Strengthening Ties Through Service and Leadership

On Friendship and service: A weekend in Almaty with Saudi Minister Tawfig Al-Rabiah and the Grand Mufti of Kazakhstan

This weekend, I spent time in Almaty with my old friend Tawfig Al-Rabiah, a great man and a successful political figure in the Middle East, who is currently serving as Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, one of the most important positions in the country.

Next to him, I had the honour of spending time during our meeting with the Grand Mufti of Kazakhstan, Nauryzbay Kazhy Taganuly, a man I deeply admire and respect.

Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia have long held very strong relations of cooperation and support, and Tawfig is living proof of those relations.

As the person in charge of coordinating the success of the Hajj, one of the most important moments in the life of a Muslim, has proven to be unique in his thinking, but also at the moment of taking action. During his tenure, he has made a point of ensuring that pilgrims are protected and taken care of, introducing digital visas that reduce uncertainty at the outset, and putting together a unified service platform that sets standards for housing, transport, and food.

All in all, his initiative has improved information for crowd and health management, established clear rules for operators, and ensured fair treatment for the small businesses that support the pilgrimage.

Earlier in his career, my friend Tawfig, whom I have known for many years, led the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, he helped build the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority and the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones. He is, all in all, a master creator of systems that serve people at scale.

I am proud to be known as his friend.