The concept of diversity has been a primary topic in the diplomatic community, aiming to foster dialogue among ambassadors of various countries. Alongside this, a new form of dialogue has been developed by the spouses of the heads of missions (SHOM). Interestingly, these discussions, whether direct or indirect, can delve deeper than one might expect. Spouses should be considered essential partners in the same mission as their diplomat partners. While ambassadors focus on formal diplomatic relationships, spouses can address important aspects that contribute to strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties. Spouses offer unique perspectives on significant topics through their lenses of understanding. This is precisely what I experienced during my engagement with SHOM.
A Thanksgiving, and A Farewell
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to SHOM for providing invaluable experiences during my multiple interactions with its members. I want to thank President Hermine Mairama Tidjani for being an inspiring leader who, as President of SHOM, consolidated its foundations. I hope SHOM continues its mission, as it has proven to be a crucial beacon for global dialogue among diplomats worldwide.
DQ Living Magazine bids farewell to Hermine Mairama Tidjani and acknowledges the importance of our visible engagement in SHOM’s mission in a world overwhelmed by numerous challenges.
A Message from Mrs. Hermine Mairama Tidjani
Outgoing SHOM President
As I step down from my role as President of SHOM, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my colleagues both within and outside of SHOM. Your unwavering support and encouragement have enabled me to foster mutual understanding, build bridges within the Diplomatic Quarter, and lay the foundation for enduring friendships and meaningful connections between people. Additionally, I extend my sincere thanks to DQ Living and its team for their dedication in highlighting SHOM’s role as a new avenue of diplomacy and a model for the global community.
A Welcome, and a New Chapter Begins
With this vision, we welcome the new president, Ayesha Ahmad, and commit to being active members of her team, showcasing our unity in action. I sat down with SHOM members to discuss the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s vast potential for the new president to build bridges of cross-cultural communication.
What are your expectations from the new president of SHOM?
SHOM plays a very important role in building friendship among ambassadors’ spouses. Accordingly, the focus should be on SHOM’s core goals of bringing people together and helping us explore Saudi Arabia. We hope to build on the spirit of inclusivity and create more opportunities for cultural exchange and meaningful connections among members. There is great potential for growth in community outreach, collaboration with local institutions, and expanding cultural and educational initiatives that highlight the diverse backgrounds of SHOM members.
We also need to expand cooperation with local and international partners. Building on the legacies of the past, SHOM has the potential to evolve into a more dynamic and engaging platform—one that not only celebrates the diversity of cultures, knowledge, and talent among its members but also showcases them to Saudis.
As an organization unique in its kind, we expect SHOM led by the new president to convey shared values of respect, responsibility and fairness within and outside SHOM. In this, the new president can bring fresh perspectives, inspiring others to be more involved as an agent of change, greater dynamism, motivation, and involvement in our activities.
We sincerely wish the new president and all SHOM participants to help each other become better version of ourselves—kinder, more honest, more modest, fairer. We must be worthy representatives of our countries.
SHOM on Saudi Arabia
Home to Islam’s holiest cities, and a global energy leader, Saudi Arabia is a beautiful, promising, rapidly developing country that makes people feel at home, finds a place in people’s hearts and brings peace. As a dynamic regional leader with growing global influence, Saudi Arabia offers abundant opportunities. Saudi Arabia is a land where faith shapes destiny, and the search for progress walks hand-in-hand with the sacred echoes of the past. The Kingdom unifies deep traditional roots, rich cultural heritage, stunning desert landscapes with modern economic ambitions under its Vision 2030 reforms. With a strong sense of identity and generosity, Saudi Arabia is a vibrant and safe country to live in.
SHOM Recommendations for the Summer
The Kingdom will exceed your expectations with its unexpected beauty of desert landscapes, the fusion of timeless traditions and cutting-edge innovations in smart cities, and incredibly warm and welcoming people. These exceptional interactions, despite the heat of the season, create the potential for growth in building and strengthening cross-cultural friendships and connections, supporting each other, and promoting an understanding of the international culture that binds us together.
Jeddah and the pristine waters of the Red Sea are the place to relax and unwind in Saudi Arabia. In the hot summer, refreshing activities such as diving or snorkeling and pleasant walks through the souks on cool evenings are very motivating. For those who prefer indoor activities, shopping and exploring malls and dining in the cool evening hours are another unforgettable experience.
Visiting museums or cultural centers is another great way to stay cool while experiencing something meaningful and inspiring. Take advantage of the many parks, squares, and fountains that provide peace, quiet, and coolness.
*These photographs show a small group of SHOM members.
