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Day 4:

The group had only two meetings set up for this day. The first was a meeting with Dr. Aleisa at the MOHE (our trip’s benefactor). We learned that %80 the medical community in KSA are non-Saudis and that the King is encouraging students to pursue medical degrees. He is also extending the King Abdullah Scholarship for studying abroad by 5 more years. The thing he said that perked all of our ears is that non-Saudis can come to Saudi Arabia and study for free (if they qualify).

The next meeting was at lunch with Dr. Saeed who is an advisor to the king. He had a lot of really good insight for the future of KSA and the issues that face the kingdom. He echoed all of the previous sentiments about the Israel-Palestine and Iran. One thing he added was that the current king (King Abdullah) has been positively received among Saudis and has helped change the image of Saudi Arabia in the international community because of his compassion and overall personality and character.

Dr. John Duke Anthony giving Dr. Saeed a book about Washington D.C. old and new.

We had a little bit of downtime after lunch so we all split up and I’m pretty sure we all took naps.

Next stop was the Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation. I will be dedicating a post just to the foundation so look forward to that.

Once that concluded we had some free time before we went to Dr. Zamil’s house. That is where I met his son Nasser Zamil who has been a good friend. We talked and ate till around midnight and then we all parted ways. It was an excellent evening and a fine example of Saudi hospitality.

Nasser and I before dinner

We’re back in the states now and I have a lot to catch up on (sleep being one of them), but I will continue to post what all went on during our trip and all that I learned. So stay tuned!