The E-Majlis | Saudi Ministers in Social Media

DefinitionFrom WikipediaMajlis (also spelled Majalis or Mejlis, Arabic: مجلس), 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 Husayn ibn 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,' جلس jalasa (cf. British English 'sitting room)

The Majlis is a platform of government and/or communications between leaders and subjects

Platform of Government/ Communications

The “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 Continues

In 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."

Roula KhalafFinancial 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 Sulieman’s 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 Population

•27.1 million (8.4m non Saudis)•Illiteracy rate: 6.7% males 18.2% females •65% under 25

MobilePopulation

Internet penetration: 5% in 2001 jumped to 41% by the 3rd quarter 2010

70% of the Saudis surfed the net at least once

Saudis spends 133 minutes/day on internet (130 minutes for TV)

Saudis watch 36 million video/day on YouTube (150 million minutes/day)

95% have mobile phones (65% with internet capability)

35% of mobile subscribers are connected (65 minutes/day)

Mobile net subscription grew by 50%

34 million search/day on google from Saudi Arabia

Justice on facebook•Dr. Mohamed Al Eissa (an ex judge) is the youngest member of the Saudi cabinet•With a PhD in Shari’a 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 extremists

Justice on facebook•Dr. Al Eissa’s 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 Speech•Dr. Abdulaziz Khoja, the minister of culture and information became one of the most popular ministers among journalists, media corps, and intellectuals•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 •The debate on his page revolves on freedom of speech and the occasional ban on media outlets

Freedom of Speech•Facebook users enjoyed the openness in the minister’s page by flooding it with comments on the media and cultural scene in the country•In many cases he found himself in a defensive position for the policies of his ministry and himself as an intellectual

Employing the Unemployed•Mr. Adel Fakih came to the Public Service from the private sector where he led on of the biggest companies•As the minister of labor he has to deal with some of the hottest issues: Unemployment and recruiting foreign labor

Employing the Unemployed•Mr. Fakeih made the best use of facebook when he opened a fan page called “Dialogue with the Minister”

•Suggestions from the public•Working teams in 3 cities•Analytic studies by consultancy firms•Submitting new laws to government

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