• Which particular aspect of Saudi Arabia do you like the most?

The hospitality of its people and the kindness I have always enjoyed from Saudi authorities in dealing with all issues related to my duties and work.

• What is your favorite and oft-repeated Arabic word?

Alhamdulillah.

• Which book is by your bedside these days?

The weekly edition of The Economist and the daily newspapers.

• Your favorite holiday destination?

Any place where I can swim and relax. I like beach and sun.

• What is your dream country where you would like to be posted after Saudi Arabia?

I have no particular preference.

• Which country’s people have you found to be the most friendly?

Saudi Arabia and Mexico.

• How do you react to or deal with anger?

I try to remain calm and be as rational and cool-minded as possible.

• What is your source of strength during tough times?

Faith in God.

• What was your first impression about the Kingdom?

An intriguing combination of tradition and modernity.

• Which Saudi city fascinated you most?

Riyadh.

• Your favorite Saudi dish?

Qursan, jerish, mataziz.

• The thing about Kingdom that you will always remember?

The friendliness I have always been treated with.

• If you were given only one option between Facebook and Twitter, what would that be?

Twitter.

• Had you not become a diplomat, what would you be?

I studied mathematics and became a diplomat by chance. I might have stayed in that field.

• Is hiding truth acceptable in diplomacy?

Diplomacy is the art of how to keep a delicate balance in order to achieve an objective.

• How do you keep yourself fit?

Through swimming and keeping a light diet.

• Your favorite restaurant?

La Cucina.

• Your favorite actor/actress?

Sofia Loren, Claudia Cardinale, Giulietta Masina, Marcello Mastroianni and Federico Fellini.

• What is your favorite weekend activity?

Swimming, hiking, lying in the sun and reading.