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Mutual interests have always been the moving force of diplomatic relations between countries. Throughout my experience in the economic sector, I have experienced many periods of diplomatic apathy. Many people made a difference in both directions. They witnessed the love and devotion of Saudis to their country, their achievements and desire to continue the development process that started decades ago.
But others only saw the Kingdom through a narrow lens, creating an image that does not exceed the stereotypes about ��������. Some had a desire to interfere with the sovereignty and the local affairs of the country — removed from the basic diplomatic exchange — and the bilateral cooperation and common interests between countries.
One diplomatic couple that has left a beautiful impression and impact on everyone who worked with them was the Ambassador of the UK to �������� Simon Collis and his wife Huda Mejarkesh.
My first encounter was with Mejarkesh at the “Ladies Branch” at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry during my presidency of the Business Women Committee. We were waiting for an official delegation representing the economic side of the British Embassy, and before the delegation came this fine lady, who made a positive impression in that meeting. She elegantly sat there, satisfied with listening to the conversation between the two parties, presenting herself as the wife of an ambassador and a former business activist.
This meeting marked the beginning of a successful cooperation by all standards in the economic aspect. There came a time when we encountered an increased and unreasonable coverage in some British tabloids. We have become accustomed to belittling and skepticism, and even attacking the Kingdom and exaggerating events, but what was not tolerable was the unfair outlook towards the steps to empower women.
Because thought is only confronted with thought, it was necessary to launch an intellectual dialogue about women and their economic empowerment, which in my view is the key to all types of empowerment. I wanted the discussion to take place with those who do not see us as we really are. And after consulting, the cooperation with the commercial and cultural representation in the British embassy was inevitable. The envoy and his team had a central role in the success of this endeavor by hosting distinguished British female leaders.
So to London I headed, fueled with the faith that my country deserved to be seen in all its positives and negatives. In the House of Lords, we had a meeting with Baroness Neville-Jones, who is considered one of the most prominent British female leaders with her extensive experience. The meeting, which was scheduled for around 20 minutes, lasted for more than an hour. At the end of that meeting, I extended my hand to my hostess saying: “Please allow me to invite you to visit my country and get to know it closely, then you have the freedom to draw the image you deem appropriate.”
The “Women in Leadership” event night took place at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry in partnership with the British Embassy and the British Council. It was the first open dialogue with a public invitation to discuss the role of women and leadership in ��������, and it was a real opportunity to expose stereotypes about us by saying “this is a sample of our leadership, and these are our gains and aspirations.”
We hosted two members of the British House of Lords: Baroness Simons, president of the British Arab Chamber of Commerce, and Baroness Neville-Jones as a guest of honor. We also invited many Saudi female leaders we are very proud of. This would not have happened had it not been for the role of Collis, who believed that building bridges, understanding and relationships need to be in harmony.
When his second half, his wife, was on a journey to discover this country on her own, she saw what she believes is the truth about Saudi woman: Their will, determination, accomplishments and ambition.
She wrote an article on her discoveries, giving Saudi women the respect and appreciation they deserve. I know that her opinion did not resonate well with many people, and was surely resented by those who paint the Kingdom with false stereotypes. But Mejarkesh’s article was a bridge that crossed to our hearts not only for the beauty of its wording, but also because it was fair to us, from a person whom we did not expect to write about us, a person who came burdened with negative images about our country.
The role of this couple did not stop there, but rather extended to many fronts, building bridges of communication, care and celebration of Saudis studying in Britain. She told them that the UK is proud of you, as your country is — a message of appreciation, love and peace. This care and cooperation extended to many areas and programs that an article cannot fully outline, but it undoubtedly deepened the relationship between the two countries.
Some may argue that this interest was driven by the fact that the couple are Muslims and that Collis is the first Muslim to represent Britain in the Kingdom, and to that I say: “Not at all.”
Religion has no relationship. It is the personality, respect, practice, experience and commitment to the high essence of the profession.
I am writing this article after attending a small farewell party for this special couple, which was held by one of the most respectful ambassadors in the Kingdom. Collis and Mejarkesh honored me by inviting me as their special guest to this lovely gathering. In appreciation and gratitude to all what they have done during the ambassadorship in ��������, some of it should be known to the public. Saudis should know about these two personalities whose actions have left a lasting impression and touched many hearts during the last five years.
Your Excellency Ambassador Simon Collis and Huda Majrakash, you leave this country, which you embraced in kindness, and were met with that in return. The homes of the Saudis, like their hearts, will remain open to you with kindness, appreciation and respect.

Nouf Abdullah Al-Rakan is the MD of ALIMTIAZ and a member the Saudi B20 executive committee, the Women Labor Committee in the Arab Labor Organization and other business and non-profit boards. She is a senior executive with extensive experience in a broad range of industries: Consulting, project management, communications, education, information systems, banking and telecommunications.