The title of this article is the title of a recently published book, authored by Dr. Abdurahman Al-Abdul Qadir, director general of the Communications and Information Section at the Royal Commission of Jubail and Yanbu. The book deals with the mentality of Saudis about expatriates and vice versa. It is a complicated yet important topic for discussion. In the book, the author issues a clarion call to all members and organizations in Saudi society, especially scientific research and media organizations, to render their contributions in terms of research and analysis of this topic. The author extensively uses quotes from local Arabic daily newspapers related to the subject matter. Let me quote from the book: “At a time when the Kingdom is witnessing giant leaps in economic, development and social realms, it is inevitable to build and strengthen a proper and positive mindset among Saudis and expatriates toward each other, based on a balanced approach. This cannot be achieved without shedding light on some unknown aspects pertaining to the relations of Saudis with expatriates and vice versa, without any external influences.” The timing of the launching of this book coincides with a surge in major developments and repercussions in the Arab region especially after the so-called Arab Spring. Of course, the Kingdom has become a center of global attention following the changes that have taken place in some neighboring countries. Some research institutes have carried out studies about the topic. However, most of these studies have not been based on sound rules and reliable information but rather on speculation and illusions. Hence, the author highlights the paramount importance of carrying out serious studies about this topic. He also puts forward some recommendations that perhaps would contribute to changing the mentality of each party and help form a true impression about the other. Although the book contains two types of scientific and practical recommendations as an outcome of his studies and research, the author underscores the need for more extensive studies aimed at understanding the mentality of Saudis about themselves, as well as studies designed to understand the mentality of Arabs and other Muslims toward Saudis in their respective countries. He says that the studies should be concentrated mainly on those countries whose citizens have a heavy presence in the Kingdom. The study should also focus on the extent of the impact of the media, especially public media like FM stations and Saudi Television Channel Two in English, in shaping the mentality of the public. Such media should be further reinforced so as to play an effective role in enabling expatriates to have a proper understanding of the Kingdom and its people. There should be more television programs, including serials and documentary films, to serve this purpose. These programs should also be focused on the key role being played by Saudi Arabia as the heart of the Islamic world by hosting Islam's two holy mosques and holy sites. There could also be programs that enable expatriates to speak about the salient features of their country, people and culture. Apart from this, online services should be used as a comprehensive means of communications either through existing sites or by creating new sites which take advantage of the occasions of religious and national festivals like the Haj season, Janadriyah and the National Day to disseminate the true image of the Kingdom and its people. The author draws attention to the fact that studies show that around 61 percent of expatriates had preconceived ideas about Saudis before their arrival in the Saudi Arabia. It was also revealed that 69 percent of these expatriates changed their ideas after their arrival in the Kingdom. The author concludes that there is a consensus between Saudis and expatriates about the weak relations between them outside of their official relationship. This book should be translated into English and other languages so that expatriates can read it. All Saudis and expatriates should address the weakness in their mutual relations and contacts. There are more than eight million expatriates who represent different nationalities in the Kingdom. These expatriates are a precious wealth that contributes immensely to the nation building process. These people should be utilized for improving the image of the Kingdom and its people. For this, we must address the negativities that lead to the weakening of relations between Saudis and expatriates. This can be done through activating civil society organizations like sports and literary clubs, district centers and mosques, and by giving expatriates a role to play in such organizations. The key to the success of such initiatives also depends on the acquisition of language skills. Hence, Arabic language learning classes should be conducted at these clubs, district centers, mosques and residential compounds. At the outset, there should be a voluntary initiative on the part of Saudis, and then on the part of Arab expatriates as well as non-Arab expatriates who have some knowledge of Arabic. It is unfortunate to see that some expatriates who have lived for many years the Kingdom are unable to express themselves in the Arabic language. There are a large number of expatriate children, who were born and raised in the Kingdom, and who attend courses in international schools until the secondary school level. Many of these children are not able to express themselves in Arabic. Learning another language is difficult for anyone, especially those who are older. However, this is not the case with children who can easily acquire a foreign language if it is taught properly when they are young.
— Dr. Ali Al-Ghamdi is a former Saudi diplomat who specializes in Southeast Asian affairs. He can be reached at [email protected]
