ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I am Dahlia Rahaimy, a Saudi national born in Vienna, Austria. After the first three years of my life in Austria, I moved with my family to Germany. At the age of 12, with a Western mindset, I returned to Saudi Arabia.

In my hometown Jeddah, I finished high school and graduated with a Bachelor degree in English Literature and Linguistics from King Abdulaziz University. Further on, I completed my postgraduate studies in Applied Linguistics at Trinity College, Dublin.

My professional career started in the 90s. I began as reporter, editor and pagemaker at Arab News, the first and most widely circulated Saudi Arabian English language newspaper. I also wrote for its Arabic language sister publications Alsharq-Alawsat and Alriyadiah.

In addition, I contributed to German publications such as Kicker and Tageszeitung on sport and Saudi social affairs.

In 2001, I was recruited by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA, today’s Ministry of Investment), first as a press advisor, then as the country director for Germany.

Growing up in two different societies and being equally at home in both, I developed the ability to communicate and translate both sides’ perceptions. It became part of my character, making me proud bearing the flags of two different cultures.

Most importantly, my background gave me the chance and ability to give a realistic portray of my country and build an understanding of the cultural discrepancies I am constantly facing. The challenges that I have faced in both my personal and professional life affect me until today, and made me understand that finding a balance in presenting a perspective is not an easy task and rarely presented to public opinion. Yet, and because of this, I am aware of the importance and need in today’s world to overcome misconceptions for a better understanding among people.

My hope is to convey a realistic picture of Saudi Arabia and its people, following the truth and facts.

I am married with a daughter and a son.