With Outgoing President Ayesha Ahmad and Looking to the Future Milestones with the New President Haya Al Hessni
Spouses of Heads of Mission (SHOM) in the Diplomatic Quarter has become an exceptional hub for welcoming individuals who come to Saudi Arabia with their significant others to make a new contribution to intercultural diplomacy and cooperation. SHOM members, led by their predent, have established a fine tradition of organizing a variety of events and initiatives aimed at further expanding the understanding of Saudi Arabia and the countries they represent, and at leaving a unique mark on the history of the Diplomatic Quarter. Recently, SHOM gathered for an elegant end-of-year luncheon organized by the outgoing President, Mrs. Ayesha Ahmad to celebrate the successful completion of her distinguished term and formally welcome the incoming President, Mrs. Haya Al Hessni.
This event provided a wonderful opportunity for participants to reflect on a year filled with exceptional initiatives, collaboration, and friendship. The event was held in a spirit of gratitude, unity, and optimism for the future. A particularly memorable moment at the event was SHOM’s recognition of DQ Living and our long-standing bond with them. We were deeply honored by this recognition, which reflects our shared commitment to supporting the important work of SHOM as a unique form of diplomacy.
Indeed, farewells are meant to mark and acknowledge the end of a moment or chapter, to take stock, to honor memories, and to prepare for a new beginning. Inspired by this momentum-building spirit, we were once again privileged to meet with outgoing President Mrs. Ayesha Ahmad and incoming President Mrs. Haya Al Hessni, to reminisce about past achievements that serve as the foundation for future milestones.
As the president of the organization, what do you think makes SHOM special and important for the Saudi diplomatic corps?
Ayesha Ahmad: Spouses of heads of diplomatic missions around the world are important bridges for diplomatic activity, allowing them to interact with local counterparts to promote cultural understanding, undertake charitable work, and develop relations between the countries they represent. In this regard, SHOM in Riyadh successfully fulfills this mission through its activities over the years. We not only introduce our members to various aspects of life in Saudi Arabia but also provide a platform for ambassadors’ spouses to interact with each other in a friendly and apolitical environment.
Haya Al Hessni: SHOM brings together spouses of heads of mission from diverse cultural, social, and professional backgrounds, creating a unique platform for friendship, dialogue, and mutual understanding. SHOM contributes to the human dimension of diplomacy by fostering meaningful personal connections among members of the diplomatic community. At the same time, SHOM provides a valuable opportunity for members to learn more about the rich culture, history, and traditions of Saudi Arabia and its transformation as part of Vision 2030. Through its activities, SHOM strengthens the sense of community within the diplomatic corps while deepening appreciation for the Kingdom’s heritage and its growing role as a global cultural destination.
Any new endeavor requires a vision. What was / is your vision when you took this role?
Ayesha Ahmad: My main goal as SHOM President was to promote greater cohesion and understanding among the organization’s members. This requires a shift from a single-country model of promotion to a collaborative, ongoing dialogue, which can be achieved through sharing narratives, investing in artistic and cultural exchange, leveraging shared experiences and knowledge, and developing civic partnerships between newcomers and local residents. I believe that both past and present SHOM members and presidents have successfully accomplished this task. We organized a series of events for the first time, including a Christmas dinner and a New Year’s party hosted by SHOM, as well as an Iftar dinner hosted by the President. A number of other events were planned, but they have been temporarily suspended pending better, calmer times. Nevertheless, I believe that much of my vision for SHOM’s role and activities is being realized and has a solid foundation for the future.
Haya Al Hessni: Coming from Jordan, a country that has always served as a bridge between cultures and civilizations, I deeply value the role that cultural exchange plays in bringing people together. And, thus, my vision is to build upon the strong foundation established by previous SHOM presidents and members while creating new opportunities for engagement, collaboration, and cultural enrichment. I would like SHOM to continue focusing on being a dynamic platform where members not only celebrate their cultural diversity but also work together to promote shared values such as respect, friendship, learning, and service. I hope to encourage initiatives that bring members closer to the community in which we live. By fostering meaningful dialogue and cultural exchange, SHOM can continue to strengthen the bonds that unite us while highlighting the richness of our different traditions and experiences.
What were / are your expectations of SHOM members?
Ayesha Ahmad: The success of any organization depends on its members. In this regard, I would like to express my gratitude to all SHOM members for their active participation and support of the various events we organized during my tenure as SHOM president. Together, we worked harmoniously, sharing ideas and implementing new projects.
Haya Al Hessni: I expect SHOM members to continue to embody the spirit of openness, collaboration, and cultural curiosity that defines the diplomatic community. Working together with a spirit of inclusiveness and mutual support, can create initiatives that benefit our members and contribute to the cultural vibrancy of the Diplomatic Quarter. Each member brings valuable perspectives, talents, and experiences that can enrich our collective work. I encourage continued active participation in SHOM’s programs and initiatives, as well as willingness to share one’s culture while learning from others. Through collaboration and engagement, SHOM can leave a lasting legacy of friendship, understanding, and community building within and beyond the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh.
Which event/project organized by SHOM do you think is the most valuable and deserves to be implemented in diplomatic corps around the world?
Ayesha Ahmad: Throughout the year, we organized a number of events, including visits to various cultural and historical sites in Saudi Arabia, as well as museums. And, yet, for me, the most important and memorable event was our visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif in Diriyah. Visiting this place gave us an even more meaningful insight into the origins of the host country [Saudi Arabia], as well as the strength and resilience of its people and leadership. As His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud said, “We have a very important historical depth… many of the elements of our history and culture began in Diriyah.”
Haya Al Hessni: Building on SHOM’s longstanding tradition of organizing visits to cultural and heritage sites, I would like to further expand these efforts through a program that I call “Diplomatic Cultural Journeys.” I believe that experiencing culture firsthand creates deeper understanding and more lasting friendships than any formal discussion alone. At the same time, I would like to build upon SHOM’s existing engagement with accomplished Saudi women by expanding opportunities for dialogue and exchange with leaders and pioneers from various fields. These interactions provide valuable insight into the important contributions Saudi women are making to the Kingdom’s development and future. Together, these efforts would strengthen the connection between the diplomatic community and Saudi society, promote people-to-people diplomacy, and foster a deeper appreciation of the Kingdom’s rich heritage, dynamic culture, and remarkable progress.
The Diplomatic Quarter is known as a meeting place for all cultures in the Kingdom. Based on your experience in the diplomatic world and constant interaction with representatives of different cultures, what is the added value of the numerous cultural events in the Diplomatic Quarter for Saudis?
Ayesha Ahmad: Diplomatic Quarter is one of the most unique locations in the world, housing not only the majority of Riyadh’s diplomatic missions but also offering cultural representation, entertainment, and a vibrant social life for Saudis. The Cultural Palace at DQ generously provides outstanding facilities to diplomatic missions, hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, helping missions and embassies showcase their diverse culture to Saudis, including music, cuisine, art, and heritage. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to the authorities of the Diplomatic Quarter for their generous support of diplomatic missions in organizing these events. I hope that the future of the Diplomatic Quarter will become even more enriching for mission representatives and local residents, enabling them to build strong diplomatic ties.
Haya Al Hessni: Having accompanied my husband for more than thirty years in various Jordanian diplomatic missions, I have witnessed how culture creates connections that transcend language and geography. The Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh offers a remarkable environment where cultures from around the world can meet, interact, and learn from one another. For Saudis, diverse cultural events provide opportunities to experience traditions, arts, music and crafts of many nations while also showcasing the richness of Saudi culture to an international audience. In Saudi Arabia, where cultural preservation and cultural innovation are advancing side by side, these events create meaningful opportunities for dialogue and mutual learning. The Diplomatic Quarter has become an inspiring space where international cultures and Saudi culture enrich one another.
