Ghazi al-Gosaibi

Ghazi al-Gosaibi (1940 - 2010) was a multi-talented individual known as a poet, novelist, and the first Minister of Industry and Electricity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He was highly prolific, publishing approximately seventy books throughout his lifetime, averaging one book per year. His novel "al-Usfuriyah" was recognized as one of the top thirty-five Arabic novels. Additionally, al-Gosaibi wrote lyrical poetry, with one of his most notable works, "Ajal Nahnu al-Hijaz wa Nahnu Najd," being performed by Mohammed Abdu as a national song.

One of al-Gosaibi's most acclaimed novels is "An Apartment Called Freedom." Notably, he documented his experiences as one of the few Saudi ministers who wrote a book about their time in office. In "A Life in Administration," he intricately detailed his entire journey, providing insight into its nuances and backgrounds.

Al-Gosaibi was widely known for frequently transitioning between various Saudi ministries. He held four key positions, starting with the Ministry of Industry and Electricity, followed by the Ministry of Health, then the Ministry of Water, and finally, the Ministry of Labor. In this last role, he played a significant part in promoting job localization efforts and reducing unemployment rates.

Born in al-Ahsa Governorate, located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, al-Gosaibi spent his formative years and childhood in Bahrain. This period had a substantial influence on his cultural development and poetry. He completed his high school education in Bahrain before relocating to Cairo, Egypt. There, he pursued a bachelor's degree in Law and later obtained a master's degree in International Public Relations from the University of Southern California. Subsequently, he earned a doctorate in the same field from the University of London.

Ghazi al-Gosaibi composed his first poem at the tender age of twelve. By the time he was around nineteen, he published his debut poetry collection, titled "Pearl Islands." As he pursued his higher education, he undertook various positions, in addition to his roles in different ministries. Notably, al-Gosaibi served as an ambassador to Bahrain and the United Kingdom, representing Saudi Arabia on an international scale. At the beginning of his professional journey, he was a lecturer at King Saud University and the dean of the College of Commerce.

An exceptional aspect of al-Gosaibi's contributions lies in his pioneering efforts to establish charitable associations. He played a significant role in the establishment of several philanthropic organizations, including the Disabled Children's Association in Riyadh and the al-Bir Association in both Riyadh and the Eastern Province. As a testament to his achievements, he was honored at the Second Conference of Saudi Writers in Makkah al-Mukarramah in 1998. Given his profound literary experience, Ghazi al-Gosaibi's works have captured the interest and become subjects of study for postgraduate students.