Q/A with UA Political Science Alumnus Dr. Salman Al Sudairy

Dr. Salman Abdulrahman Al Sudairy, who was recently in Tucson as part of the UA-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) reunion, is an entrepreneur in Saudi Arabia with many different business interests.

Dr. Al Sudairy is the managing director and majority owner of the EYAT Company. EYAT operates retail boutiques in Saudi Arabia that sell luxury clothing and accessories. Since establishing EYAT, he has focused on developing local and regional investments. He is chairman of the board of Tejoury, a records management company in Riyadh. He is also a board member of the publicly-held Saudi Re, Saudi Reinsurance Company. He is a co-owner and board member of Bateel International, the gourmet food company led by his brother, Dr. Ziad Al Sudairy.

Dr. Al Sudairy has a Ph.D. in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin, an MBA in Finance from Northwestern University, and a B.A. in political science from the University of Arizona.

Why did you attend the UA, and why did you major in political science?

I was studying in Lebanon when the civil war erupted and I was unable to return to my high school. My brother Ziad was studying at the UA and that facilitated my trip to Tucson and from there to the University. The choice of major was driven by a combination of factors along with, frankly, my uncertain career path.  

Do you recall any favorite classes or professors?

There were many professors that played a positive role but Professor Tom Volgy was my advisor and played a key part in furthering my studies. Also Professor Robert Tindall was a mentor and a friend.

In what ways do you feel your UA education helped prepare you for your future career and achievements?

My self-confidence and work ethics evolved and I began to take on challenges that enabled me to grow further and become better, I think.

What advice do you have for UA graduates looking for their first job?

Work smart and hard, be a team player, and also be a better person with a positive and can-do attitude.

What do you consider the benefits of a social and behavioral/liberal arts education?

Critical thinking along with the ability to properly approach and problem solve issues. In addition, the ability to identify, assess, and utilize information that ultimately goes into a proper articulation and communication of key messages.