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

The wide open desert landscapes.

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

Saboor.

• Which book is by your bedside these days?

Catch-22.

• Your favorite holiday destination?

Any place where I can get some peace and quiet. It could be my own backyard.

• Your dream country where you would like to be posted after Saudi Arabia?

Somewhere in North America.

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

In every country you will find very friendly and less friendly people.

• How do you react to or deal with anger?

I don’t get angry very easily.

• What is your source of strength during tough times?

My children and my wife.

• What was your first impression about the Kingdom?

The beautiful architecture of some of the high-rise buildings.

• Which Saudi city fascinated you the most?

Riyadh. I like driving on King Fahd Road at night.

• Your favorite Saudi dish?

Kunafa.

• The thing about the Kingdom that you will always remember?

The desert landscapes.

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

LinkedIn.

• If you had not become a diplomat, what would you be?

Journalist and historian.

• How do you keep yourself fit?

I play tennis.

• Your favorite restaurant?

Spazio 77.

• Your favorite football club?

KSK Kasterlee (Belgium).

• Who is your favorite actor/actress?

The young Robert De Niro (from Taxi Driver).

• Your favorite weekend activity?

I try to get some peace and quiet, and play some tennis.