a year with King Abdullah

A year ago on August 1, King Fahd died and his half-brother, the then Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud became the King of Saudi Arabia (although he was officially enthroned on August 3, 2005). King Abdullah has great respect and admire for religion and the Arab heritage, including the Bedouin tribes where he originally came from. Unlike other royals who tend to “forget” their origin, he spent his years living with these tribes in the desert; which is why the late King Khalid appointed him as Commander of Saudi National Guard because of his wide knowledge on the Bedouins. Being a breeder of pure Arabian horses, he is known to have passion on the desert and horsemanship.

In a period of only a year after his reign, people have now seen many positive changes in Saudi Arabia. The majority of Saudi communities and media now for the first time recognises the role of women; they realise that women provide an important role for the nation. The King recently visited Asia accompanied by not only a delegation of Saudi men, but also women! “This incredible achievement heralded a new era for Saudi women and signaled the King’s equal regard for all his citizens” wrote Saudi newspaper Asharq Alawsat. King Abdullah supports the role of women years before he became a king by saying:

Saudi women are first class citizens with rights and responsibilities; and when we talk about the development and growth that our country is going through on all levels, we cannot exclude or ignore the role of Saudi women and their contributions to this growth.”

In the beginning of this year, Saudi women are allowed to get their first IDs.

The media’s attitude towards women has also changed. It is not taboo anymore for women journalists to interview men, it’s not forbidden anymore to show women pictures (particularly Saudi women) with their faces showing, and it’s not embarassing anymore for women to appear on TV and speak honestly. I can see many Saudi women proudly showing off their achievements through media; something that I rarely saw years ago. It’s a good thing that these people have talents which have long been buried and unrecognised. There are world class jockey, artists, poet, sociologist, and even a pilot! More royal princesses also appear in the media, such as Princess Reem who is also a professional photographer and Princess Adela, a daughter of the King, who speaks up about women driving. Personally, years ago I didn’t know anything about Saudi princesses, not even the King’s daughters or wives. The only woman I’ve heard is Queen Effat, the only wife of the late King Faisal, who contributed to the country’s education system for women. Effat College located in Jeddah was named after her and funded by her.

King Abdullah has also launched numerous projects for the development of the Kingdom’s economy, education, and tourism. Taking an example from other successful Gulf cities e.g. Dubai, the King unveiled the SR. 100 billion (US $26.6 billion) King Abdullah Economic City located in Rabigh, north of Jeddah, which will create 500,000 employment opportunities (I want to work here, LOL). He also announced the SR. 2 billion Al-Baha projects, SR. 25 billion Knowledge Economic City in Madinah, Jubail-II projects and other multi billion projects. Two new universities (as far as I’m concerned) are being built which cost more than SR. 10 billion and the new SR. 8 billion housing projects for the poor have also been alocated. I’m actually amazed reading about these new projects almost every week in ArabNews!

Saudi Arabia is also believed to be more open with regards to tourism, by approving the national tourism tragedy. The Kingdom has issued tourist visas to bring in foreign tourists regardless of their religions to visit all places in the country except the two holy cities, Mekkah and Madinah. Several tourism projects have been established in Eastern Province, Taif, along the Red Sea Coast in Jeddah, and several main aiports in Saudi Arabia. And surprisingly, for the first time the Kingdom allows photography in public areas!! Well, I didn’t know before that this country had banned photography! I thought it’s just a taboo or something. I knew that many people were caught taking picture in this country and as a result, their films were taken or if it’s a digital camera, they’re asked to delete the pictures right away. The two Grand Mosques have also banned cameras and mobiles with camera (somebody will check your purse/bag when you enter the mosque. I once weren’t allowed to go inside because my mobile has a camera attached. I came back a few minutes later after I put my mobile into my pocket hahaha.. they didn’t know!) But when I was in Saudi Arabia last year, I took many pictures (coz I didn’t care) and most of them were taken from my car. My dad was very angry when he discovered me taking pictures (of people) saying me that it’s not appropriate doing that. My sister even surprised and said “Sis, don’t do that!! This IS Saudi Arabia.” But now I’m relieved that I don’t have to be scared to take pictures in Saudi anymore…

King Abdullah surprised many people when he announced a reduced petrol price by more than 30 percent from 90 to 60 halalas. My dad said that he used to fill up his car’s tank in full for 50 riyals (which is about Rp. 100,000), but now with that amount of money, the petrol liquid will flow out of the tank! The King also ordered 15 percent increased in the salaries of all government employees, declared amnesty to militants who surrender, and pardoned prisoners in country’s jails. He even paid blood money to a Saudi family in order to release an Indian expat driver!!

No, no.. I’m not paid to write good things about the King! I had been opposing Saudi Arabian government (and Indonesian government as well) for not doing good things to the country for so many years. And I’m glad that I now find a good leader who is known to be clean from corruption, although Saudi Arabia commits to corruption for so long. I admire him for bringing the old extreme Saudi Arabia to some positive changes that are not against to our religion; such changes are not too fast, but also not too slow. He recognises the important role of women in his country in which I emphasise for so many times. He is aware that he must valued his people’s voices and knows that his people are still trying to accept their country’s modern transformation.

Related links:
- Women’s Rights
- Abdullah Has Won Hearts of Citizens, Residents Alike
- New Saudi king moves toward more openness