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

The Arabian flavor.

• Can you tell us your favorite and oft-repeated Arabic word?

Alhamdulillah and Habibi.

• Which book is now on your bedside?

The Arab Awakening and assembled works from Roald Dahl. Reading before sleeping is a personal ritual to fall asleep.

• What is your favorite holiday destination?

France, Italy and Spain.

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

Ancient, authentic, rather small-scaled and ideally European cities with a soul and breathing history can fascinate me.

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

Saudi people we met so far.

• How do you react to or deal with anger?

To request our 15-year-old and 13-year-old sons to challenge me in whatever sports discipline. Ideally with our three–year-old daughter and my spouse as supporters (for the sons of course).

• What is your source of strength during tough times?

Realizing that when the night is at its darkest, morning is looming and having the belief that good prevails over evil.

• What was your first impression about the Kingdom?

The continuous flow of people — night and day — as Saudis seem to never sleep.

• Which Saudi city fascinated you most?

The contrast between Abha and Jazan region with its wild, rough, mountainous surroundings versus a hypermodern King Abdullah Economic City.

• Your favorite Saudi dish.

Fatoush, garden humus, tabbouleh, sambousah, fatayer, mantoo…

• The thing about Kingdom that you will always remember.

The atmosphere and scenery in Madaen Saleh.

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

Twitter, although I prefer real contacts instead.

• If you had not become a diplomat, what would have been your profession?

I would have loved being a doctor.

• How do you keep yourself fit?

By doing sports regularly.

• Your favorite restaurant?

Scaramoush, Karam Café and Najd Village.

• You are a fan of which football club?

De Rode Duivels, our national Belgian Football Team.

• Who is your favorite actor/actress?

Matthias Schoenaerts and Johnny Depp. Emmanuelle Béart and Juliette Binoche.

• What is your favorite weekend activity?

A day spent, not at the seaside, but on the sea finished with a BBQ on the beach shared with friends and family.