great honor to thank everyone in the DQ community for their continuous support and cooperation in making our community safe and sound. We, in the DQ authority, are working day and night to support other government agencies to ease the impact of this tough time. It is crucial that we remain positive and focus on the greener side. During such testing times, we have learned the extent of our community’s collaboration and faith in each other. We were able to comply with our government’s instruction and unite together to flatten the curve to hopefully emerge from these trying times as a healthier, stronger and a united community.
Soon, we will be welcoming the holy month of Ramadan. May Allah allow us to make it to these blessed days and bless the remaining of this month. Let us stand together and remain positive as we anticipate this blessed month.
Stay home.
Dr. Fahad bin Mushayt
Chief Executive Officer of the DQ General Authority
In the last weeks, we have learnt a new word, or a new combination of words – ‘social distancing’. It does not fit well with close-knit gatherings of families, friends and colleagues during the traditional Christian Easter Festival or Islam’s Holy Month of Ramadan. Being social is coming together. Keeping distance is not. Social distancing does not fit well with traditional diplomacy either. An email is not the same as a human being in the room. A text message is not a handshake.
Anyhow, we are tackling the threat of COVID-19, and we have found strength in praying, physical activity, a good read, a new TV series, yoga, or dozens of other things. Another side effect of preparing for the virus is the fact that my embassy has gotten a much better overview of all Norwegians living, working, studying or traveling in the Kingdom. They are 242 people. Some working for Saudi Aramco, others doing marine research at KAUST, some studying at Medina’s Islamic University, others are visiting family and relatives in Riyadh. A very diverse group of people, Norway of today, in Saudi Arabia. I wish all nationalities a blessed month of Ramadan!
His Excellency Øyvind Stokke
Ambassador of Norway
Never before shall we observe Ramadan 1441 Hijri like this year, amid global fight against the novel coronavirus – COVID-19 – that is cruelly attacking human beings regardless of racial, religious, national or political background.
Please practice adequate hygiene. Obey all rules and regulations announced, bearing in mind a strong sense of responsibility for the community. We are in great caring hands of HM King Salman and the Saudi Government.
Stay safe, brave, strong and united!
Ramadan Kareem!
His Excellency Vu Viet Dung
Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
The second decade of the 21st century began with substantial global challenges, ranging from trade wars, threats of climate change, and the migration of international terrorism to exclusive right-wing nationalism.
However, before world leaders and individual international organizations began to deal with some or all of these challenges, an unprecedented global health crisis shook humanity. This crisis goes beyond the capabilities of the most powerful states with the largest economies in the world.
Starting from 2019, novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread rapidly in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. In March 2020, COVID-19 was reported as pandemic. The high rates of mortality, enormous pressure on health systems along with health care professionals in affected countries around the world have been associated with an inevitable economic downturn, severe pain, and anxiety among patients and their families. These events were followed by subsequent apathy and despair of the general public.
Even though many countries are locked down and are witnessing, probably, the darkest days engulfing modern society, there is a light of hope in the human spirit of resilience and staying strong. It is a challenge for humanity to work together and contribute to the formation of global solidarity to overcome this crisis.
The Embassy of Kenya in Riyadh expresses its sincere gratitude to the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that has taken all necessary measures to combat COVID-19 through focused and robust leadership aimed at reducing the outbreak, preventing its spread, and protecting both Saudis and foreign guests, as well as for its generous contribution to the World Health Organization in the fight with COVID-19.
May the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan give us the strength and determination to overcome the current challenges and reach our common goals. Ramadan Kareem!
His Excellency Peter Ogego
Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya
Ramadan, the holiest month of the Muslim calendar, is approaching. The traditions of Ramadan are centered on group gatherings such as communal taraweeh prayers and iftar dinner in which Muslims break their fast together, which I personally enjoy very much organizing or participating in during Ramadan.
Muslims or not, nowadays, everyone is united in confronting a common enemy which is the invisible and elusive coronavirus. We adapt ourselves to this unprecedented moment. To slow down the spread of virus, we stay home much of our time with the family. That gives us an opportunity to think, reflect and refresh our soul. This coming Ramadan will also provide us with precious moments to deeply search for our souls and look around others in need.
Restrictions we are under in this battle against the virus might bring inconveniences to our daily lives and negative impact on the economy. Throughout history, however, crises have always made man stand up firmly, not backing down. Thanks to the timely initiative of Saudi Arabia, the world witnessed G20 leaders made one voice to combat the COVID-19 during the G20 Extraordinary Virtual Leaders Summit on March 26. G20 leaders committed to provide immediate resources to fight the pandemic, safeguarding the global economy, addressing international trade disruptions and enhancing global cooperation.
I am not sure how long this crisis will last. But Muslims or not, let’s pray together for our daily lives to return to normal as soon as possible. This is a difficult time for all of us for sure, but we are not alone. Inshah Allah.
Ramadan Mubarak!
His Excellency Jo Byung-wook
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea
The world is passing through a difficult phase due to the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19. I deeply appreciate the proactive efforts of the Saudi leadership to prevent the spread of this pandemic in the Kingdom and ensure the health and safety of citizens and residents. I am sure, by cooperating with the authorities and adhering to the social distancing norms, we will emerge from this situation soon. I wish the readers of DQ Living Magazine the best of health and a blessed Ramadan.
His Excellency Dr. Ausaf Sayeed
Ambassador of the Republic of India
