‘wE’rE brothErS’
Rakan Al Bayouk, project manager at Focus 360 Arabia, came to the UAE in 2011 to study at the American University of Sharjah before settling in.
“Brothers,” that’s how Al Bayouk describes his relationship with Emiratis. “It’s the first word Emiratis tell me when they know I am Saudi.”
Al Bayouk said the support to Saudi isn’t only apparent in National Day celebrations. UAE nationals offered huge support for the Saudi national team during the World Cup in June. “It is my home. The only thing missing is my family and traveling back and forth to Saudi to see them is very easy,” said Al Bayouk.
Besides his education, Al Bayouk said the country offered him various opportunities that helped him develop as a person. Living in the UAE has helped him transform into a more confident person able to take up healthier lifestyle. “I would definitely transfer my skills, and my nutrition and fitness knowledge back home when I go back,” said Al Bayouk.
For him, the National Day is a chance for Saudis to reflect on the country’s ongoing changes and progress. Women are especially a part of the country to take pride in.
“Women are the ones leading this progress. They are the ones that are most eager to work hard and prove themselves. They are proving whatever stereotypes the world had against Saudi women are wrong,” said Al Bayouk.
He noted that the government is taking the right step forward and it started with lifting the driving ban off Saudi women.