Our interview guest is one of Saudi Arabia's leading businessmen, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Dhaheri, a prominent economic and social figure in the Kingdom and the Gulf. He was among the pioneers who helped build Saudi Arabia's infrastructure in the 1980s and played a significant role in its economic development. Dr. Al-Dhaheri has also made active, tangible contributions in social and humanitarian work, including participation in the Friends of Patients Committee in Saudi Arabia, support for orphans, the Disabled Children's Association, the Friends of Prisoners' Families Association, Quran memorization associations, expatriates abroad, the Kidney Patients Friends Association (Kellana), the Friends of Patients with Hearing and Visual Disabilities Committee, and the Environmental Conservation Committee concerned with wildlife and its development, among other humanitarian organizations. He also makes extensive cultural contributions, including advice on organizational management development and restructuring, and helps doctoral candidates with their research, particularly in administration and economics, drawing on his academic and practical experience.
How do you feel on the occasion of the 94th National Day?
On this occasion, so dear to all our hearts, I am honored, on my own behalf as Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Dhaheri and on behalf of everyone at Al-Dhaheri Group, to extend our warmest congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister—may God protect them—on our beloved Kingdom's National Day, and to all the Saudi people. I ask Almighty God to protect this generous country from those who plot against it and to preserve its honor, growth, security, and stability.
How do you view the Kingdom's achievements and development across different fields, particularly under Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program?
Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Dhaheri said that the Kingdom's achievements across all fronts reflect its steady progress toward the future and are the result of its wise leadership's long-term vision. Our country is passing through an important stage, moving toward broader horizons in investment and trade opportunities. The Vision has given us many things, most importantly clarity: there is now a clear action plan for the Kingdom's economic and scientific direction. What approach or fundamental principle do you rely on to achieve a distinguished position? Dr. Mohammed Al-Dhaheri said the company seeks success within a framework of checks and balances, relying on the best people, working methods, and performance. At Al-Dhaheri Group, we are committed to conducting business in the spirit of a disciplined team player who works with others, exchanges ideas, engages actively, and supports their success with strength and positivity. The company also continues to focus on supporting and empowering local talent as part of its culture and takes pride in maintaining high Saudization rates and providing jobs for young Saudis.
Under wise leadership, the country has passed through many development stages centered on young Saudi men and women. What is your advice to them?
Saudi youth are a fundamental building block in achieving Vision 2030. I hope our young people take advantage of the opportunities the state has provided. I would advise those seeking a successful working future to focus on education, commitment to work, and persistent effort. There is nothing wrong with starting at the beginning, learning, and developing abilities and practical experience. Here, the private sector has a responsibility to support and train our young people through training and employment programs. What about the development and qualitative leap in inmate rehabilitation across the Kingdom's prisons? There has been a significant development and qualitative leap in Saudi prisons, reflected in inmates' conditions and the attention, rehabilitation, and education they receive. This represents a major advance compared with neighboring countries' prisons and even most prisons worldwide. Inmates receive education and vocational and cultural preparation to become productive citizens after release, without feeling isolated. They can maintain social contact with their families and relatives and have access to healthcare in modern buildings with comfort and cleanliness that may resemble five-star hotels. Tarahum has also helped meet the needs of inmates' families and released prisoners through moral and financial support. This tangible development reflects the attention of the Kingdom's leadership and the Ministry of Interior, and its selection of capable, experienced military personnel, led by the Director General of Prisons and his deputies.
What final message would you like to leave at the end of this interview?
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On this National Day, of which we are proud, we ask Almighty God to grant our King and Crown Prince long lives and make this country a place of safety, security, peace, and prosperity for our beloved people, visitors, residents, and everyone who sets foot in this cherished homeland. We ask God to grant them success and sound judgment.
On this great occasion, the anniversary of National Day, we must recognize the heroes who made sacrifices from the establishment of the First Saudi State, including our late ancestor—may God have mercy on him—who was Emir of Madinah at the time of the victory in the Battle of Wadi Al-Safra, defending the city against the Turkish commander Thomson as he advanced with his army. Sheikh Saud bin Mudhian Al-Dhaheri Al-Harbi confronted him and defeated the Turkish army and its commander Thomson. Today, we descendants rejoice in what our forebears achieved.