Embassy of Mauritius
How did you get started being a diplomat?
After obtaining my bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Delhi in India, I worked as an English language teacher in Zimbabwe which afforded me the opportunity to interact with diverse cultures and different ways of living. This helped ignite an interest in a diplomatic career which started when I was assigned as Second Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs in Mauritius and at the Mauritius High Commission later in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I played a pivotal role at the United Nations (UN) Security Council in my role as Minister Counsellor and Deputy Permanent Representative in the Mauritius Mission to the UN as well as serving as the Coordinator of the Mauritius Delegation to the UN Security Council. Moreover I participated in the negotiations leading to the establishment of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. I have held both bilateral and multiilateral posts, I have also served as Deputy High Commissioner in the Mauritius High Commission in London from 2004 to 2008. My most recent accomplishment was my involvement in the opening of the first Mauritius Embassy in Saudi Arabia and helping to enhance the relations between the two countries.
When were you posted to Saudi Arabia?/ How many years have you been in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia?
I am stationed as Ambassador of Mauritius to Saudi Arabia since May 2017. In the span of two years I was delighted to oversee the opening of the Mauritius Embassy in Saudi Arabia and helping the smooth transition from limited representation where the Embassy in Cairo was previously responsible for handling Mauritian affairs in Saudi Arabia to having a fully functioning embassy. I am excited to have assumed such an important position at such a defining moment in history.
What was your reason/thoughts/feelings when you were given the assignment to become the ambassador to Saudi Arabia?
I was delighted by the opportunity and challenges in establishing in the embassy in Saudi Arabia. We started by establishing a base of networks with other embassies, ministries and organizations. Moreover, I am able to witness the monumental transformation that Saudi Arabia is undergoing as part of the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030. I have witnessed firsthand the changes from the ease of doing business, to the new entertainment and cultural activities that are readily available to women, including the opportunity to drive. It is a defining moment in Saudi Arabia’s history and I am excited to be a part of this change.
What do you like the most about living in Riyadh?
Riyadh offers a completely different culture than Mauritius and other countries where I have worked. I come at a unique time and it is extremely interesting to see the changes that the country is are undergoing. As a diplomat, I am living these changes on a day-to-day basis. The transformation and mega projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Riyadh Metro are outstanding.
What is the most challenging part of being the Ambassador to Saudi Arabia? What is the most rewarding?
The most challenging aspect was establishing the embassy. Moreover, Saudi Arabia has its own unique culture so there is a need to adapt oneself to that culture. For example the work culture is very different from what I have known so far and I have had to adapt myself accordingly. The most rewarding part is the operation of the direct flights from Riyadh to Mauritius, increasing the numbers of Saudis visiting Mauritius, and the visit from the esteemed Ministers, that I mentioned before. It is wonderful to see what we have achieved in such a short time.
What is a day of the Ambassador to Saudi Arabia like?
My team and I meet in the morning to review the issues at hand and I distribute the work for the day. Then I follow my schedule of the day. I attend various meetings at the respective ministries and meet other delegations from various countries. The evening is usually dedicated to attending various functions in the DQ including National Day celebrations, and receptions. Therefore my work is distributed between time spent at the Embassy and representing Mauritius at various events and occasions.
What do you like most about the DQ?
I love the freedom of movement in the DQ, from walking around to visiting the trails. There is a real sense of community in the DQ. All the embassies are in close proximity, which allows me to get to know the other ambassadors on a personal level, as well as attend functions within the DQ and save time traveling from my home to the office.
Embassy of Mauritius
Al Safarat, Riyadh 12512
Contact No: 011-482 9567
Email: eman@mauritiusembassy.com
