(The question: “In a recent #Saudi Gazette article, a Saudi writer asked whether Saudis actually like foreigners. She said: “We Saudi citizens are arrogant and often despise others and look down on them.” In your experience, do you think that this is true? And if so, why? If you are a non-Saudi, have you ever made a real Saudi friend? And if you are a Saudi, have you ever had an #expat friend?” was posted on Facebook on Nov. 30.) To be honest, being a Saudi I have a lot of expat friends and I really appreciate them as they sacrifice a lot to come and work here hoping that their lives and conditions will be improved so that they can take care of their families. However, after coming here most of their high dreams come to an end due to the unjust behavior that they receive and the blame that some people put on them. I just hope for the day to come when the citizens of my country realize that this kind of treatment really pains expats. They are humans too and should be treated equally. What makes us have such pride in ourselves when many expats are much more talented? Zarah Binth Rahman I have known some very good Saudis - God-fearing and kind, humble and down-to-earth. I have also met some arrogant and rude Saudis. It all narrows down to morals. Not everyone chooses to follow the same path; some wander off and have their own stories to narrate. I wouldn't stereotype Saudis because that would be unfair to all the good Saudis I know, those whom I have met and loved. Sahar A. Mirza Saudis who were born/ grew up/ studied/ have worked abroad or who have experienced being expats themselves in other countries are more well-grounded, respectful and hospitable. Al Hind Alonto-Caorong I am Saudi and have many non-Saudi friends. All I can say is that generalizing is ignorant. Fatimah Albuainain I'm a Canadian living in Jubail City and my husband is Saudi. I always get bad looks and mean words or my picture taken “without permission” from the locals. Last night because I said “Insha'Allah” to a guy who works at a phone store, two Saudi girls were laughing at me and asking why I was “dressing” like them. Another time in Chilis, I was followed into the bathroom and physically assaulted and told my “Americaness” was bad. However, in Riyadh, no one even looks at me for being a Westerner! I have a Saudi friend from there (originally from Jeddah) and I can walk in the malls with her without being harassed or asked a thousand questions. Aaliyah Des Rochers Here in the Eastern Provence, especially around Al-Khobar, Dammam, and Qatif, I have met some very good people. Once I leave the “big cities” though, I notice a huge difference in how I'm treated. Last year I spent a few days in Riyadh and a lot of people were just plain rude. I guess it's like anywhere; there are good people and bad, good areas and bad. It just depends on where you are and the people you meet. James McDaniel Saudis can be good friends, and some of them are really very kind-hearted. I have observed that language barriers play a very significant role in misinterpretation and in causing some to label Saudis as arrogant. Once you break the ice with Saudi nationals then they are very forthcoming. Gulam Ghause I have many friends from all around the world and I'm Saudi. I actually never look down on anyone, but I look down on those who are not respectful to other people no matter who they are. Alsulmi Mashhor You have to make an effort to meet people if you live in Jeddah or Riyadh, and not judge all Saudis by those trying to get in front of you in lines or on the road. In smaller cities or in the countryside, the large number of friendly and good Saudis becomes more apparent. If anything I find extreme anti-Saudi sentiment is higher than anti-foreigner sentiment among Saudis. That said, extreme nationalism does exist among some Saudis, and I hope those people will try to be fair. Abdul Hakeem Bennette Thank you for asking this question and giving me a chance to express my opinion. The “International students” who have travelled the vast distance to my country New Zealand and those whom I have had the pleasure of meeting and the privilege to homestay are amazing ambassadors for your country. These students are the future of your country and will bring you into the 21st century where you are currently behind. I say this with sincere respect. Patricia McGlynn I have many Saudi friends. Some are blessed with a heart of gold and don't like the society as well as the system which has created problems for everyone. The rest of my friends are passive endorsers of this inhuman system and also politely say to us that we should go back to where we came from despite knowing full well that many of us were born and raised here. Such nonsense I get from friends who are very well educated. Moizuddin G Muqri I will agree that some Saudis often look at expats as being here for a service rather than friendship but I am not a fan of sweeping generalizations at all. Courtney Johnson
