From Agriculture to Hospitality: A Thorny Road to Success

Dr. Abdullah Mohammed Abdullah Al-Omaran

King Faisal Foundation changed my life 180 degrees. It is absolutely a turning point in my life. Here is the story!

I failed to complete my undergraduate studies in Agriculture at the Department of Veterinary at King Faisal University. Thus, I lived in dismay.

In 1999, a college of Tourism and Business Administration was established in Abha city, and I was genuinely interested in tourism. Gratefully, the scholarship I got from King Faisal Foundation enabled me to pursue my study successfully and get a BA degree with an upper very good grade.

Dr. AlOmran’s cultural mission visits in 2008

In 2005, I was granted a scholarship to study language at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After that, I obtained a master’s degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

A Grim Puzzle Piece in a Bright Life Picture: A Debt and Divorce; yet a PH. D Degree and University Department Chairpersonship

I returned to Saudi Arabia, and I spent six months working at the General Organization for Technical and Vocational Training, then I moved to the University of Hail.

The University of Hail was able to sponsor my study at Hull University to obtain a doctorate degree in Management- Tourism Marketing.

Dr. AlOmran with the external examiners after defending his thesis in 2018

During my PhD study years, I faced social and financial challenges. I had a debt of 1.4M and I ended up in a divorce and separation from my children.

Early stage of Dr.AlOmran’s journey to pursue his PhD in 2013

However, thanks to God, I have successfully overcome these obstacles.

After I completed my postgraduate studies, I was appointed as a Chairperson of the Tourism and Archaeology Department at the University of Hail.

Dr.AlOmran with his father and brother at his P.HD’s graduation ceremony

The advice I can give to others is to have patience while struggling and to stay hopeful in achieving your goals.

Dr.AlOmran with his children after 5 years-separation

I think computer and communication technology are the best latest inventions in human history and this is quite evident in our daily lives. I have written three articles on consumer behavior with emphasis on information technology as I believe that it represents the future of tourism marketing.