Fond memories of life in London revived

Every year, the Saudi British Society awards one person from each of the countries for their outstanding contributions to enhancing relations between the two nations.

In September, I received an email from a friend, William Paty, informing me that the SBS trustees had nominated me for this year’s award and asking if I would be willing to accept the prize on Thursday, Nov. 23, during the society’s annual dinner at the Institute of Directors’ building in Pall Mall, London. Rawabi Holding sponsored the award.

In the early 1990s, I was involved with SBS events during the post of the late ambassador Dr. Ghazi Al-Gosaibi, followed by Prince Turki Al-Faisal. The aims of the SBS include promoting closer friendship and understanding between the people of Saudi Arabia and the UK and bringing together British citizens and visitors interested in Saudi Arabia with likeminded Saudis.

Thursday’s award night brought back fond memories of London, where I lived and worked for one-third of my career.

Farewell words cannot be free of mixed emotions, and my emotions cannot be free of mixed feelings. Last Thursday was full of emotions and a night to remember for years. One of my dear friends had wished me a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. I will aim for it.

I was in the city for the birth of my youngest daughter, Alma. As a student there, I traveled around the capital by bus and on the London Underground, and later organized high-profile polo cups at Windsor attended and participated in by Saudi and UK royals.

It was in London where my BMG Foundation was created, and in total, I organized 24 polo cups and 12 classical music concerts there, along with 16 economic forums at the London Stock Exchange.

When I moved on from London, I left behind many close friends.

Farewell words cannot be free of mixed emotions, and my emotions cannot be free of mixed feelings. Last Thursday was full of emotions and a night to remember for years. One of my dear friends had wished me a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. I will aim for it.

My thanks go out to the SBS trustees, William Paty, and Abdulaziz Al-Turki for giving me the feeling that there is no farewell to London.

Basil M.K. Al-Ghalayini is the chairman and CEO of BMG Financial Group.