Friday/Saturday 24 July 2026

Al Jazeera - Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Shamlan:

From the cold slopes of Asir, where the misty peaks meet the spirit of giving, a story is born that merges the magic of place with the depth of humanity. There, where rain washes the mountains' faces and fills the air with captivating purity, you realize that the greatness of nations is not made by nature alone, but is shaped by the hearts of men who have dedicated themselves to serving their communities, carrying the burdens of construction and development wherever they go and settle.

Tourist destinations

In the heart of that poetic atmosphere, we had an appointment with a night like no other. We visited the notable Sattar bin Abdulaziz Al Rakan, accompanied by a group of friends: Qablan bin Mohammed Al Huzaimi, Rashid bin Dhafeer Al Haqbani, and Mohammed bin Nasser Al Mas-hal, at his tourist residence in the heart of Asir. We thought we would spend a few hours talking about the beauty of the pleasant weather, the warmth of the meeting, and relaxation during a well-deserved vacation for a businessman weighed down by commitments.

But we found ourselves facing a national figure whom neither the joy of relaxation nor the tranquility of nature could make forget the pulse of responsibility. The fraternal gathering in his hands turned into a beacon of developmental thought, its impact extending beyond the confines of the place to reach the heart of Wadi Al-Dawasir.

We breathed the gentle breeze of Asir, but the conversation with notable Sattar Al Rakan soon flew us to broader and deeper horizons. From the heart of the lofty south, the compass of discussion turned towards Wadi Al-Dawasir, that ancient valley pulsating with opportunities and the future. We had lengthy and engaging discussions, delving into concepts of sustainable development, and how the national investor and community notable can be a true and constructive partner in shaping the present and building the future, in harmony with the Kingdom's ambitious vision.

Al Rakan spoke in a tone filled with sincere emotion and national zeal for the growth of every inch of this generous homeland. For him, notability was never just a title, nor was money just numbers in records; rather, he saw them as a trust and a message, a driving force for developing and advancing local communities.

We exchanged ideas about overcoming developmental obstacles in the valley, and it was clear in his speech that he does not view challenges as barriers, but as promising opportunities waiting for someone to knock on their doors with diligence and sincerity to open doors of goodness and prosperity for the people of the governorate and future generations.

What distinguishes the thinking of notable Sattar bin Abdulaziz Al Rakan is that it does not stop at the limits of theorizing or wishful thinking; rather, it translates immediately into tangible reality and diligent work. This was clearly embodied in his presentation of his wonderful initiative, which he offers as an integrated and continuous logistical support for the development files of the valley to accelerate the process of meeting the needs of the residents and the stalled or required projects in Wadi Al-Dawasir, between government entities, agencies, and ministries in the capital.

We left that Asiri evening with a doubled appreciation for this man. That session inspired us and confirmed to us that true citizenship is the continuous passion for building, and that sincere giving does not recognize vacations or distances.

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