BY MARIA COMETTI AND ALEX WOODMAN
In an exclusive interview with Dr. Fahad bin Mushayt, Chief Executive Officer of the DQ General Authority, we learn about the plans of the DQGA for the future of the DQ.
With a reputation that precedes itself, the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh (DQ) is home to estates of foreign leaders from over 83 diplomatic missions and a population of more than 10,000 local residents. Its vast natural venue for gardens, parks and hiking trails and numerous commercial and business properties create a unique balance between a landscape and urban-like atmosphere that makes it one of the most sought-after addresses in the city.
Established in the 1980s, the DQ was spearheaded by HRH King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, previously the governor of Riyadh, with the goal of providing international embassies a secure and accessible area to conduct their activities and foster cultural diversity. It also included a five-year plan to improve its natural surroundings, particularly transforming the escarpment of the Wadi Hanifa to be integrated with the rest of the modern structures of the DQ.
More recently, the opportunity to invigorate the DQ has been placed at the forefront. Three years ago, the Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman launched the groundbreaking ambition for Saudi Arabia called “Vision 2030.” Its aim to find new avenues of investments and diversification of international ties makes the DQ an inseparable epicenter to achieve these goals. Hence, a royal decree prompted the inauguration of the Diplomatic Quarter General Authority (DQGA), which will be responsible for the management and further development of the Diplomatic Quarter in accordance with the programs aligned with Vision 2030.
In January 2019, Dr. Fahad bin Mushayt was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the DQGA. Before assuming his post, Dr. Mushayt was the CEO of Bravo, a subsidiary of Saudi Telecom Co. for more than 3 years. Prior to that he was with STC for 17 years holding many senior VP roles. He was an integral part of its corporate planning and was a key figure in the strategic investment and business development of the company. He gained his PhD in Political Economy and Public Policy from the University of Southern California, USA as well as an MSc in Economics from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Under his leadership, the DQGA has laid out a master plan to leverage the benefits of the DQ and create a ‘city that is human-centric’ with a value on its people and a focus on intercultural dialogue. In our interview with Dr. Mushayt, he highlights the present roadmap of the DQGA and its future.
DQGA hosts almost all of the significant diplomatic, cultural, and social events in the Kingdom. What are the plans that will increase and further strengthen the reputation of DQGA?
During the past five years, DQGA has reached its goal of becoming a central platform for the political and diplomatic affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The vision for 2020 will be the creation of an inter-cultural platform which will be home to the fundamental pillars of global culture, all types of sporting events, and a strong and rigorous education.
Each pillar adds a separate and necessary entity to the DQGA. The first pillar depicts culture. This serves as a collaboration with foreign Embassies and Consulates which are represented in the Kingdom. This pillar could actually be within the perimeters of the DQGA or beyond. The initiative will include a partnership with the governmental sector as well. This first pillar also aims to achieve intercultural dialogue. The first step towards the implementation of this particular pillar is the unique calendar created for 2020 which includes the national holidays of each Embassy. During the celebration of national holidays, additional information will be provided about different cultures and traditions.
The second pillar portrays sports and includes various activities such as hiking competitions, cycling, and long-distance marathons. One of the future plans of the DQGA is the construction of a polo club, an equestrian center, golf course, and a lavish new park. All of these additions will probably encourage sporting events and unite the people who attend.
The third pillar represents the very important field of education. Newly constructed international schools will vary from the usual standards of the educational system. They will strive to deliver an innovative approach to the teaching of every student. In addition to the main class disciplines, students will be involved in various cultural and sports activities. The launch of this first international school is scheduled for September 2020. In addition to that, many other types of education content will be provided in most of the available schools in the DQ.
Therefore, the third pillar of education will be a compilation of the first two pillars. DQGA will create an intercultural platform with no boundaries.
Can you discuss some of the particular advantages projected for the residents of DQGA?
One of the primary purposes of DQGA is to provide comfortable and accessible living conditions for its residents and guests. This should include reliable street lighting, personal security, and the availability of the latest technologies, such as private and protected identification cards (ID cards). These individual data cards will become a part of the DQGA loyalty program, which will guarantee unnecessary disturbances for the population. The main privileges of these newly-issued ID cards will include discounts during shopping excursions, participation in most country events without registration, entry to all recreation centers, and the ease of securing commercial agreements without unnecessary paperwork. The ID cards will be activated through a specific application, which will make the process more manageable and secure. Furthermore, a call-center and other social media platforms will be established where both the residents and the guests of DQGA will receive any information of interest to them. Eventually, one of the most significant initiatives projected for 2020 is the DQGA residential website. It is a long-awaited addition for the citizens.
These projects will create new opportunities for both entrepreneurs and their suppliers. How would you choose the best partner?
DQGA has a specific investment strategy and is very meticulous when choosing partners. Their most important goal is to deliver the best quality of service physically, economically, socially, culturally, historically, and environmentally for its people.
The procurement department of DQGA studies both local and international markets to find the finest suppliers in a particular field. Based on the demands of its consumers, the DQGA implements new regulations, standards, quality requirements, and tested strategies of collaboration. For example, the residential website of DQGA was created to offer the most secure, innovative, and attractive website for its residents. Therefore, DQGA has employed one of the best developers in the country. It is clear to many that the level of competence of this website will be the best in Saudi Arabia.
Reflecting on the first pillar of the DQGA 2020 vision, can you discuss how you will preserve the Saudi culture while introducing all of these modern innovations?
The preservation of the cultural heritage and legacy of our ancestors is not only the essential mission of DQGA but of the entire Kingdom. For that reason, our goal to convey the beauty and splendor of Saudi Arabia; we have set down a firm regulation policy for the buildings in DQGA. We do not want to be a high-tech City. We want to create an environment where there is a respect for nature, our culture, and the heritage of Saudi Arabia. There is also a strict rule at DQGA that while designing any new building, it must accurately maintain the integrity of nature.
What is your vision of DQGA as you reflect on the next five years?
We intend to become a role model for all of Saudi Arabia. This will begin with inner-city planning, creating a sustainable environment, stability, and service, which will include intercultural communication and tolerance. We will extend our hand to cooperate and exchange experiences with regional and global organizations to ensure achieving the objectives of the DQGA.
It is clear that several plans of the DQGA are steadily in place and awaiting implementation within 2020. It is an exciting new chapter for the Diplomatic Quarter as a distinguished, diverse and developed community in Riyadh.
DQ General Authority
Website: www.dqga.gov.sa
Twitter/Instagram: @SaudiDQ
