Excerpt:
Well before the 80s, many Saudi diplomats and graduate students in D.C faced the dilemma of where to educate their children. But in 1984, the Saudi government established The Islamic Saudi Academy in many capitals including Washington D.C, which was relief for all Saudis living in Washington D.C and the surrounding areas. Soon, this academy not only became a teaching institute, it became an important link between two different societies. The honorary chairman of the board is the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States.
During a recent trip to the US, my cousin and I visited the academy without knowing any one there and without an appointment. Still, we were well received by staff such as Nadia Yousef from Human Resources and Adeelah Aljuhani from the admissions' office with graciousness and courtesy and all our questions were answered.
Later, I had the honor of meeting with the academy's Director General, Faridah Turkistani. As a Saudi citizen, it made me proud to see such talented and well-educated Saudi ladies running the academy, and doing a great job.