خرابيط

2006-10-18T20:42:00.000+03:00

Status of Current

It’s been overwhelming and crazy….

Giving that I was spending my last few weeks of my work assignment in Jeddah, I had to finish everything pending…everything had to be done perfectly…must leave with a super good impression. I believe I’ve managed to do all that, but…it had to come at the expense of something…that something happened to be my personal life…now you know why my blog has been covered with dust for over a month…

I’ve already moved to Khobar, not settled yet though (I’m writing this post from my hotel room now). I will share in another post (no really, I promise, I will) how it feels, after nearly 3 years, to be back to where I’ve grown up.

It felt sad to leave…period. I filled a big box, given to me, with files, documents and souvenirs and left my workstation neat, clean and empty for my successor.

I stepped in my car consumed with memories while recalling the times spent and the people met over the past 3 years and then WHAT THE HELL! (Memories tape paused) the next thing is: “a36eeni 5 riyal!” (I need 5 riyal).

Don’t you love Jeddah overly social beggars?

No, but really, I am saddened to have left Jeddah. I must admit that I felt I fit in, in Jeddah, more than anywhere else in Saudi. Probably it is the fact that Jeddah people are relatively less fanatic about expired traditions while the very same traditions are excessively praised elsewhere in Saudi.

(um…it just occurred to me I should have had this post in Jeddah blog)

On a completely separate note, I’ve recently finished reading Al-2a’5roon (see currently reading). This is novel # 1,679 that I’ve finished reading and it only took me 47 minute and 33 seconds to finish and check me out people I read…. (Sounds familiar? Go figure who…)

No really, Al-2a’5roon was OK, not very good but OK. I suppose the name is referring to some marginalized groups of people living among that we often skip (e.g. Shiite) or worse, deny existence (e.g. homosexuals). I don’t want to ruin it for those planning on reading it, but it’s revolves around the life of a lesbian Shiite girl in Eastern Saudi. Now, if you’re interested in more details, go get it.

Now I must go chase the real estate agent to get my new house keys.

2006-08-29T00:18:00.000+03:00

While Traveling…

Ever since I left Boston few weeks ago, I thought I’ll go back home, settle and get ready for my move from Jeddah to Khobar. Boy, wasn’t I wrong? The 1st week after my return to Jeddah, I was asked to attend some workshop in Istanbul and it was my 1st time there. Here are few thoughts about Turkey:

If anyone of you finds the real Viagra useless, you may want to try the Turkish innovation to maintain a firm erection.

If you’re into history, I bet you Istanbul will satisfy you. The historical sites I have been to were just breath taking. Remember all the stuff we read in school history class? The Ottomans, Kamal Ataturk…etc etc

Would you have a sore neck if you want to know what time it is? Of course not, except when you have the clock on the ceiling of a god knows how many story building. No offence, but I thought that was stupid. My neck did hurt me while trying to figure out what time it was.

I used to think Jeddah is cursed with trafic jams. I have second thoughts now having been to Istanbul.

A night in Dubai:

Few days after leaving Istanbul to Jeddah, I, again, flew from Jeddah to Khobar to get to know my new team and colleagues at work. The next thing I get was a call from my boss asking me to fly to Dubai to attend a meeting with some executive visiting the region for a couple of days. Being squeezed on time, I only managed to find a booking on Gulf Air from Bahrain. So, I drove to Bahrain airport, which alone took 2 hours. I reached the airport, checked in and got my boarding pass, which said “Boarding Time: 20:15”. Everything went fine except that boarding time was 23:15.

By the time I reached the hotel in Dubai, it was well after midnight and all I could think of was a dim room and warm bed. The luggage guy came by, took my bag and I willingly followed him to my room.

- Him: “Sir, let me take your bag and introduce you to your room”
- Me all tired and worn out “Introduce me to my room?”
- Him: “My name is Jackson and your room is 2010”
- Me: barely smiling "Hi Jackson…."
- Him: "As you can see sir, you have a safe here in which you can put a lot of stuff”
- Me: “For real?”
- Him: “I see you have a laptop, so if you connect it to this cable, you access the Internet”
- Me smiling while thinking “ya’5i ingili3 ‘5ala9 abe anam!” (Get lost, I wanna sleep)”
- Him: “And over there sir is a keyboard that you can use as a remote control”
- Me: “Aha cool”
- Him: “You’re a mozlim, right?”
- Me: “huh”
- Him: “Ahaa, then you shouldn’t open this” and he points at the mini bar. “You’ll actually need this” and he points at the arrow on the ceiling that shows what direction to take to pray.
- Me: “Aha ok, thanks for the tip”
- Him: “If you need anything Sir, just dial zero and ask for Jackson”
- Me: “Yeah…sure, thanks. It was nice meeting you and the room”

The next thing was me on bed like dead meat.

I managed today to wake up on time, went to the meeting which took all day and the group went to this Lebanese place for dinner.

I think I ate a lot of 7omo9 and tabola..

Now that I’m back to my room, I badly need the below. Time to relax, I’m flying Gulf Air again tomorrow. Wish me luck.

UPDATE: I missed my morning flight that day :p

2006-07-24T19:08:00.000+03:00

Safe and sound…

I arrived last Thursday, after almost 24 hours of airports, planes, Desperate House Wives and numb legs. The airport officer in Boston was surprisingly nice and hospitable and didn’t send me to Guantanamo after all. He asked few questions before stamping my passport then I was let loose.

I spent all 1st day in-home recovering the aftermath of my flight (I think I slept over 12 hours) and also because it was raining like crazy. See before and after pictures:

------>

Having spent day 1 home, I tried to break the ice between me and my baby cousin. My attempt, however, failed miserably while she was so focused watching TV as you can see from the pictures.

I thought maybe if we go out in the rain, she’d, at least, consider looking at me. Again, that wasn’t the smartest thing to do as she fell asleep shortly after driving few blocks. (tried to post her picture sleeping, but the pic size was too big)

My relentless pursue to break the ice finally paid out later that night when I realized food was the key. Simply allowing her to mess with the food made her finally look at me and smile.

Currently, I kinda regret breaking the ice between me and her and wish we go back to day 1 formality. Why you wonder? Well, the below pictures speaks volumes:

Well, so far so good, having not seen some family and friends who live/study here for a while, the past few days were full of gatherings and dinners with them. Yesterday we went for a picnic with some friends and their kids. The weather was amazing, the grill was perfect and the girl jogging was hot.

Turned out I’m pretty popular among kids; I took them for rocks climbing then for a walk during which they saw a puppy taking a dump. The kids started analyzing the puppy motives for not using the toilets to discombobulate. Needless to say, I avoided being part of that discussion and rather enjoyed listening to their hilarious reasoning.

I’m going to watch Click and/or Little Man today. Speaking of movies, I watched Superman Returns in 3D theater the other day, my rating: waste of time and money.

2006-07-19T02:30:00.000+03:00

Off…
All cool shirts…CHECK
All cool pants …CHECK
All cool footwear…CHECK
Sunglasses to avoid overly social and talkative passengers…CHECK
Book to read while flying…CHECK
Desperate House Wives to watch between connection flights…CHECK
iPod…CHECK
And oh yeah, grass green passport…CHECK

Random Messages:

Dear Saudi Chicks traveling onboard today, please don’t deprive a mere bro from your regular “3abaya stripping” sky show…it is entertaining…

Dear passenger sitting next to me, please don’t assume I’ll be in the mood to chit chat, I’m showing all signs of apathy…just hush…please…

Dear kids, who will be onboard around me, please do all your whining, crying and shouting either before take off or after landing…while flying…just hush…please…

Dear customs officer who I’m going to meet in Boston Airport, please do not harass me or give me a hard time. I come in peace…stamp my passport….just hush and let me go…please…

Dear colleagues from work, please do not call me during my vacation. Please let me enjoy my vacation…just hush…please…

2006-07-16T16:29:00.000+03:00

Why Yours Truly is such a La-Zy Blog-ger

This was supposed to be a joyful happy post but giving what is currently happening in Lebanon and also blocking Saudi Jeans blog I’m feeling depressed. I’ll still post anywyas so never mind me, here is depressed Abdulla.

I often get notes from people blaming me for being such a lazy blogger and they often urge me to update more often (foOf..sis from USA..wink wink) so I thought I’ll show with pictures why yours truly isn’t updating that often by sharing my daily routine..

7:30am: wake up, take a shower and have my 1st meal. I must add that eating my breakfast takes me about an hour alone. “Dude, what are you having on breakfast!” You must be thinking. Hmm..well..try eating 12 table spoons of plain cooked oatmeal and half a liter of protein shake, aha..yup..you got it

9:00am – 6:00pm: Work (during which I consume 2 meals). Hmmm..it just occured to me that my workstation is too clean, I need to make it messier..

7:00pm: Gym baby! Takes about 2 hours including shower, dressing and all.

9:00 pm– 11:00pm: read and/or gossip with my sister/friends or whoever is around then crash to bed (Sorry, no pictures here)

So you see people why I’m such a slow blogger? But you know what, that kinda makes me have an extra reason to love weekends, not only that I get to do my thing AND blog, but I also get to eat whatever I want:

I'm off on vacation next week, so I'll be blogging more often, or so I hope.
God bless ya all.

2006-07-13T16:35:00.000+03:00

Hamas, Hizbollah and Telepathy

Hamas kidnapped 2 Israeli soldiers and I was praying that Hamas would eventually release them to avoid one of Israel typical massacres. Stubborn, ignorant and stupid enough Hamas didn’t and Israel retaliated so brutally and savagely by killing tens of innocent civilians in Gaza and West Bank. Stubbornness, stupidity and ignorance seem to travel telepathically between Hamas and Hizboallah who, few days later, kidnapped a bunch of Israeli soldiers. Can you guess what came next? Yup, you got it. Crazy Israelis again retaliated by destroying infrastructure in southern Lebanon and targeting both, Hizbollah militants and innocent civilians as well.

Wouldn’t life in the Gaza, West Bank and Lebanon be much better without Hamas and Hizbollah?

2006-07-06T00:26:00.000+03:00

Tagged Twice by Mystique:

20 Facts about me:

I never drink plain coffee, must add milk man!
I never add lemon to what I eat, I love mint lemonade though.
I never eat overly spicy food, my eyes and nose start running man!
I only eat cooked sushi; I promised someone I’d try to eat it raw one day however.
I’ve never traveled outside Saudi between the age 5 and 22 and I’ve never been to any English speaking country until the age of 24.
I only learned swimming last year. It’s never too late to learn man!
I often watch and enjoy romantic comedies; hence some friends think I’m gay-ish.
I don’t play Balot. If offered, I might be willing to learn.
I don’t smoke, all my friends do.
I don’t drink, few of my friends do.
I try my best to pray on time, I can’t claim I always do.
I always sit near the emergency exit if traveling on economy class, legs space man!
I rarely take naps, if I do, I wake up grumpy.
I wear watches on my right hand.
I never kept a watch for more than a month
I have no idea where/how I lose my watches
I don’t consider it a courtesy to let a woman take my turn in a queue, first come first served man! (unless old or handicapped)
I spend unnecessarily long time in toilets, I do quality thinking in peace there man!
I can’t swallow pills, must split it or smash it. My throat is apparently tight man!
I must write my name and date of purchase on books I buy, good way to show my kinds one day I used to read when I was in their age………..man!

Now, the 2nd tag:

1) You receive a gift. You open it and say "wow this is exactly what I need. It came in time". What is the gift?
Chanel Allure Sport (just finished mine last week)

2) Close your eyes, now open them. You are someone else. Who do you want it to be?
A combo: Ghazi Al-Gussaibi as an intellect and Jack Welch as a corporate god.

3) you are sitting in a coffee shop in the Champs-Elysées. There are five chairs around the table; you sit on one, who sits on the other four?

My friends would be asleep since they would be clubbing all night so that’s out. My siblings aren’t coffee shops kinda people, that’s also out. That only leaves me to assume the 4 people are my future baby wife and our kids.

4) They give you a chance to appear on T.V for five minutes. Everyone on the planet is watching you, and everyone will believe whatever comes out of your mouth. What will your message be?

Women of the world, I’m hot and available.

2006-07-05T23:57:00.000+03:00

Despite all that, we are the best.. not!

I got this by e-mail. Though it was written about a year ago, it still holds. I'm afraid it will still hold for years to come. Sad but true..

حنا السعوديين أكثر شعب في العالم يمتلك بترول . وحنا اللي تبرعنا لأغلب دول
العالم . وحنا اللي إكتفينا من القمح وصدرناه للعالم . وحنا اللي أخذنا كأس
أسيا ثلاث مرات . ووصلنا لكاس العالم ثلاث مرات . وحنا اللي هزمنا العراق في
حرب الخليج . وحنا اللي فجرنا مركز التجارة والبنتاجون .
حنا السعوديين أول من طلع الفضاء من العرب . وحنا أكثر شعب في المنطقة وحنا
أكثر شعب عنده ستالايت وحنا اللي نمتلك قناة mbc وقناة art ... وحنا أكثر
من يتصل على القنوات الفضائية ونلعب مع المذيعات الحلوات ونمزح معاهم
حنا اللي أرسلنا أكثر المجاهدين لأفغانستان والبوسنة والشيشان . وحنا اللي
ماأحد يغار على الدين مثلنا ، رغم إن أغلبنا مايصلي كل الفروض . وحنا اللي
مافي شعب يضايق الكفار مثلنا . والتكفير عندنا مثل شرب الماء وألذ من العسل
>حنا السعوديين مافي أطيب وأكرم مننا . حنا اللي نرمي نصف أكلنا في الزبالة من
زود الكرم . وحنا من تفوق على غيرنا في كبر الكروش والكسل .
حنا من أكثر شعوب العالم إستهلاكا للدخان والشيشة . وحنا اللي عندنا مدينة جدة
رابع أكبر مدينة تلوث في العالم . وحنا اللي قضينا على الحياة البرية في
السعودية من كثرالصيد والقنص. ثم رحنا على مصر والسودان نقضي على الباقي
حنا أكثر من يطارد بنات العالم في الخارج . وحنا أكثر ناس في العالم ننفق على
السياحة . وحنا اللي تبكي وتتحسف علينا بانكوك وبتايا من بعدها عنا
حنا أكثر شعب في العالم عنده عمالة أجنبية . وأكثر الأشياء اللي نستخدمها من
صنع غيرنا . ومانرضى نشتغل في المطاعم والمطابخ والمخابز والمغاسل . لأننا
نشوفها أقل من مستوانا
حنا اللي نحافظ على تقاليدنا حتى لو كانت غلط . وحنا اللي مانشوف أحسن من
قبايلنا . ونشوف الأجانب أقل مننا . إلا من رحم ربي .
حنا اللي نشوف البنت مخلوق ناقص ومالها رأي . ماهي مسؤولة عن نفسها ، لكن
مسؤولة عن أفعالها . ماتأكل في العزايم إلا من بقايا أكلنا . محجوزة عندنا في
البيت مثل الغنم . ماتطلع إلا لزيارة الجارة أول للعمل . حتى زاد عليها الهم
والغم . وحتى صارت في الوزن مثل الجمل . وبعد هذا نمنعها من ممارسة الرياضة
لأن الرياضة بس للولد !!
حنا اللي الحرمة عندنا ماتكشف حجابها لنا وتكشفه للأجنبي . وحنا اللي نمنع
الحرمة في المدينة من السواقه لأنها فتنة . حتى لو كانت قبيحة وغير مغرية .
ونتركها تركب السيارة لوحدها مع السواق الأجنبي . رغم إن بنات البدو يسوقون
السيارة في الصحراء من زمن . من دون خوف ولا وجل . ومن دون إعتراض الأهل
حنا أول من إبتكر مطاردة البنات في الشوارع بالسيارات. وإذا شفنا بنت راكبة
السيارة مع سواقها تجمعنا بسياراتنا حولها مثل الغنم . نبغا منها كلمة حتى لو
تتفل في وجيهنا أو ترمينا بحجر .
حنا اللي عندنا أغلى المهور في العالم . ومانشوف ولا نعرف العروس إلا بعد
الزفاف (شختك بختك) . وبسبب هذا ثلث الزيجات عندنا تنتهي بالطلاق ..!!

رغم الحقيقة والألم

حنا السعوديين أحسن المسلمين والعرب.(هيّن بس ) .!!

2006-07-02T17:26:00.000+03:00

Who gets what of Oil Money? $$$

Every time oil prices hit the sky, Saudi in particular is held responsible for the high oil prices and is usually accused of controlling and monopolizing the market.

You, me, him and her go to the next gas station, fill in our cars’ empty tanks, pay and take off. Ever wondered who gets what of gas money you just paid? Well, I came across the below chart and I found it rather interesting. It shows the average price of different energy products at different location of the world. The blue portion of the bar shows how much of the end price goes to oil producers, the yellow is what goes to refineries, and the red indicates the amount attributable to government taxes. It’s funny how we get blamed for oil high prices while the UK government, for instance, receives far more money from taxation than what OPEC gets from selling its oil.

Well ladies and gentlemen in Europe and North America; the next time you think gas price is too high, direct the bulk of your blame and anger to your governments and local refineries.

2006-06-27T00:07:00.000+03:00

سؤال ياجماعة: هل ممكن يجي يوم يكون فيه المفتي في السعودية شيخ من الحجاز أو الأحساء أو...أي مكان غير نجد؟ يعني هل إرتباط المؤسسة الدينية بالعائلة الحاكمة النجدية يعني أن السلطة الدينية لازم تنحصر في مشايخ نجد (او من ينتمي للمدرسة الدينية النجدية إن صح التعبير)؟

2006-06-20T01:09:00.000+03:00

After yesterday's match, only Zarqawi way will do it:

2006-06-15T12:29:00.000+03:00

We AL.MOST won!

First came Tunisia goal (BoOoOooO!)

Then came SAUDI AMAZING GOAL YA!

Then we scored another goal! we just rock!

hmmph #%#@# then they scored..boo

Despite the tie, we can still do it! GO GREEN WE WUV YA!

I loved the green ties but gee Sultan dude, do something to your hair man

Green-ish kids

Hot green chick!

More green chicks! (The lady in black is wearing green socks, I know it)

And of course, some green dudes

2006-06-08T18:05:00.000+03:00

Thamer Al-Shammari Says:
Traditions, kiss my a$$ good bye!

Walking down the streets in Jeddah, Riyadh or Khobar, the below looks like typical Saudi fela

(yitmela7, I know)

Think again, Thamer Al-Shammri is a Saudi model. Yes, you heard me people, S A U D I

Not only that but, he also comes from a well-known tribe. Thamer lived for a while in Italy during which he applied for a modeling agency. It is rumored that Thamer had had the below conversation upon his decision to become a model: (sorry, in Arabic people)

ثامر: بيه..يمه..تراني قررت أصير عارض أزياء
أبوثامر: عارض وشو! يعني بتطلع مفصخ قدام الناس! واخزياااااااه..مهبول انت؟ وش تقول القبيلة عننا بعدين؟
ثامر: يبه..القبيلة ماتدري الله وين حاطها..وبعدين
أبوثامريقاطع: وشلون تبيني أمشي بين الرجاجيل..وش يقولون
أم ثامر: وش يقولون الحريم عن أمك؟ ام المفصخ! ومين ياخذ خواتك السبع بعدين..لا لا ياولدي..هذه مب علومنا
ثامر: ياجماعه.. انتم فاهمين غلط..عرض أزياء مب معناه تفصي..
أبوثامر: وش تبيني أقول لعمك لمن نخطب بنته..ترى ولدي ثامر يشتغل مفصخ
ثامر: يبه من زين بنت عمي منيرة هالحين وبعدين عمي 24 ساعة متسدح على فاشن تي في يناظر عارضات أزياء فاصخين على قولك
أم ثامر: أسكت ولا كلمة
ثامر: تدرون؟ طز فيكم..وفي عمي ومنيرة والقبيلة معاكم!

And there goes Thamer, doing his thing:

(Hamad I know, his physique is below your standards)

Thamer my homeboy, I salute you for busting the myth of Saudi holiness. I give you credit for disregarding your family well known name in order to do what you want.Next I expect to see a gbeeli (tribal) female Saudi model in Victoria’s Secret show. Yalla ladies!

2006-06-02T14:57:00.000+03:00

RESCUE THE MARGINLAIZED

When it comes to Hijab, few scholars believe covering the face is a must, way more scholars believe it isn’t a must. In here, we chose the 1st, made it the norm and, may I add, marginalized anyone who believes otherwise.

When it comes to different Islamic sects, there are the Sunni (which in term has a wide spectrum of interpretation), the Shiites, the Sufis and others. In here, we chose one extreme interpretation of the 1st and may I add, marginalized who believes otherwise.

When it comes to expression, some chose (or insist) to think that, unlike the rest of the infidel world, our society is holy, virginal, and pure. Others refrain from being in denial and chose to expose reality. In here, we chose and promoted the 1st and marginalized whoever believes otherwise.

Now when it comes to blogging, some choose to act supreme, to act mighty and to dictate the rules. Others simply accept others, respect their individualities and chose to live in harmony. In here, the 1st, will NOT be chosen and the 2nd will not be marginalized. YOU GOT THAT!

I dedicate this post to Saudi Eve. Her blog was blocked recently and she sent me, among other bloggers, the below e-mail:

Hi fellow bloggers,

This is Saudi Eve. well, my blog's been blocked in saudi (no not all blogs, just mine).. don't know for sure for how long.. but what "My Head" http://myqueenksa.blogspot.com/ wrote about it kindda gives a hint... don't know if/why it's only mine? and don't know what to do about it? any ideas?!!

(PS: yes i'm back. boy what a wellcome back to Saudi this has been!!)

----

All: please fill in this form to unblock her blog, thank you.

2006-06-01T21:54:00.000+03:00

Three·some (thr s m)

1. A group of three persons or things.
2. An activity involving three people, especially a golf match in which one player competes against two others who alternate their play.

Yes, people, these are meanings you'll find in the American Heritage Dictionary if you look up threesome.

Back at work, 1 dude (Nayef) got married and a fellow dudet (Mona) got engaged so, being nice and all, we brought them cakes and gifts and celebrated.

Okay, so far so good, no issues…everybody is congratulating Nayef and Mona and wishing them joy and happiness. Cake was eaten, gifts were given out and then everybody left the room. It was only me left, along with Nayef, Mona.

Mona to Nayef: "Where will you have your honeymoon?"

Nayef: "In Canada, we’ll stay there for 3 weeks"

Me: "Lucky you man, no work no shit for 3 weeks. Mind if I join? :-)"

Nayef: Smiling

Me with an innocent look: "3adi, threesome"

So basically, I humbly offered a Saudi Najdi guy that I, along with him and his newly wedded wife, will have wild, wet and passionate threesomes during their honeymoon…...period

Without even waiting for Mona’s and my new threesome mate Nayef’s response, the next thing was me walking out of the room and heading back to my office.

Five minutes later, Nayef stops by with a face full of..hmm..let’s say awkwardness and unease.

"Five minutes ago Abdulla, you said something totally inappropriate” Says Nayef

Me: "I did?? How..when?"

Nayef: "You dumb fuck; looks like you really don’t know what a threesome is!" And then he starts explaining to me what threesome commonly means.

Few seconds of utter silence passed by…

Me (GULP): HEHEHE so that’s what people mean by threesome..HEHEHE..

(Nayef starring at me with a straight look)

Me: (Blush)…"I’m HEHE..really sorry..that’s not what I meant..I just meant threesome as in..you know..3 people hanging out and having fun"

(Nayef starring at me with a straight look)

Me: HEHEHE

(Nayef ‘s still starring at me with a straight look)

Me: hehe

Nayef: "Well, it’s OK. Let’s just hope Mona didn’t hear you saying that"

Me: "Oh yeah..SHIT!"

I run to my phone and I call Mona.

“Mona, 10 minutes ago I said something inappropriate by mistake, so I apologize”

Mona: “LOOOOOOOOL”

Me: “um hehe”

Mona: “I know, a7ad yigool hal kalam!! al nas tgool mabrouk o int tgool threesome! LOL” (Who on earth would say what you told him!! People are supposed to congratulate the groom while you’re suggesting a threesome!”

Me: "hehe..sorry again, it was a mistake.."

Yes people, I’m 26 and I only knew what threesome commonly means recently. Key learnings are:

- Not all Najdi guys will decapitate you if you express your desire to have threesomes with them and their hot Najdi wives.
- Dictionaries are no longer where you look up for words meanings
- I’m so innocent

2006-05-12T19:42:00.000+03:00

يا رب
اهد قلبي لمن يستحقه

وهبه لمن يعزه
ولا تسلط عليه مغروراً أو لعوباً

وترفق به ... يا أرحم الراحمين

2006-05-12T19:07:00.000+03:00

Last night was fish night

Before:

After:

and the aftermath:

last but not least, there was m3asil: (yes, my foot)

2006-05-12T18:06:00.000+03:00

Malls, resturants, schools, work and now parking is segregated

2006-05-05T13:46:00.000+03:00

New Generation X of Saudi Royals

If you have read Saudi history, then you’d realize that the Saudi monarchy has mostly derived and supported its legitimacy by its marriage to religious appeal.

But, will the marriage ever come to end? Is it a must to have the marriage to ensure balance and stability?

Let’s go back in time shall we: 4...3...2...1

As in all marriages, spouses have their good and bad days. One day the guardian angels, ops.. silly me I mean, sheikhs (a.k.a Akhwan) got cranky because shameless ill-hearted royals are building evil radio stations and importing satanic cars (that’s the devil boy!) that spread nothing, according to the sheikhs, but vice and indecency among good old virginal folks. Years go by and the guardians show up again grumpy, “You wicked royals!” Say the sheikhs, “How dare you open up schools to educate baby-doll chicks huh!”

Just like any couple, the spouses looked for ways to save and maintain the marriage. They went for war, negotiation, diplomacy, silence and maybe Dr.Phil.

Time goes by, and new blood of royals blossom. During late 50s and early 60s, King Abdul-Aziz son, Prince Talal called for political reform, free elections and drafting a new constitution. Not ready for such a quick change, Prince Talal’s move was eventually suppressed, his passport was officially withdrawn and he spent few years between Cairo and Beirut before reconciling again with royal family.

Currently, another young generation came to flourish. Two wings of royals seem to be eager to lead change: The “Talal” wing (thru Al-Waleed bin Talal) and the “Al-Faisal” wing (thru several sons/grandsons of late King Faisal).

(The 2 wings own the tallest 2 buildings in Riyadh btw)

Though I personally find them naïve, Al-Waleed reveals his views by his practices - with more than 2 thirds of his company’s staff being women (who, as claimed, get to choose whether or not to wear hijab in workplace), hiring the first Saudi female pilot, sponsoring the 1st female jockey and even sponsoring a Saudi female singer (can’t wait to see him sponsor the 1st Saudi belly dancer) – Al-Waleed views are visible to an observant by such practices. And hence, one would expect the type of social/political change he would bring to the table if given the opportunity.

Al-Faisal’s wing is constantly expressing their enthusiasm for reform as well. Khalid Al-Faisal (Head of King Faisal Foundation) launched Al-Watan newspaper (considered to be relatively open for all political views), founder of “Arab Thought Foundation” and is a high critic of so called fundamentalists for preaching violence in the local education system. The foundation newest crown-jewel is a new university that will “cause a change in Saudi Arabia” and will not offer courses in Islamic or social studies.

So far, successors of founder King Abdul-Aziz as monarchs were only his sons. However, all sons will breath their last breathe in 20-25 years or so from now (the youngest son is in his 60s) and so, the country will stumble upon a time where one of those change-enthusiast princes will rein. I wonder, then, if that will automatically mean a divorce of the monarchy and the religious establishment or will the sheikhs actually evolve and maintain the marriage? What do you think yo’all?

2006-05-05T03:00:00.000+03:00

I DID IT

CALIFORNIA, HERE I COME BABY!

2006-04-16T00:55:00.000+03:00

طويل العمر مسافر أمريكا

يوم السبت الماضي ،الساعة 7:20 صباحاً، عند بوابة مبنى السفارة الأمريكية، طابور طويل..حوالي 40-50 شخصاً و أنا الأخير..

في البداية قعدت اتأمل إللي حولي. ثلاث بنات جالسين على جنب بعد ما خلوا غطاء الرأس غطاء أكتاف، زوج و زوجة من جنسية اّسيوية واقفين قدامي وأصابع أيديهم مشبكة . واحد اسمرلابس اللبس السعودي كامل مع ان لهجته مالها علاقة بالسعودية لا من قريب ولا من بعيد وماسك معاه جوازات سفر بكل الألوان.

أخيراً بعد أكثر من ساعة وصلنا لبوابة الدخول، طالعت وراي وقعدت أتأمل اللي صافين وراي و في عيونهم مايشبه الحسد (اوغالبًا حقد) لأني وصلت أخيرًا للبوابة

طلب مني واحد من أفراد الأمن انتظر وهو يناظرصاحبنا صاحب جوازات السفر الملونة إللي قرب من عندنا وهو يتكلم في الجوال

"أنا خلاص عند البوابة"
أسمعه يقول

وقفت وانا أحاول أن أفهم السالفة و ثواني ما أشوف غير كتيبة وصيفات وشغالات جاية ناحية صاحبنا المتسعود. طبعاً،دخلت الكتيبة ومن ثم طويل وطويلة العمر قدامي وأنا واقف كأني دولاب ملابس.

طالع حق الأمن فيني وكأنه يقول ما بيدي شي

بعد دخول الكتيبة وطوال العمر، طالع فيني صاحبنا المتسعود وكأنه يواسيني على قلة أدبه هو وطويل العمر"

"معليش ياأخي، طويل العمر مايصف سرا"

أقول وش جايبنا ورا غير طوال العمر وأشكالهم.

P.S. I didn't mention that I was not eventually allowed inside the embassy because, according to the embassy reception, I didn't have an appointment that day. (I did!)

Bastards

2006-04-16T00:11:00.000+03:00

اللهم اغفر لوالدي وارحمه واعف عنه واكرم نزله ووسَع مُدخله واغسله بالماء والثلجِ والبْردِ ونَقّهِ من الذنوب كما ينقى الثوب الابيض من الدنس، وارحمنا إذا صرنا إلى ما صار إليه وجازه بالحسنات إحسانا وبالسيئات عفوا وغفرانا وافتح أبواب السماء لروحه برحمتك يا أرحم الراحمين.

اللهم يَمَّنْ كتابَه وهُوَّن حِسابه وليَّن ترابه وألهمه حُسن الجواب وطَيَّبْ ثراه وأكرم مثواه واجعل الفردوس الأعلى مستقّره ومأواه.

اللهم إن كان محسناً فزد في حسناته وإن كان مسيئاً فتجاوز اللهم عن إساته وأبدله داراً خيراً من دارهِ و أهلاً خيراً من أهله ومُدّ له في قبرِه مَدّ بصره واجعل قَبره روضةً من رياضِ الجنةِ ولا تجعَله حفرةً من حفرِ النار وارزق أهله الصبرَ والسلوانَ ولاتفتنهم من بعده ولاتحرمهم أجره وآجرهم في مصيبته واخلف لهم خيراً منها.

اللهم انقله من ضيق اللحود والقبور إلى سعة الدور والقصور في سدر مخضود وظل ممدود وماء مسكوب وفاكهة كثيرة لا مقطوعة ولا ممنوعة وفرش مرفوعة مع الذين أنعمت عليهم من النبيين والصدّيقين والشهداءِ والصالحين وحَسُنَ أولئك رفيقا.

اللهم نوّر مرقده وعطّر مشهدّه وطيّب مضجَعه وآنس وحشته وارحم غربته ونفّس كربته وقه عذابَ القبرِ وفتنته.

اللهم حطّ عنه ثِقلَ الأوزارِ، وهَبْ له بالقرآن شمائل الأبرارِ، واجعله في مقامِ من قاموا لك بالقرآن آناء الليل وأطراف النهارِ حتى تَوجِبَ له غُفرانكَ وجزيل إحسانك ومواهِبَ صفحك ورضوانِكَ، يا أكرم من سئِل، وأوسع من جادَ بالعطايا، طهره من دَنَسِ الخطايا وامنن عليه بالإجابة في قبر المنايا وعافه من كل مكروه يقع من محذور البلايا يا كريم يا غفور يا الله.

2006-03-18T06:23:00.000+03:00

My father is in a coma since last night.
I'm flying in few hours to Dammam.
Pray for him please.

Busy, hectic and eventful days

2006-02-23T15:35:00.000+03:00

Sigh…I'm overly busy these days with counterpart executives coming from Europe to Jeddah for annual regional meetings so…ugh!

God, these meetings are such a nightmare with a lot of preparations to do and also a lot of politics involved on how to say and position things. Yet, I must say, they're a good learning experience when you see all those senior mangers and executives set business strategies.

Oh well, I just can't wait for these meeting to be over with so I'd go back to my normal life style.

Meanwhile…some news from the holy land…

This is sad
This is interesting
This is..umm..I dunno..but ouch
UPDATE: MORE NEWS...phew..Now I can put my mind in ease, it is not only our men breed, even theirs do it.

Oh well, if you happen to know anyone (male or female) who wants to work in finance in Jeddah or Dammam, let me know. The minimum requirements are having an undergraduate degree and willingness to travel from time to time abroad for meetings and training, we'll take care of the rest.

Later people...

ANNOUNCEMENT

2006-02-16T18:56:00.000+03:00

Dear Bloggers..

I just realized today that I have to approve whatever comments you leave on my posts in order for the comment to appear (Rima, thank you! :) ) I only saw them all today (how stoopit of me, I know)

And there, I approved all the comments, my apologies for not replying; now you know why :D

Well, at least now I won't delete my blog, I thought no one reading my blog and so no no is commenting..but now, I know few are reading it..

I'd really appreciate it if somebody tells me how to make the comments appear instantly without my approval?

Ignorance is not always a bless after all.

P.S. I replied to all comments.