A Quiet Saudi Weekend

It's been a busy week in Riyadh which has lead to a slow week on the blog. Unfortunately, I am stuck in the KSA this weekend due to work so I don't have any exciting adventures to share, but I'll share a few thoughts / perceptions from Saudi instead:

Following the news over here is interesting. Traveling abroad has always made me feel like the US is somewhat insular in how it reports news. This trip has affirmed that belief even more. While I've enjoyed more of a global perspective, I've particularly been interesting in the region's tilt on the news. It's also interesting to see which stories they care about.

The Time Square bombing attempt was understandably of interest given the ties to the Arab world. As I have said before, nearly everyone I have spoken to here despises extremist as much or more than Westerners.

The Miss USA results have been a hot topic over here. From my perception many people are proud, even after the stripper pole pics surfaced. That says a lot since this is probably the most conservative Arab state. I had a funny exchange with a Saudi the day after she won. He said, "ahhh, you think she is good now, you should have seen her when she was Miss TEEN USA." That's politically correct over here, but I got a kick out of how such a statement might be taken in the USA.

Another highly covered issue in the regional press has been the prevalence of ex-pat workers in the GCC states. I believe something like 40% of all workers in the GCC states are ex-pats (don't quote me on that but if I'm off, it's not by much). It's skewed due to places like the UAE where the figure is close to 70% (while very high and not sustainable it's partial due to the small number of indigenous Emirates). In the KSA the number is close to 30% (officially, it's likely much higher due to fake visa, etc). Anyway, there is a big push to make it harder for ex-pats to find work in Saudi and as a result visa laws have changed (which is highly disruptive to our business, btw). It's a real catch 22 for the GCC states. Many have high unemployment rates, but many people don't want to do the jobs the ex-pats are willing to do (and quite frankly, don't want to work as hard as ex-pats). I think this issue is going to be one the top 3-5 facing the GCC states going forward. You just can't outsource economic development forever.

There is something peaceful about the call to prayer. Everything stops for a moment and whether you are participating or not, it's a moment for pause. That said, it's pretty disruptive. All the shops close. Restaurants won't seat you. People walk out of meetings to pray. It can really break the flow of things...then again, that's the point.

We have a driving company we use on a daily basis and I am getting to know all the drivers. The other day I was speaking to Khalil who is from a small village in Pakistan. He comes here for a few weeks to work and then goes home for a week. He spoke of how in his village everyone knows each other. They all help when someone needs it. They always stop to talk on the street. He said the problem with Riyadh is that people are obsessed with material wealth and consumption. He said, what's the point? You can't take any of it with you when you go. I won't dive into my own opinions on the matter, but I thought it was an interesting take from someone from a vastly different background. I thought I'd share it because I know I sometimes forget what really matters.