“If you were to send telegrams to whomever you wished on our 88th National Day, what would they be?” I was asked by MBC FM. I was not prepared, so I gave some offhand answers. Later, I thought of more, and here they are:

I’d send my first telegram to every Saudi - young and old, male and female, rich and poor, strong and weak. Before we ask what our country has given us, and what more we expect, let’s start by listing what we could have done and what more we can do to make it the greatest.

I could list many things. I could have done more, and I should do even more. A family’s legacy is the totality of the accomplishments of each of its members. A society is only as good as those who live in it. A nation is the collective achievements of its people - families, societies and leaders. Our country can reach the stars if we can all fly. Our flag can cover the sky if we all raise it high.

My second telegram is to our allies, partners and friends. Our nation will always stand by you, as long as your cause is just and right. Like we stood, in different stages of history, by Arab and Muslim nations, we will always be there for you if the need arises.

As we were the only independent Muslim country in the first part of the 20th century, we supported independence movements in the Muslim world, from Pakistan to Algeria, from Syria to Yemen, and then stood by the newly created nations.

We have also stood shoulder to shoulder with our partners in the free world to fight Nazism, Fascism, Marxism and terrorism.

Today, and tomorrow, we are just as committed. The dangers facing us all are still there. They are the same ideologies of hate, with new faces and sponsors of war, division and terror. We need to unite once again to face them all.

To local and international investors, I send my third telegram. Our Vision for 2030 is all about global trade, investment and cooperation. It is meant for dreamers, creators and adventurers. It is about a brighter and smarter future. All obstacles are taken off your road to a new Saudi future. All facilities are provided for a business-oriented environment. Come and check it out, jump on board and be among the first to tell your mega success story.

I’d send my fourth telegram to our enemies. We might have missed a beat or two in the past, but we are now more than aware of your schemes and threats. We made good on every warning given to you, so doubt not our resolve to face you down. Our swords cut your dirty hands in every Arab affair you have involved yourselves in, every cell you created in our midst, and every criminal militia you supported. Expect more to come. The war you exported to us will be turned against you. From now on, we will be playing in your backyard, not ours. Watch and enjoy and fireworks!

My fifth message is saved for our armed forces. They have proved at every turn that they can be relied on to defend our country, and support our allies. We stood by Egypt in 1948, 1954, 1967 and 1973, as we did with Syria and Jordan against Israel. Our forces mentored the peace in Lebanon, and joined the international alliance to liberate Kuwait and Yemen, and to defeat Daesh and the Houthis.

Our internal security forces have kept Saudi Arabia an oasis island of peace and tranquility in a thundering ocean of chaos and conflicts. Even as terrorists and their sponsors have put at us at the top their target list, our forces have fought them here and abroad, and have kept us safe.

A thank you is never enough to reward our heroes. We owe them our deepest gratitude and sincerest prayers. May Allah protect them for their beloved families and for our nation.

A sixth telegram is saved for our leadership. We have been lucky for three centuries. Against all odds and challenges, the Al-Saud family has united the Arabian Peninsula under the rule of Islam. They have given a lot of sweat and blood to make us safe, educated, healthy, cultured and developed. They made us proud to be Saudis. We give them our appreciation and loyalty.

To the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques, King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, on behalf of my fellow countrymen and women, as well as all Arabs and Muslims, I would send my best wishes and prayers. May Allah save and reward you for your deeds. And may every National Day be another milestone on our voyage to the brightest stars.

Love, allegiance and gratitude!

— Dr. Khaled M. Batarfi is a Saudi writer based in Jeddah. He can be reached at: Kbatarfi@gmail.com Follow him on Twitter: @kbatarfi