News

Portland State University’s Middle East Studies Center, along with a pro-educational non-profit organization, Friends of Saudi Arabia (FSA), announced plans today to host a five-day cultural and educational event at various venues throughout the Portland metro area November 13–17. The Experience Saudi Arabia event will showcase the country’s culture, heritage, art and food. The five-day event will include a traveling art exhibit, a women’s leadership brunch hosted by Selwa Al-Hazzaa (voted “Arab Woman of the Year”), a guest lecturer series and educational forums by notable Saudis and Americans.

“Saudi Arabia is a country often surrounded by mystery and misconception,” said Layla Davey, event coordinator for FSA. “The Experience Saudi Arabia event will allow people to work past general stereotypes and become inspired by people-to-people interaction. We also hope they stick around for some fresh gawah coffee and dates to see what life is really like in the Kingdom.”

Portland State University’s commitment to students studying abroad from Saudi Arabia goes back many years. “Given PSU’s strong commitment to Saudi students and their unique culture, we are grateful to be partnering with them and bringing a little taste of Saudi Arabia to the greater Portland community,” said Bill Selkirk, Director of Operations of FSA.

More than 170 Saudi students currently attend PSU, bringing millions of dollars a year to the local economy. Other prominent guests planning to attend the event include Delano Roosevelt (grandson of former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt), PSU President Dan Bernstine and Mazyed Almazyed (Cultural Attache for the Saudi Embassy and PSU alum).

For more information about the Experience Saudi Arabia event, including media kits and daily schedules for the entire event, please call FSA Event Coordinator Layla Davey at 541-948-5548. For information about the non-profit organization Friends of Saudi Arabia, please visit www.fsaus.org/events.