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.
I am a DQ native, born and raised around here. I grew up in the neighborhood where I learned to care for my community. My father is my hero who taught me to appreciate the blessing of our family and I honor that in everywhere I go. I have learned over the years being a neighbor is part of a family and giving back to the community is our norm. When I see new people move in our neighborhood, I like to make them feel welcome by giving them any aid that they may need.
I moved away from home to go to school in California, USA. Then I returned to Saudi Arabia for good to serve my country. I am now a husband to a lovely wife and a father to two kids.
How would family and friends describe you?
My family and friends know that I am outgoing and energetic. They’d also say that I am determined and that I never give up. One time, we were all rock climbing near the Edge of the World, north of Riyadh. About halfway up, everybody wanted to turn around and go back down the mountain. I turned our climb into a competition and proposed a “mashwi” (grill lamb), which is on me, as a prize for whoever was the first to climb the mountain. That quickly changed their minds and we decided to keep climbing. Luckily, I won the race but still end up cooking that nice “mashwi” in the desert for everyone.
Who or what have been the strongest influences in your life?
My father was the man I looked up to and will be the man I am inspired by, not because he is my father, but because of the leadership he possesses which is what I called the pinnacle!
What led you to your career and how has Saudi Arabia helped you in your career goals?
I have always wanted to be a part of a big organization where I can make a difference. When I first received the call that my application was accepted to be a part of the Royal Commission of Riyadh, I was so excited. And from that day on, I have been taking care of one of our biggest clients, Riyadh Metro, as a Public Relation Expert that is. I really want to say that living in Saudi, my beloved country, makes me realize and appreciate what we have here. Living in Saudi expanded my horizons to see what is out there for me. It made me realize that I wanted more out of life.
When I came back from abroad, I was changed. I was empowered by what I have seen from other people serving their countries and to achieve what I always wanted — serving my home and my people. Someone once told me that if I want to attain my dreams, I have to have that spark that makes me go after it. For me, it was the experience of living abroad and accomplishing my dreams at home.
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far?
I am most proud of being chosen to work on a big organization like the Ministry of Defense as an Operation Manager where I dedicated myself to work to accomplish the most complicated job. We had this particular project wherein the team handling it was only allowed to have 15 people on it. Every employee wanted to be a part of this collaboration and they only chose the top performers; I turned out to be one of them. I was put in charge of handling this project until it was accomplished.
Working on the operation management project was eye-opening because I have never worked on such a huge project before. It taught me valuable skills in communication and collaboration that I bring to every new project I work on today.
Where are your favorite places to visit in Riyadh?
I enjoy going to friends’ gatherings at Scalini restaurant in the DQ. It is my kind of atmosphere.
What do you like most about the DQ?
I like the international community that calls DQ home. DQ is a ‘neighborhood of the world’ with its different cultures and traditions.
What is something you wish the DQ had, but currently doesn’t?
I wish for a community center where all the neighbors meet and get to know each other.
Any tips/recommendations/advice for your DQ neighbors?
Enjoy meeting and interacting with your neighbors and keep the DQ clean please.
