أنا سعودي.. وانت أجنبي !!!

Quote: Ghutra off to expats It has been some time since Or. Ali AI-Nemla, minister of labor and social affairs, rightly stated that expatriates leave their countries to work here, for which we must respect them and thank them. In the spirit of Dr. Nemla's words, I would like to express my gratitude to the unknown expatriates ~ho have faithfully contributed to the growth and development of Saudi Arabia. Whether you are engineers, nurses, doctors, secretaries, accountants, security, sales people, cooks, laborers, domestic servants, or journalists, it is high time you received appreciation for your dedication and sacrifices that have led to the success of this country. You have left your homes, cultures and in many cases your families to work in a foreign land. You have given your knowledge, experience and perspiration 10 help build a foreign country. You have had to learn other languages, religions, customs and beliefs . Many of you have given the best years of your lives and your family's lives 10 work hand in hand with your brethren (the citizens of Saudi Arabia) for the growth and prosperity of the Kingdom. Most of you do this with pride and without complaint. I thank you. Yes, it is true you may earn more than what you would in your home country. But the price you pay for this extra earning is enormous. Whether . it's missing the birth of your child, your child's first steps or words, the graduation, marriage or death of a loved one, your sacrifices go on forever. You rightly deserve the extra riyals you earn. Besides your work, which is much needed in this country, you are a boon to the local economy. The real estate, food stuffs, medical, education and banking industries all are dependent on you for their livelihood. So not only do you build and maintain the structures of this nation with your sweat, but you also support it with your much-needed buying power. You, the expatriates, with your different backgrounds, languages, cultures and beliefs have assisted in turning Saudi Arabia into a truly diversified, world-class country. This, in turn, has taught the Saudi citizen tolerance and flexibility. (I know we have a long way to go). We have learned much through your being here and will never be able to completely repay you. I thank all of the expatriates and their families (here and abroad) for the services and devotion they have' provided. Before I close, let me mention another group of expatriates who need a show of appreciation for their love and contributions. They too have left their homelands, cultures, families, friends, customs and life styles. They are not here for monetary gain but to be with the men or women they love. They too deserve our appreciation and recognition. They have brought new ideas and diversification into this country .. I thank you too for your dedication and sacrifice .. To all expatriates, past and present, my ghutra off to you for jobs well done! Abdulaziz A. AI-Omair . Jubail arab news