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The Saudi authorities are taking drastic transformation measures to open up their doors to the outside world, for the benefit of entire mankind.
The head of audiovisual department of the Saudi Ministry of Media (information) Hamza Algubaisha disclosed this in an interactive session with members of the national media team of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, today in Jeddah.
He said part of the measures was to liberalise information flow in and outside the Kingdom.
Hamza Algubaisha however, advised that, in as much as they have flung their information doors wide open, clearance must be obtained in writing from the ministry, detailing areas of interest to be covered by the media, to guard against rowdiness shoddy job or any ulterior native motives.
The audiovisual head said Saudi was now more than ever before ready to interact mutually with the outside world, based on mutual diplomatic respect and consideration.
He had earlier stated that the Saudi authorities would look at the possibility of organising a train the trainer workshops for some select information handlers of Hajj authorities in various countries who will in turn step down the knowledge the gathered on how best to go about their assignment in the Kingdom, to journalists that would be covering Hajj activities in the country.
Hamzah Algubaisha assured Nigerian journalists that they would be assisted with all information, clarification and access to places hitherto considered no go areas, provided the laid down guidelines and procedures are adhered to.
He said part of the guidelines and procedures, there should be application for permission to come in with and user named media equipments at the required areas of coverage.
He emphasised that once due processes are adhered to there is no limit to how far a reporter can go in covering not only Hajj exercise, but other socioeconomic aspects that could be mutually beneficial to both the Kingdom and the journalists, reporters or documentary producers from the world over.
Hamzah Algubaisha said the Saudi authorities were not averred to constructive criticisms that could positively impact on its policies and programmes.
The audiovisual head further stated that the Saudi News Agency and other modern channels of communications were very open to all for easy access, information gathering and dissemination to various publics.
He said of course no any single human program or policy that is hundred percent perfect, but the Saudis are committed to corrections and improvement where lapses occurred or noticed.
Speaking on the Kingdom’s vision 2030, Hamzah Algubaishee said the idea was all encompassing and all embracing on all spheres of socioeconomic live of the Kingdom for massive development aimed at not only bettering the life of Saudi citizens, but also citizens of all parts of the world in one way or another.
He said, the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bn Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the Crown Prince, Muhammad Bn Salman and indeed all Saudis have one single desire and commitment, which is service to the guests of Allah by ensuring their comfort and performance of Hajj rites with no or little stress.
The head of audiovisual department expressed delight over the Nigerian journalists interests to know more about Saudi government and its policies, by seeking first hand information from the right quarters.
He assured that all organs of the Saudi government are much available to divulge useful and meaningful information on their activities for informed analysis and comprehension and to guard against misinformation or misinterpretation of certain policies or programs particularly as they relate to the Saudi vision 2030 .
In her votes of thanks, the head, Public Affairs of NAHCON, Hajiya Fatima Sanda Usara expressed her profound gratitude over the warm reception, the enlightenment and education the head of the audiovisual department and his staff accorded the NAHCON media contingent.
