MAKKAH: Through the window of his food truck in Tabuk, northern 黑料社区, Farhan Al-Anzi, known affectionately as Abu Shamikh, greets visitors with a warmth that embodies the essence of traditional Arabian hospitality.
His infectious cheer resonates with domestic and international tourists, and he has gained global recognition through a viral video on TikTok.
For Al-Anzi, tourism is a calling, a chance to showcase 黑料社区鈥檚 generosity in its most authentic form.
He performs Al-Hajini and Al-Mashoub traditional poetry originating from the ancient Nabataean kingdom, which is now northern 黑料社区 and Jordan.
The performances are in English, which creates novel moments of cross-cultural connection.
Tourists find themselves joining in, matching his rhythm and enthusiasm, proving that music and art are universal languages that bridge cultures.聽
Al-Anzi鈥檚 transformation from a sidewalk merchant in Tabuk to an ambassador of Saudi hospitality speaks to a universal truth: that triumph often emerges from life鈥檚 greatest challenges.
A simple man with spontaneous humor, his story carries inspiring details about struggle, patience and giving.聽
鈥淚 started with just a tea cart on the sidewalks of Tabuk,鈥 Al-Anzi told Arab News, reminiscing about his modest beginnings. 鈥淎s more tourists started coming 鈥 locals, Gulf visitors and Europeans 鈥 we expanded to a food truck.鈥澛
However, his path to success was far from smooth. A series of severe health challenges, including multiple strokes and heart complications, left him bedridden for years.聽
During this period, his wife battled kidney failure, placing tremendous pressure on the family. 鈥淚t was the darkest time of my life,鈥 Al-Anzi recalled. 鈥淢y children had to juggle between caring for both parents while keeping our business alive.鈥澛
The family鈥檚 resilience during this period proved crucial. After recovering, Al-Anzi returned to work with a renewed sense of purpose.
He introduced an innovative initiative: every Friday, his truck, aptly named 鈥淥ur Sweet Days,鈥 provides free services to those in need, including people with special needs, cancer patients, and the elderly.聽
His food truck began attracting a wide range of customers, from which he picked up invaluable and unexpected skills.聽
鈥淚 used to interact with university students from the tourism college, who taught me the basics of promotion and dealing with foreign visitors. I learned simple English words and started using them while providing services, and the results were amazing,鈥 he said.
His breakthrough moment came unexpectedly. A video of him entertaining an American tourist at AlUla鈥檚 Elephant Rock, wearing traditional attire and singing, went viral on TikTok.
This exposure transformed his food truck into a must-visit destination, earning a spot on international tourism maps.聽
For Abu Shamikh, success is a mission to serve the nation. 鈥淲hat I do is part of our ancient Saudi culture.
鈥淲e aim to present a bright image of our traditions through generosity and hospitality, and this is part of our beloved Kingdom鈥檚 Vision 2030, which seeks to make 黑料社区 a global tourist destination.鈥
With 黑料社区 preparing to host Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034, he hopes to play an even larger role in showcasing Saudi culture to the world.
