Tonight I attended my first Royal Ball, on National Saudi Day, hosted by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques (and now KAUST); King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud. The official event, the KAUST Inauguration Ceremony. I have never felt better (or cooler for that matter) being so insignificant in my entire life, if you can grasp that.
There’s something special about being in the presence of a King, a REAL King. I get the idea that there are many such “Kings” in our world today, but only few actually have the power to inspire a nation. King Abdullah is one of those few.
Besides the fact that his anticipated arrival got more construction finished on campus in the last two days than the past two months, even I got the chills when he entered the building (first time that’s happened since the Michael Jackson memorial). And when he made the closing remarks, it just felt right to remove the English Translation headphones for a few minutes to hear the Arabic as spoken by a King. A memory I’ll surely never forget.
As “ambassadors” for KAUST before the official ceremony began, about sixty students were asked to meet and greet with distinguished guests as they arrived. With a red carpet guest list to rival any major awards show, it was the most exciting “community service” any of us had ever done. Making small talk with a General of the Saudi Royal Guard, the President of MIT, and the CEO of Toyota (to name a few of the types of people in attendance) is not something you get to do every day, or in a lifetime. You also don’t get to see the security precautions taken when VERY Important People are coming to town every day.
Before this event, many students warned me that “you will know when a member of the Royal Family is coming to town.” I’ve never been in the presence of the President of the United States, but would guess that not even He has a security blanket this tight when he travels (or so we think).
Stretches of highway closed, four different armed forces present and armed, multiple ID cards issued, helicopters in the skies, the navy in the sea, etc. Tonight long after the crowds had left, I heard what resembled either a homemade fireworks show or a small war from my home; just for excitement’s sake I’m sticking with the latter. Regardless, we were safe.
KAUST’s motto has always been “Through Inspiration. Discovery.” Fortunately for this Inaugural class, “Inspiration” is coming in the form of extravagant events, and until KAUST becomes yet another “Self-Inspiring” university, we can only imagine what grand act awaits us next. I’ve already put in a request for either stealing the World Cup from South Africa or bringing Michael Jackson back from the dead, whichever costs less.
Pictures from event + Bahrain report coming very soon.
Until then… check it for yourself: http://inauguration.kaust.edu.sa/inauguration/webcast.aspx
Did I mention there’s a symposium tomorrow on sustainability featuring National Science Foundation members, Nobel Laureates, and Hillary Clinton’s aide?
Was that your first positive post?
Thanks for the insightful commentary, your blog has been fun to read. Check mine out if you get a chance – Nate
Good for you, Eric!
[...] attended the inauguration of the university, and was in awe: Tonight I attended my first Royal Ball, on National Saudi Day, hosted by the Custodian of the Two [...]