Saudi Arabian minister serves burgers to get nationals to work

Jeddah: Several customers, Saudis and expatriates alike, enjoyed a rare taste of hospitality from a VIP waiter at a new fast-food restaurant in Jeddah.

The enthusiastic waiter busied himself for nearly three hours at the restaurant, serving customers with a smiling face and diligent hands.

The waiter in uniform was jokingly asking customers for a tip for his excellent service. He was none other than Minister of Labour Dr Gazi Al Gosaibi (left).

The minister acted as waiter after opening Federex, the first hospitality restaurant managed and employed by Saudi youths in Jeddah on Sunday. The restaurant was an initiative of the hospitality committee at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The minister urged young Saudis to create a better job culture. "We should see enjoyment in all types of jobs. Hard work, end-urance and enthusiasm are important factors to be developed by young Saudi jobseekers," he said while drawing attention to the success stories of several Saudi leaders and prominent businessmen.

"They were simple men who rose to heights of fame and popularity through steady effort and hard work.

"Some of them worked even in restaurants while studying abroad," he said, citing the examples of Abdul Rahman Al Sadhan, secretary-general of the Council of Ministers, and former Minister of Communications Dr Ali Al Johani.