'2007 Connecting Cultures' challengers welcomed back in Riyadh

Riyadh, Feb 27th, 2007: The General Presidency of Youth Welfare and SNAS/DHL today hosted a press conference to welcome back the representatives of Saudi Arabia to the 2007 Connecting Cultures Expedition recently held in Oman to share their learnings, thoughts and experiences.

The recent expedition, which was endorsed by the Saudi General Presidency of Youth Welfare (SGPYW) in partnership with SNAS/DHL, saw 16 boys from six nations spend a week together in the desert of Oman, including three representatives of Saudi Arabia. The trip stimulated many discussions among the participants, including a vision of the world in 2030 while focusing on communication and decision making skills.

Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Dabasy, General Manager of Youth Activities Commission at the SGPYW said: "Based on the directives of HRH Prince Sultan bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, President of GPYW, we fully supported the initiative to allow for multi-cultural dialogue take place among Saudi participants and other young men from around the world."

Paul Chader, SNAS/DHL Sales and Marketing Manager for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia said: "As the leading express and logistics provider in the Kingdom, we take every opportunity to support local communities across the region. SNAS/DHL is proud to partner with this incredible educational initiative for the second time to promote dialogue and understanding among the different backgrounds."

Mark Evans, founder of Connecting Cultures, commented: "Connecting Cultures bring together young people from the East and West to experience challenging wilderness journeys. Everybody agrees that education of the young is crucial, but very few programmes bring young people face to face the way Connecting Cultures does."

"This initiative helps to develop and promote cultural dialogue and understanding among youths and at the same time helps promote Saudi Arabia by demonstrating national traditions, Islamic tolerance, accepting and embracing expatriates from all ethnicities to live and work in peace," Mr. Al Dabasy added.

SNAS/ DHL is engaged in multiple community efforts including blood donations and the recent Omrah trip, which the company sponsored for 11 deaf-mute students from Al Amal Institute in Najran. Hicham Mahmoud, Communications Manager for SNAS/DHL said: "These initiatives form part of DHL's overall community focus of supporting local students for potential future recruitment opportunities with DHL."

"The trip next year will take place in February in Oman for the second time, as the location is easily accessible and wild.  This said we would like to consider holding a Connecting Cultures adventure on Saudi soil in the future," Evans added.

-Ends-

About DHL
DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specialising in providing innovative and customised solutions from a single source.

DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport and contract logistic solutions, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets. DHL's international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. 285,000 employees are dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers' expectations.

DHL is 100% owned by Deutsche Post World Net. 

For information on Connecting Culture programme Please follow this link below: www.connectingcultures.co.uk

Media Inquiries:
Bashar Kharbat/ Adel G. Ahmed
ASDA'A Public Relations,
Tel: +966 1 4640051
Mobile:+966 56987 8761
Fax: +966 1 4628219
A.Ahmed@asdaa.com

Hicham Mahmoud
SNAS/DHL Saudi Arabia
T:+966 3 8829193
F:+966 3 8829168
E-mail: hicham.mahmoud@dhl.com  

© Press Release 2007