This refers to the column “American consul general and Al-Fateh Sports Club.” I read the piece by Abdulateef Al-Mulhim with interest. I am a true believer that sports including football transcend all boundaries whether it is religion, class, culture, race and ethnicity.
I have dual heritage. My father is a Pakistani and my mother is British. I was born and brought up in the UK and a keen follower of football. I have recently moved to Riyadh and teach at the British International School.
A couple of months ago I organized a trip to the Prince Faisal Bin Fahd stadium and watched Al-Hilal vs Ulsan Hyundai from Korea compete in the Asian Champions league. Before we went into the stadium we had a meal in a restaurant and were treated like royalty by the Saudi owner. Arriving at a packed stadium we were given a round of applause and treated like kings by all the Saudi fans who wanted to take our pictures, offer us food and drink and mobile numbers to go and visit them in their homes. It was a truly remarkable experience for some of us, British teachers, living inside walled compounds.
Saudi hospitality was equally hospitable when I managed to get hold of some tickets for the international friendly fixture Saudi Arabia vs Argentina at the international stadium. Again ordinary Saudi fans were keen to practice their English with the British teachers and we, our Arabic.
Both days were great for breaking down cultural barriers. I for one am looking forward to watching more Saudi football and at the same time learning about Saudi culture and hospitality.
Breaking barriers
