Ali Al-Baluchi, shown here Thursday addressing retirees in Dhahran, was crucial in organizing not just this reunion, but all the KSA Expat Reunions to Aramco previously.
Asalam Alykum,
My friends, today we are celebrating a historic gathering, as this is the first time we have a joint Saudi Aramco retirement reunion with Saudis and expatriates, working for the betterment of Aramco. I believe it is important for our expatriate and Saudi retirees to consider a forum to strengthen the relationship among them and build bridges of friendship and better understanding.
Around 375 retirees attended that first reunion in 2000. Subsequently, reunions were held in 2009, 2015 and 2019. Altogether, more than 2,000 former employees and their families have returned to their second home.
These monumental gatherings are due in no small part to the efforts of many groups and people. I must thank the many volunteers who helped in organizing and supporting the reunions since the very beginning.
I would like to express my deep appreciation to Saudi Aramco for its support in sponsoring five reunions. I wish to express a special thanks to Mr. Nabeel A. Al-Jama' for his constant support and various organizations within the company and some local businessmen.
I encourage my colleagues, the Saudi retirees, to stay in touch with the Retiree Advisory Committee.
For our expatriate visitors, I hope you enjoy the wide range of planned activities.
As you will see over the next two weeks, Saudi Arabia has changed tremendously. I ask you, dear visitors, to look closely, as around every corner you will find changes. The ladies are driving at last, and we welcome them on our roads!
I can tell you that I am grateful I have lived long enough to see, in my own life, the development of tourism in the Kingdom. With Vision 2030, expect greater change, bringing additional economic achievements over the years to come.
In closing, I encourage everyone to enjoy the various activities put together today at iThra. Most importantly, and what this event is all about, enjoy the day by reminiscing with your old friends and co-workers, remembering the old and beautiful days.
God bless you. Ma'salamma!