Saudis explore public space for dialogue

June 20, 2008 Saudi Gazette and Crossroads Arabia

A new awareness campaign, launched by Saudi Arabia’s King Abdul Aziz National Dialogue Center promises to embed ideals of tolerance and open conversation into the Saudi national identity. As much an inquiry into prevailing attitudes as an appeal to change them, the project will promote unity and moderation within the Islamic faith as much as with non-Muslims. Read more about the campaign for dialogue here at the Saudi Gazette.

The blog Crossroads Arabia, written by a former foreign service officer in Saudi Arabia, has picked up on this endeavor, and is hesitantly optimistic about it. To “delve the range of thoughts about what constitutes ‘dialogue’” in a traditionally closed society like Saudi Arabia is indeed a good thing. The author notes this campaign’s capacity to contribute positively to tolerance of outsiders, non-Muslims,and fellow Saudis alike. However, the project cannot suggest that there is a “right way” or “wrong way” to talk. Avoiding this, the campaign has the potential to assess and even transform Saudi attitudes about outsiders and each other. Read why this is so at Crossroads Arabia.