knowledge hunt will open new horizons
Hussain Al-Hussain, CEO of Sultan Garden Center, during an interview with Arab News at his head office in Riyadh.
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
Hussain Al-Hussain, CEO of Sultan Garden Center, during an interview with Arab News at his head office in Riyadh.
Beautifying the country, making it green and eco-friendly are the three main concerns of Hussain Al-Hussain, CEO of Sultan Garden Center.
Saudi Arabia needs to provide many more parks and gardens on a regular basis for families and children, Al-Hussain told Diana Al-Jassem of Arab News in an exclusive interview.
Al-Hussain called for a separate budgetary allocation for beautifying Saudi Arabia and developing its infrastructure.
He believes that sustainable development can be achieved by adopting new technologies in infrastructure and agriculture, especially in cultivation and green house, in addition to implementing 100 percent Saudization.
Rapid change
What changes would make a major impact on the lives of Saudis in the coming 20 years?
Education will be the key factor that will change the lives of Saudis. The effort made by our beloved king (Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah) by opening major universities, providing scholarship programs and helping every student pursue high-grade studies will certainly contribute to boosting our society’s education. We notice changes in different aspects of education, including science and technology, in addition to many other rare fields. We notice that special education programs have been designed for Saudi women, in addition to continuing efforts to open the job market for them. Women are also given a place at the ministerial level. All such efforts will certainly impact Saudis in the coming 20 years.
Role of leadership
What do you think of the leadership roles regarding organizations in the Kingdom? What are the factors/reasons for their current state?
The role of leaders seems very clear based on our king’s directions. Every leader should set his objectives, which should lead to the progress of his organization as well as the country. Leaders of organizations should overcome their ego, weaknesses and mistakes, and then follow the positive path on Islamic principles. This will really make every individual a ‘great leader.’ The country has more potential to grow in different sectors and we should look for opportunities to meet our targets.
Challenging tasks
What are the most difficult decisions that need to be applied in the Kingdom in the next 20 years?
Looking at the current world scenario, we would notice huge changes especially in terms of economy where Europe has completely collapsed and Asian markets are peaking. These factors will have a good impact on the future of not only Saudis but also the whole of the Middle East. Our economy is strong today, but we will have to see how we sustain it amid the high jumps in oil prices and fluctuations in the economy of our partnering countries.
Sustainable development
What goals would you set regarding the Kingdom’s development and how would these goals be achieved in your current position?
As for me, the most important goals are: 100 percent literacy among Saudis, adopting new technologies, development of infrastructure, follow-up with issues related to global warming, prioritization of agriculture, cultivation, green house and farming. In every work field Saudi nationals should participate.
Creative project
Give me an example of the most creative project that you wish to establish in the Kingdom.
People say the Kingdom is a dry place, so I would recommend making the country a green place with a pleasant environment to live.
KSA in three words
What three words would you use to describe the Kingdom in the coming 20 years and why?
Motivation: Motivating our younger generation will really lead the country to higher levels, which will be a role model for the rest of the world.
Development: Our new education systems will immensely benefit the Saudi society.
Peace: The Kingdom has been making efforts to develop local and international tourism. Saudi Arabia has always been a hub of the Muslim world. Pilgrims, visitors and businessmen are increasing in numbers day by day. All these reflect on the Kingdom being a country of peace.
Regarding the Kingdom officials, what characteristics do you think are important for them? How would such characteristics contribute toward the Kingdom’s onward development?
Honesty, dedication and sincerity can contribute a lot in the Kingdom’s path toward sustainable development.
Human rights
Saudi Arabia has been under spotlight in terms of human rights, especially in critical issues like jobs and driving for women, and crimes against foreign workers. However, I notice that human rights are being discussed especially in the past decade. Saudi women are increasingly contributing to the job market; they enjoy a status in the society and also in the ministries. In terms of freedom, I find that we have much more freedom now, especially compared to the past decade. In terms of citizen’s rights such as health, the Ministry of Health currently provides better services to the residents. I believe that the right policies in different sectors will wipe out the old black dots.
Biggest challenge
What is the biggest challenge facing the Kingdom today?
The biggest challenge Saudi Arabia is facing is to upholding religious values and principles alongside the country’s progress is the real challenge of the Kingdom. In addition, we have to be aware of the rapidly changing prices of oil and its regular supply.
Prominent activities
What are the most prominent economic activities in the Kingdom and what are the neglected sectors that need attention?
Most prominent economic activities in Kingdom are extraction of oil, industries like petrochemicals, pesticides and others like tourism, animal breeding and real estate. In contrast, neglected sectors are still unearthed oil and some other natural resources.
Housing growth
There is a huge demand for housing in the Kingdom because of rising young population. The government also has put an emphasis on this sector by allocating SR 250 billion in this budget for housing. Do you believe housing sector needs much more attention from the government and private sectors?
The housing sector surely needs much more focus, especially for making homes affordable for Saudi nationals, as the population is increasing in Saudi Arabia.
Role of SMEs
There is a need to boost small business enterprises (SME) sector in the Kingdom as it creates jobs of all categories. What role do you see for SMEs in the economy?
Today, the Kingdom is mostly dependent on foreign countries for its imports. With more support and boost to SMEs, a lot of job opportunities can be created for Saudi nationals and the economy can continue to grow. I consider agriculture, in particular green house, and animal breeding should be given more attention in order to boost our economy.
Knowledge hunt
Education is always a priority of the Saudi government. What changes do you envisage in our education system to fit Saudi youth in a knowledge-based economy?
Today’s education system in Saudi Arabia is based on three stages - primary, intermediate and secondary, and it is mostly focused on the Holy Qur’an and Islamic subjects, and social sciences. The Ministry of Education should focus more on science, engineering and technology, computer and medicine as well. I think these sectors are very important for youth to prepare themselves for a knowledge-based economy.
Fair opportunities
How do you see Saudi women’s contribution in the labor, social and political areas in the coming 20 years?
I think Saudi women can contribute at higher levels in our society and not in labor sector alone. If we look around we’ll see that the education level of Saudi women is high, where some of them have international education. On the other hand, the government continues to make efforts to empower Saudi women. As a woman can play a good role being mother, wife and daughter, she also can have a role in social and political life.
What’s required in order for Saudi women to actualize your future vision?
Encouragement is the main thing needed for Saudi women to succeed. We need to encourage them to increasingly participate in education in general and science and technology, medicine, and other specialized fields in particular.
Saudi media
What measures and standards are yet to be (and must be) applied to Saudi media and what are your expectations in the next 20 years?
Currently media plays a vital role in our daily life. Unlike before, the new, emerging media helps us to communicate with others, gain knowledge and information about what is happening in the country and outer world as well. In next 20 years, media will be the most prominent communication tool that will contribute more in our lives. Media relates to us all world happenings within seconds.
Social media
What impact will social media have on the Kingdom’s traditional media?
Social media makes a difference in comparison with traditional media. However, in the Kingdom both the media tools play a vital role in daily life. The current Saudi generation is now moving toward social media, which is very easily accessible at their fingertips. Social media is very fast and quicker than traditional media. Today, what is happening in any corner of the world can be communicated to millions of people the world over because of social media (digital media), unlike traditional media (print media, films, TV and magazines).
Learning from the past
What are three or four mistakes that have been repeated in the Kingdom during the past two decades? And how could we eliminate these mistakes in order to develop the Kingdom?
Free trade zone should be established wherever it is needed, or was not set up in the Kingdom during the past decade. We also need to support independent small-scale industries. We also have to start work on the beautification of the country in terms of being green and eco-friendly.
Message to youth
Given that the youth make up the majority of the Saudi population, what message would you want to be conveyed to them? And what else would you say to the rest of the population?
My message to Saudi nationals: Let’s make this country a better place to live with high standards. Gain knowledge in all fields of education and develop the country with full dedication and commitment.
My message to others: Let’s make our country eco-friendly, green and beautiful by means of farming and cultivation.
Saudi Arabia needs to provide many more parks and gardens on a regular basis for families and children, Al-Hussain told Diana Al-Jassem of Arab News in an exclusive interview.
Al-Hussain called for a separate budgetary allocation for beautifying Saudi Arabia and developing its infrastructure.
He believes that sustainable development can be achieved by adopting new technologies in infrastructure and agriculture, especially in cultivation and green house, in addition to implementing 100 percent Saudization.
Rapid change
What changes would make a major impact on the lives of Saudis in the coming 20 years?
Education will be the key factor that will change the lives of Saudis. The effort made by our beloved king (Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah) by opening major universities, providing scholarship programs and helping every student pursue high-grade studies will certainly contribute to boosting our society’s education. We notice changes in different aspects of education, including science and technology, in addition to many other rare fields. We notice that special education programs have been designed for Saudi women, in addition to continuing efforts to open the job market for them. Women are also given a place at the ministerial level. All such efforts will certainly impact Saudis in the coming 20 years.
Role of leadership
What do you think of the leadership roles regarding organizations in the Kingdom? What are the factors/reasons for their current state?
The role of leaders seems very clear based on our king’s directions. Every leader should set his objectives, which should lead to the progress of his organization as well as the country. Leaders of organizations should overcome their ego, weaknesses and mistakes, and then follow the positive path on Islamic principles. This will really make every individual a ‘great leader.’ The country has more potential to grow in different sectors and we should look for opportunities to meet our targets.
Challenging tasks
What are the most difficult decisions that need to be applied in the Kingdom in the next 20 years?
Looking at the current world scenario, we would notice huge changes especially in terms of economy where Europe has completely collapsed and Asian markets are peaking. These factors will have a good impact on the future of not only Saudis but also the whole of the Middle East. Our economy is strong today, but we will have to see how we sustain it amid the high jumps in oil prices and fluctuations in the economy of our partnering countries.
Sustainable development
What goals would you set regarding the Kingdom’s development and how would these goals be achieved in your current position?
As for me, the most important goals are: 100 percent literacy among Saudis, adopting new technologies, development of infrastructure, follow-up with issues related to global warming, prioritization of agriculture, cultivation, green house and farming. In every work field Saudi nationals should participate.
Creative project
Give me an example of the most creative project that you wish to establish in the Kingdom.
People say the Kingdom is a dry place, so I would recommend making the country a green place with a pleasant environment to live.
KSA in three words
What three words would you use to describe the Kingdom in the coming 20 years and why?
Motivation: Motivating our younger generation will really lead the country to higher levels, which will be a role model for the rest of the world.
Development: Our new education systems will immensely benefit the Saudi society.
Peace: The Kingdom has been making efforts to develop local and international tourism. Saudi Arabia has always been a hub of the Muslim world. Pilgrims, visitors and businessmen are increasing in numbers day by day. All these reflect on the Kingdom being a country of peace.
Regarding the Kingdom officials, what characteristics do you think are important for them? How would such characteristics contribute toward the Kingdom’s onward development?
Honesty, dedication and sincerity can contribute a lot in the Kingdom’s path toward sustainable development.
Human rights
Saudi Arabia has been under spotlight in terms of human rights, especially in critical issues like jobs and driving for women, and crimes against foreign workers. However, I notice that human rights are being discussed especially in the past decade. Saudi women are increasingly contributing to the job market; they enjoy a status in the society and also in the ministries. In terms of freedom, I find that we have much more freedom now, especially compared to the past decade. In terms of citizen’s rights such as health, the Ministry of Health currently provides better services to the residents. I believe that the right policies in different sectors will wipe out the old black dots.
Biggest challenge
What is the biggest challenge facing the Kingdom today?
The biggest challenge Saudi Arabia is facing is to upholding religious values and principles alongside the country’s progress is the real challenge of the Kingdom. In addition, we have to be aware of the rapidly changing prices of oil and its regular supply.
Prominent activities
What are the most prominent economic activities in the Kingdom and what are the neglected sectors that need attention?
Most prominent economic activities in Kingdom are extraction of oil, industries like petrochemicals, pesticides and others like tourism, animal breeding and real estate. In contrast, neglected sectors are still unearthed oil and some other natural resources.
Housing growth
There is a huge demand for housing in the Kingdom because of rising young population. The government also has put an emphasis on this sector by allocating SR 250 billion in this budget for housing. Do you believe housing sector needs much more attention from the government and private sectors?
The housing sector surely needs much more focus, especially for making homes affordable for Saudi nationals, as the population is increasing in Saudi Arabia.
Role of SMEs
There is a need to boost small business enterprises (SME) sector in the Kingdom as it creates jobs of all categories. What role do you see for SMEs in the economy?
Today, the Kingdom is mostly dependent on foreign countries for its imports. With more support and boost to SMEs, a lot of job opportunities can be created for Saudi nationals and the economy can continue to grow. I consider agriculture, in particular green house, and animal breeding should be given more attention in order to boost our economy.
Knowledge hunt
Education is always a priority of the Saudi government. What changes do you envisage in our education system to fit Saudi youth in a knowledge-based economy?
Today’s education system in Saudi Arabia is based on three stages - primary, intermediate and secondary, and it is mostly focused on the Holy Qur’an and Islamic subjects, and social sciences. The Ministry of Education should focus more on science, engineering and technology, computer and medicine as well. I think these sectors are very important for youth to prepare themselves for a knowledge-based economy.
Fair opportunities
How do you see Saudi women’s contribution in the labor, social and political areas in the coming 20 years?
I think Saudi women can contribute at higher levels in our society and not in labor sector alone. If we look around we’ll see that the education level of Saudi women is high, where some of them have international education. On the other hand, the government continues to make efforts to empower Saudi women. As a woman can play a good role being mother, wife and daughter, she also can have a role in social and political life.
What’s required in order for Saudi women to actualize your future vision?
Encouragement is the main thing needed for Saudi women to succeed. We need to encourage them to increasingly participate in education in general and science and technology, medicine, and other specialized fields in particular.
Saudi media
What measures and standards are yet to be (and must be) applied to Saudi media and what are your expectations in the next 20 years?
Currently media plays a vital role in our daily life. Unlike before, the new, emerging media helps us to communicate with others, gain knowledge and information about what is happening in the country and outer world as well. In next 20 years, media will be the most prominent communication tool that will contribute more in our lives. Media relates to us all world happenings within seconds.
Social media
What impact will social media have on the Kingdom’s traditional media?
Social media makes a difference in comparison with traditional media. However, in the Kingdom both the media tools play a vital role in daily life. The current Saudi generation is now moving toward social media, which is very easily accessible at their fingertips. Social media is very fast and quicker than traditional media. Today, what is happening in any corner of the world can be communicated to millions of people the world over because of social media (digital media), unlike traditional media (print media, films, TV and magazines).
Learning from the past
What are three or four mistakes that have been repeated in the Kingdom during the past two decades? And how could we eliminate these mistakes in order to develop the Kingdom?
Free trade zone should be established wherever it is needed, or was not set up in the Kingdom during the past decade. We also need to support independent small-scale industries. We also have to start work on the beautification of the country in terms of being green and eco-friendly.
Message to youth
Given that the youth make up the majority of the Saudi population, what message would you want to be conveyed to them? And what else would you say to the rest of the population?
My message to Saudi nationals: Let’s make this country a better place to live with high standards. Gain knowledge in all fields of education and develop the country with full dedication and commitment.
My message to others: Let’s make our country eco-friendly, green and beautiful by means of farming and cultivation.
http://MuslimWindow.blogspot.com/
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