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Ahmad AlShugairi
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Date of birth
Jul 17, 1973
Nationality
Place of birth
Jeddah , Saudi Arabia
Constellation
Biography
Ahmad AlShugairi is a celebrated Saudi TV presenter, author, and entrepreneur with Palestinian origins. He gained immense popularity across the Arab world for his compelling programs, particularly the renowned “Khawater” series, which addressed critical social issues and encouraged open-mindedness, tolerance, and progress among Arab youth. His shows are widely credited with influencing a significant positive shift in the attitudes and behaviors among the younger generation.
Shugairi holds an MBA degree from the University of California. Having once established a successful private business, he committed its proceeds partially to philanthropic activities as an act of sincere charity. Beyond television, Ahmad authored several influential books reflecting his journey and perspectives, including titles like “Khawater” and “My Journey with Gandhi.”
What You Didn’t Know About Ahmad AlShugairi
Ahmad AlShugairi briefly abandoned religious practices during his studies in the U.S., later returning through deep spiritual reflection and guidance from close friends.
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Early Life
Born into a wealthy family in Jeddah, Ahmad was privileged to study abroad in the United States. During this overseas experience, he temporarily distanced himself from religious obligations and picked up habits like smoking. However, his return to Saudi Arabia marked a significant transformation. Inspired by pious individuals like Sheikh Adnan Al-Zahrani, he rediscovered Islam’s core teachings and became dedicated to utilizing contemporary methods to enhance Islamic and social awareness among the youth.
The Personal Life
Ahmad AlShugairi has been married twice. While his first marriage didn’t last, his second marriage—to Rola Dashisha—has been stable and peaceful. They have two children together, sons named Yusuf and Ibrahim. Ahmad is known as a practicing Sunni Muslim.
Quick Facts
- Ahmad pursued his higher education in the United States, receiving an MBA degree from the prestigious University of California.
- During his years in America, Ahmad went through significant struggles spiritually before reconnecting with religion.
- “Khawater,” his trademark TV series, aired consistently during Ramadan for 11 successful years.
- Besides “Khawater,” Ahmad presented well-received programs, including “Law Kan Baynana,” “Journey,” and “Yalla Shabab.”
Famous Quotes أحمد الشقيري
- “My primary focus is always supporting a generation with fresh ideas that can uplift our nation.”
- “There’s no greater wrongdoing than a sin, except if we feel no remorse afterwards.”
- “Please neither think too highly of me, for I might disappoint you, nor think too poorly of me, so you won’t underestimate me. Rather, consider me without assumptions, so I can just be myself.”
- “How harshly some humans judge others and communicate judgments.”
- “Let’s teach our children an Islam of curiosity and exploration, not merely one of orders.”
Achievements
- Ahmad’s journey into media began in 2002 with the youth-oriented TV show, “Yalla Shabab,” addressing real issues confronting Arab adolescents. He later developed “Khawater,” which became his career-defining work, with its powerful and innovative approach to reviving Islamic civilization and promoting social reform. Despite initial disputes over its Ramadan airing schedule with broadcaster MBC, the show became widely beloved, running successfully for eleven consecutive years and delivering impactful, ethic-themed messages in an approachable, practical manner.
- Alongside his TV success, Shugairi authored influential works adding depth to his commitment toward positive influence. His book, “My Journey with Gandhi,” showcased his efforts to highlight peaceful coexistence in Islam’s teachings and similarities with values promoted globally.
- Internationally recognized for his positive, progressive messaging, Ahmad AlShugairi was notably nominated among influential figures impacting the Arab world’s thought and societal reform efforts.
Other
Ahmad AlShugairi continually emphasizes efforts toward restoring the greatness of Islamic civilization through innovation and genuine reflection of Islam’s core values—tolerance, peace, knowledge, and coexistence. Interestingly, Ahmad earmarks much of his media-generated profits (program income, books, speaking engagements) to charitable causes, reflecting an unwavering commitment to philanthropic principles.
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