Over 10,000 residents call the DQ home. Meet Your Neighbor profiles interesting people in our international DQ Community. Learn about the diverse experience, interests, and backgrounds of DQ dwellers. Read on, and Meet Your Neighbor.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Mario Cuevas, I was born and raised in Mexico City. I graduated from the Law Faculty at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) in 2018 and joined the Mexican Foreign Service in August 2019. Currently I’m living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and since 2020, I live inside the Diplomatic Quarter. I’m a hard-working, driven person who isn’t afraid to face a challenge and is always motivated to travel and to learn more about different cultures and societies around the globe.
Who or what have been the strongest influences in your life?
Undoubtedly, my family has been my main reference and starting point in my life and professional career, since it is at home where the values of inclusion, respect for diversity, and mutual help are acquired. On the other hand, my friends are fundamental pillars in the construction of my identity and their friendship constitutes my most valuable support network.
What brought you to Riyadh?
Saudi Arabia is my first destination as a member of the Mexican Foreign Service. Back in 2019, during the final interview before we were assigned destinations, the jury on duty asked me “Which country don’t you like to go to?” To which I replied, “For various reasons, I would like to avoid the Middle East.” Shortly after, I was notified that I was appointed to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Three years after receiving that notification, I am fully convinced that it was the best decision the jury made.
What led you to your career and how has Saudi Arabia helped you in your career goals?
The interest in being part of the Mexican Foreign Service arose during my time in college. In 2016, I had the opportunity to participate in a Moot Court Competition before the International Criminal Court. The experience after the contest allowed me to learn about the work of the Mexican Foreign Ministry and a short time later, I performed the admission exams to the Service, a complex and highly competitive process that at the end, allowed me to start my career abroad. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a fundamental role in my professional career because during my time here, I have had the chance to develop multiple skills in various fields such as consular attention and the cultural promotion of Mexico beyond its borders.
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far?
The most important achievement of my career until now was having the opportunity to learn about the diplomatic tradition in a country currently under a profound process of transformation. After three years here, I realized that our cultures and societies are in fact incredibly similar. It is important to keep building more understanding bridges, in order to reduce the distance between our countries.
What do you like most about the DQ?
The possibility of meeting people from all over the world just by going out of my home. I also enjoy its wide green areas, through which I usually walk in the company of my dog Al-Kufuf, who takes advantage of his walks to meet new playmates.
Any tips/recommendations/advice for your DQ neighbors?
I would like to recommend DQ residents to enjoy the green areas and the wide range of restaurants, and also encourage them to explore the area by bicycle, taking advantage of the upcoming winter season.
