Tuesday, September 22, 2009

The King is Here!


Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud arrived at KAUST today! The more I learn about King Abdullah, the more I have grown to like his policies, his savvy politics (necessary in such an idealogicly diverse country), and his progressive vision for the country. The King deserves a Nobel prize for bringing us together here in Saudi Arabia from different countries and cultures to learn more about the world through science... and to learn more and build bridges between each other's cultures while we are here.

The media is also here in full force. I had an excellent and enlightening conversation with John, the Director of Crossroads Saudi Arabia. I will be interested to see the commentary on his blog as this week unfolds. I also had my picture taken by the media as I was studying at the library (there is proof I study!) and walking around campus. Tomorrow will be crazy, but I am excited to see and be a part of the show.

In just the past few days, dozens - if not hundreds - of articles have been generated by news outlets worldwide. If you are interested on the perspectives of the world media, a Google news search for "KAUST" yields quick results.

9 comments:

  1. Sweet man, I hope all goes well. Will you be able to meet the King personally?

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  2. A small blurb in the Corpus Christi paper this morning about the opening of KAUST. An exciting day for you!

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  3. I am watching a live broadcasting of the opening ceremony through MBC channel and try to distinguish your attendance.

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  4. Hello, I see we are a link on your sidebar so I thought I'd say hi. :)
    Sounds like life at KAUST is going pretty well for you.
    I am jealous that your dinning room chairs are blue though...

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  5. I saw the king personally, but did not meet him and shake his hand. That honor was reserved for the heads of state that attended only, I think.

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  6. I just came a cross your blog. As a Saudi man I wish KAUST and it's students all the succss in all imes to come. The inaguration of this Institute is a day recorded in history.
    good luck to you all.

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  7. Wow! How exciting!!! I know you are going to miss KAUST, and I'll bet KAUST will miss you, too.
    I think your blogspot is very interesting.
    MO

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