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The e majlis: Saudi Ministers in Social Media

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Sultan Al Bazie
Sultan Al Bazie

The document discusses how Saudi Arabian ministers are using social media, particularly Facebook, to engage with citizens. It provides examples of several ministers who have active Facebook pages where they address issues, respond to comments and questions, and discuss government policies. The ministers of justice, culture and information, and labor are highlighted for their use of Facebook to communicate directly with the public and discuss controversial topics in a more open manner than traditional channels. The document emphasizes that social media allows ministers to connect with younger generations who are highly engaged with the internet and mobile technology.

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The E-Majlis| Saudi Ministers in Social Media
DefinitionFrom WikipediaMajlis (also spelled Majalis or Mejlis, Arabic: 悴愕), is an Arabic term meaning "a place of sitting" used to describe various types of special gatherings among common interest groups be it administrative, social or religious in countries with linguistic or cultural connections to Islamic countries. Examples include legislative assemblies,[1] private homes used to entertain guests[2] and remembrance of Husaynibn Ali. Also it is the equivalent of the term legislature in some Islamic-culture states. It shares its root with the verb meaning 'to sit,' 悴愕 jalasa (cf. British English 'sitting room)
The Majlis is a platform of government and/or communications between leaders and subjects
Platform of Government/ CommunicationsThe Majlis has always been a platform of government and political communication in the Arab history, where the chief of the tribe opens his house and makes himself accessible to any and every one of his subjects who wish to come and talk to him directly with their complaints, disputes and issues, and he acts as a judge, governor or army commander.
The Tradition ContinuesIn modern Saudi Arabia this tradition continues as a daily practice and obligation for the king, the regional governors and the ministers. The Majlis has become one of the government institutions, regardless of the fact that the name was given to other political bodies such as the Council of Ministers and al Shoura Council.
"Control freaks, it turns out, are not popular among young Arabs, who are increasingly living in a virtual world, disconnected from the depressing reality of their lives. Governments are still imposing absurd restrictions on the media and civil liberties. But thanks to the internet and Arab youth, particularly in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, are among the most enthusiastic internet users there are no secrets anymore."RoulaKhalafFinancial Times
Citizens, in these difficult circumstances that our country is going through, President Hosni Mubarak has decided to relinquish the office of the presidency and has instructed the Supreme Council of the armed forces to take over the affairs of the country.Omar Suliemans speech did not exceed 140 characters. Finally the Egyptian government is speaking the facebook and twitter language, the language of internet young generation.Mohammed Alqahtani
Young Population27.1 million (8.4m non Saudis)
Illiteracy rate: 6.7% males 18.2% females
65% under 25MobilePopulationInternet penetration: 5% in 2001 jumped to 41% by the 3rd quarter 201070% of the Saudis surfed the net at least once Saudis spends 133 minutes/day on internet (130 minutes for TV) 95% have mobile phones (65% with internet capability)35% of mobile subscribers are connected (65 minutes/day)Mobile net subscription grew by 50%Saudis watch 36 million video/day on YouTube (150 million minutes/day)34 million search/day on google from Saudi Arabia
Justice on facebookDr. Mohamed Al Eissa (an ex judge) is the youngest member of the Saudi cabinet
With a PhD in Sharia law, hew is known to have untraditional views on Islam teachings
He was the first member of the so called religious establishment to publicly support co-ed in KAUST
He became under attack from several of the traditional Sheikhs and the extremistsJustice on facebookDr. Al Eissas page on facebook attracts many fans and followers, sometimes critics
He dedicates one hour each day to check his messages, answer them, or post new notes
He believes that facebook is a very efficient tool to communicate with the public no matter where they are Freedom of SpeechDr. Abdulaziz Khoja, the minister of culture and information became one of the most popular ministers among journalists, media corps, and intellectuals

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The e majlis: Saudi Ministers in Social Media

  • 1. The E-Majlis| Saudi Ministers in Social Media
  • 2. DefinitionFrom WikipediaMajlis (also spelled Majalis or Mejlis, Arabic: 悴愕), is an Arabic term meaning "a place of sitting" used to describe various types of special gatherings among common interest groups be it administrative, social or religious in countries with linguistic or cultural connections to Islamic countries. Examples include legislative assemblies,[1] private homes used to entertain guests[2] and remembrance of Husaynibn Ali. Also it is the equivalent of the term legislature in some Islamic-culture states. It shares its root with the verb meaning 'to sit,' 悴愕 jalasa (cf. British English 'sitting room)
  • 3. The Majlis is a platform of government and/or communications between leaders and subjects
  • 4. Platform of Government/ CommunicationsThe Majlis has always been a platform of government and political communication in the Arab history, where the chief of the tribe opens his house and makes himself accessible to any and every one of his subjects who wish to come and talk to him directly with their complaints, disputes and issues, and he acts as a judge, governor or army commander.
  • 5. The Tradition ContinuesIn modern Saudi Arabia this tradition continues as a daily practice and obligation for the king, the regional governors and the ministers. The Majlis has become one of the government institutions, regardless of the fact that the name was given to other political bodies such as the Council of Ministers and al Shoura Council.
  • 6. "Control freaks, it turns out, are not popular among young Arabs, who are increasingly living in a virtual world, disconnected from the depressing reality of their lives. Governments are still imposing absurd restrictions on the media and civil liberties. But thanks to the internet and Arab youth, particularly in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, are among the most enthusiastic internet users there are no secrets anymore."RoulaKhalafFinancial Times
  • 7. Citizens, in these difficult circumstances that our country is going through, President Hosni Mubarak has decided to relinquish the office of the presidency and has instructed the Supreme Council of the armed forces to take over the affairs of the country.Omar Suliemans speech did not exceed 140 characters. Finally the Egyptian government is speaking the facebook and twitter language, the language of internet young generation.Mohammed Alqahtani
  • 8. Young Population27.1 million (8.4m non Saudis)
  • 9. Illiteracy rate: 6.7% males 18.2% females
  • 10. 65% under 25MobilePopulationInternet penetration: 5% in 2001 jumped to 41% by the 3rd quarter 201070% of the Saudis surfed the net at least once Saudis spends 133 minutes/day on internet (130 minutes for TV) 95% have mobile phones (65% with internet capability)35% of mobile subscribers are connected (65 minutes/day)Mobile net subscription grew by 50%Saudis watch 36 million video/day on YouTube (150 million minutes/day)34 million search/day on google from Saudi Arabia
  • 11. Justice on facebookDr. Mohamed Al Eissa (an ex judge) is the youngest member of the Saudi cabinet
  • 12. With a PhD in Sharia law, hew is known to have untraditional views on Islam teachings
  • 13. He was the first member of the so called religious establishment to publicly support co-ed in KAUST
  • 14. He became under attack from several of the traditional Sheikhs and the extremistsJustice on facebookDr. Al Eissas page on facebook attracts many fans and followers, sometimes critics
  • 15. He dedicates one hour each day to check his messages, answer them, or post new notes
  • 16. He believes that facebook is a very efficient tool to communicate with the public no matter where they are Freedom of SpeechDr. Abdulaziz Khoja, the minister of culture and information became one of the most popular ministers among journalists, media corps, and intellectuals
  • 17. A poet who was university professor (in Geology), and later on became the first Saudi ambassador to Moscow, created one of the most controversial pages on facebook
  • 18. The debate on his page revolves on freedom of speech and the occasional ban on media outletsFreedom of SpeechFacebook users enjoyed the openness in the ministers page by flooding it with comments on the media and cultural scene in the country
  • 19. In many cases he found himself in a defensive position for the policies of his ministry and himself as an intellectual Employing the UnemployedMr. Adel Fakih came to the Public Service from the private sector where he led on of the biggest companies
  • 20. As the minister of labor he has to deal with some of the hottest issues: Unemployment and recruiting foreign laborEmploying the UnemployedMr. Fakeih made the best use of facebook when he opened a fan page called Dialogue with the Minister
  • 22. Working teams in 3 cities
  • 23. Analytic studies by consultancy firms
  • 24. Submitting new laws to governmentThank You