They say that after working in the Kingdom for over two or three decades, they would like to continue to contribute to the Kingdom, not as a resident but as a national.

The reason the long-staying expats feel the change would be better is because their children, mostly born in the Kingdom, have no roots to go back to and the only home they have known is Saudi Arabia.

This is about the only conundrum the expats expressed in an otherwise favored stay in the Kingdom.

Maria Hussein, a 44-year-old Indian teacher, said, she wants Saudi Arabia to prosper. She feels very safe and happy living here and would remain to reside in Jeddah if given the chance.

“There is a lot of Barakah and blessings here. There is an overall sense of goodness that prevails in our day-to-day experience, which is unlike any other country I have visited so far.”

Maria has lived in the Kingdom for 26 years and to her Jeddah is her first home. She said her school will hold National Day celebrations where all the children have an opportunity to rejoice together.

“There are games, shows and a feast for mothers and teachers. I feel very proud and patriotic even though I was not born here. It is an immense feeling.”

Most Indians, Filipinos, Sri Lankans and Pakistanis said they hope their countries would be able to match Saudi Arabia’s security laws and structure.

“Saudi Arabia has made a great difference to lives of millions of expats so far, and I hope it continues to do so in the future,” Najla Akram, a Sri Lankan manager, told Arab News. She feels the fact that there are no taxes and a low cost of living, enables the society to enjoy a high standard of living.

Saudi Arabia has recently opened doors and crafted laws to help facilitate businesses and corporate affairs for expatriates living in the Kingdom.

“There is a lot of entrepreneurial potential in locals here which can be utilized and channeled. There is a lot of talent,” said Faisal Omar, a 27-year-old Pakistani accountant living in Jeddah.

He admits even though many people complain, every business must have a Saudi counterpart, “it is the job of the government to look after its people. I wish Pakistan did more and adopted ways to look after its citizens.”

Out of 8.4 million expatriates living in the country; over two million of them are first or second generation expatriate immigrants.

Many expatriate children born in the Kingdom feel the nationalistic aura before National Day commences on Friday. Saudi by birth, they feel more connected with Saudi Arabia’s system of life.

Lana Omar, a 21-year-old Indian living in Jeddah, said majority of Saudis have a very generous attitude toward others.

“I was born here, so on this National Day I feel very proud for Saudi Arabia. I do not see how I am different from other Saudi children born here. My passport might be Indian but I am a Saudi by heart.”

Altaf Hassan, a 43-year-old Indian banker told Arab News, he usually greets all his Saudi friends and typically most businessmen go out for lunch together and families share sweets and savories with each other.

Rehana Ali, a 25-year-old housewife told Arab News, “There is an aura about Saudi Arabia. Most families behave with dignity and grace. Women are very well respected here. Be it the immigration queues at the airport or mall counters, attending to her is always given a priority.”