By M. B. Jalloh, Freetown
In a world where diplomacy is often defined by politics and protocol, a few exceptional individuals transcend official boundaries to build bridges through compassion, service, and genuine human connection.
Mr. Saleh Hamed Alzahrani stands as one such figure, whose quiet acts of service have, for more than two decades, reinforced Sierra Leone’s bonds with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
A distinguished Saudi businessman, humanitarian, and long-standing friend of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Mr. Alzahrani has been a steadfast partner and benefactor to Sierra Leonean pilgrims during the annual Hajj and Umrah seasons. His name commands admiration among government officials, travel agents, and ordinary pilgrims, not because of wealth or status, but because of his humility, generosity, and unwavering commitment to humanity.
Through his leadership of CO- Zahrani Limited Company in Freetown and Alraja Umrah and Hospitality Company in Makkah, Mr. Alzahrani has ensured that thousands of Sierra Leonean pilgrims receive dignified accommodation, quality catering, and compassionate care while performing one of Islam’s most sacred obligations.
His professionalism and sincerity have earned him enduring respect within Sierra Leone’s Muslim community and beyond. Officials from the Presidential Hajj Task Force describe him as dependable, disciplined, and deeply respectful of Sierra Leonean values. His relationship with the country, they emphasize, is not transactional; it is rooted in trust, respect, and mutual understanding.
Educated at the prestigious King Saud University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, Mr. Alzahrani has built an impressive career in hospitality, travel, and catering. He currently serves as the CEO of Alraja Travel Agency in Conakry, Guinea, and is a partner at Alabraj Catering in Makkah. His expanding network across West Africa and the Middle East reflects both his global vision and his deep commitment to service.
His initiatives have significantly eased the logistical challenges of pilgrimage for Sierra Leonean pilgrims and strengthened cooperation between travel and hospitality partners from both nations.
Despite his many achievements, Mr. Alzahrani remains deeply grounded in faith, family, and community. Guided by the principles of humility, gratitude, and service to humanity, he continues to balance professional success with personal integrity and compassion.
Mr. Alzahrani’s professional engagement with Sierra Leonean institutions and communities has evolved into a partnership rooted in shared values and trust, a foundation that many believe merits formal diplomatic recognition.
It is therefore not surprising that many Sierra Leoneans, at home and abroad, believe Mr. Saleh Hamed Alzahrani is exceptionally well-suited to serve as Honorary Consul of Sierra Leone in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
An Honorary Consul, after all, is more than a ceremonial figure. The role demands integrity, cultural understanding, and an unwavering commitment to national interest, qualities many Sierra Leoneans believe Mr. Alzahrani has consistently demonstrated.
“Saleh’s vast experience, strong personal and professional ties with Sierra Leone, and genuine affection for its people make him uniquely qualified for such a diplomatic assignment,” said a former diplomat at the Sierra Leone Embassy in Riyadh, who preferred anonymity.
Many Sierra Leoneans in Saudi Arabia share a similar view. Abdul Aziz Kargbo, President of the Sierra Leone Nationals’ Union in Saudi Arabia, told this writer in a telephone interview that Mr. Alzahrani’s longstanding support and commitment to ensuring dignified services for Sierra Leonean pilgrims have earned him wide respect within the community.
“He has continuously demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and respect for our national values,” Kargbo affirmed.
For his part, Ibrahim Yusuf Sillah, former President of the Union, noted that Mr. Alzahrani’s appointment would not only streamline and enhance the management of pilgrimage affairs for Sierra Leonean pilgrims, but that his strong ties with Saudi authorities could also prove invaluable in addressing the needs and concerns of Sierra Leoneans residing in the Kingdom.
Mr. Sillah who has lived in the Arab world for over four decades now said: “Naturally, Arabs, especially those in power, would value recommendations and advice emanating from their nationals when it comes to dealing with other nations’ affairs, concerns and needs.”
He furthered: “Thus, having Mr. Al-Zahrani, a Saudi who is highly connected, valued and respected by his compatriots, as Sierra Leone’s Honoray Consul would definitely pay dividends and would also bring laurels to Sierra Leone and Sierra Leoneans.”
Chernoh Mohamed Jalloh (CMJ), a PhD student in Geology at the College of Petroleum, Engineering and Geosciences at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, echoed the similar sentiment.
He highlighted that Mr. Alzahrani’s continued engagement could further advance the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 aspirations, particularly in fostering educational, scientific, and economic partnerships in emerging sectors such as critical minerals research, green hydrogen development, and renewable energy innovation. He noted that such collaborations would not only strengthen the existing bond between the two nations but also contribute to the global drive for sustainable energy and climate resilience.
From a diplomatic perspective, a senior Foreign Ministry official at the Foreign Office in Freetown says appointing individuals like Mr. Alzahrani as Honorary Consul aligns with Sierra Leone’s Foreign Policy objectives of deepening South–South Cooperation and expanding bilateral engagement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
His experience across multiple sectors including hospitality, travel, logistics, and regional trade, positions him to facilitate not only religious and cultural exchange, but also economic partnerships in areas such as tourism, education, and investment, the Sierra Leone diplomat who preferred anonymity added.
In an interview with Saleh Alzahrani, who is currently visiting Sierra Leone and staying at the Lumley Atlantic Hotel in Freetown, he expressed his deep affection for the country and reaffirmed his readiness to serve the nation in any capacity.
“Sierra Leone is very close to my heart,” he said with characteristic modesty. “For many years, I have worked with its people, shared in their joys and challenges, and built lifelong friendships. If the government or people of Sierra Leone deem it fit for me to serve, whether as Honorary Consul in Saudi Arabia or elsewhere, I will gladly do so. It would be an honour to serve a country I deeply love.”
He added with humility:
“Service to Sierra Leone is not a duty, it’s a joy.”
His words resonated with sincerity, reflecting the same humility and dedication that have defined his decades-long relationship with the country. Over the years, Mr. Alzahrani’s collaboration with Sierra Leone’s Hajj authorities has promoted the nation’s image in the Kingdom and fostered enduring goodwill between Sierra Leoneans and Saudis. His quiet diplomacy – built on trust, humility, and action, continues to speak louder than any formal title.
As Sierra Leone seeks to expand its diplomatic and economic presence in the Middle East, a Saudi diplomat at the Saudi Foreign Office in Riyadh noted that Saleh Alzahrani stands out as a rare and worthy ambassador of friendship.
Mr. Alzahrani’s story is a reminder that diplomacy need not always wear a suit of politics, sometimes it wears the simple smile of service and the heart of humanity.
