Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH – Content about Saudi Arabia in the international media and books rarely covers anything except discrimination against women, strict religious clerics and an austere society.

Apart from these matters, many believe that little is said about average citizens who are more open in social life and ambitious in their careers than what is typically described.

Citizens are the real image of Saudi Arabia, according to public relations officer Omar Faden, who says millions of Saudis traveling abroad have a responsibility to communicate more with foreigners to counter the biased image portrayed in the media.

“Saudis travel a lot, whether it’s for work or tourism. It’s not enough to visit a foreign country and return without adding something to Saudi Arabia’s image,” he says. “It’s important to talk to people and share knowledge about the country’s diverse culture and all the positive things in various fields.”

The Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s economic reform plan, has changed the image of the country in the international press in terms of highlighting the country’s shift toward more economic and social openness.

Faden, who regularly hosts high-ranking foreign delegations, says a new tone is reflected in their reactions. “Many foreigners, especially those who frequently visited the Kingdom over a period of a decade or more, are amazed by the new mentalities and energy in the country’s development,” he says.

Wafaa Abuhadi, media consultant and writer, believes the real face of Saudi Arabia is still not shown in the media.

“What’s needed is for citizens and residents to communicate, especially in social media to introduce the Kingdom to foreigners abroad,” she says. “Unfortunately, the negative image about Saudi Arabia is depicted not only by foreign media but by Saudis and Muslims themselves at times. We need to brand our honorable values in our religion.”

Hani Khoja, author of A Global Nomad in Search of True Happiness, an English book sharing his multicultural experience to a local and international audience, says: “Through my interactions with Saudi citizens, I am proud of the tremendous contributions they are making in diverse fields in business, medicine, media, entertainment, social work and academia. We need many other Saudis to feel confident that they have the capability to make their unique contribution and shout to the world they are proudly Saudi.”

He added: “The moral majority of Saudis need to outvoice the extremists and let the world realize how passionate and productive we truly are.”

Many Saudis residing in the West are already changing the perception of their country by connecting with the communities they live in, says Dr. Taghreed Alsarraj, a consultant in government initiatives for promoting entrepreneurship in the Kingdom.

She referred to the number of Saudi scholarship students who have helped victims of hurricanes Harvey and Irma in the United States.

“Such humane acts of kindness are what Islam teaches and should change what the West thinks of Saudis,” she adds.

Alsarraj’s experience as a delegate in the London Olympics in 2012 was met with surprise by foreigners who witnessed a Saudi female taking up such a position.

“Saudis taking part in international events makes a big difference and changes misconceptions about Saudis, especially women,” she noted.

The Kingdom has witnessed significant demographic changes in recent years and currently has a largely young population.

“Most young Saudis today are well educated, moderate in ideology and have a positive and optimistic spirit," says Safwan Tayeb, a young Saudi medical doctor. "These youths can be a very powerful public diplomacy tool shaping the global opinion and serving the interests of their nation.”

He added that empowering young people in recent years improved the image of Saudi Arabia through several factors, including empowering youth in leadership in the government, the efforts of NGOs, most notably MISK, in capitalizing youth talent and creativity and the large numbers of students taking up higher education on government scholarships abroad.

Sameer Tabbakh, a consultant in cultural exchange, says, “Many foreigners who came to live in Saudi Arabia had a certain perception and then returned with a different one. It’s a tolerant country that accepts different nationalities, ethnicities and religions.”

Cyma Azyz, a resident in Riyadh and Saudi Channel 2 TV presenter, expressed optimism toward the Kingdom’s transformation in the past couple of years, adding that social media is a powerful tool to “further project the Kingdom that can break all stereotypes”.

"This National Day symbolizes the heralding of a new era in the Kingdom. We are already witnessing tremendous growth and transformation in Saudi Arabia from the leadership, the people and the youth of the Kingdom," Azyz said.

People have social media as a tool to further project the Kingdom that can break all stereotypes, she added.