Malta’s Outgoing Ambassador Calls Saudi Arabia His “Newfound Home” After Five Years of Service

Riyadh – After five years of exemplary diplomatic service, Clive Aquilina Spagnol, the outgoing ambassador of Malta to Saudi Arabia, has concluded his official post, but his journey in the Kingdom is far from over.

The ambassador has chosen to continue living in Saudi Arabia, calling it his “newfound home” and expressing deep admiration for the culture, people, and opportunities the country offers.

Spagnol arrived in Saudi Arabia in November 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenging circumstances, he embraced the Kingdom with enthusiasm, determined to explore its rich culture, language, and traditions.

“I want to learn about Saudi Arabia, about Saudi people. I want to go through the walls, see how they work and see how they live, what they think, and discover that they think beautifully, they are open-minded, they traveled the world,” he said, reflecting his genuine curiosity and respect for the nation.

Throughout his tenure, the ambassador focused on deepening and realigning the diplomatic and economic cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Malta. He identified key market opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing and education, helping both countries better understand each other’s potential for collaboration.

“Diplomatic cooperation started decades ago, and they were active or modestly active in the ’80s. For the past six to seven years, the engagement has improved a lot,” Spagnol noted, highlighting the sustained growth in bilateral relations during his term.

One notable aspect of his work was balancing his role as both ambassador and consul. While consular duties are often viewed as administrative, Spagnol found tremendous personal and professional fulfillment in engaging directly with Saudi families.

“Through the consular work, you meet families, you meet beautiful families, you have a lot of contact with the real Saudis. That’s what made me make a lot of friends,” he explained. His approach allowed him to forge lifelong friendships and a deep personal connection to the Kingdom, beyond formal diplomatic networks.

Spagnol also dedicated time to exploring Saudi Arabia extensively, venturing beyond major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam to regions such as Najran, Jouf, and Tabuk, often being the first Maltese diplomat to visit these areas.

By documenting his travels, he encouraged tourism and cultural exchange, helping showcase Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes and heritage to a global audience. “Saudi tourism is also increasing to Malta and vice versa,” he said, emphasizing the positive impact of cultural diplomacy on mutual understanding.

The ambassador’s immersion in local life extended to cultural and recreational experiences. He spent time camping in the desert with Saudi families and participating in traditional activities, demonstrating a genuine interest in and respect for the Kingdom’s customs. “I am proud of it … I am staying in Saudi Arabia, I am not moving out of the Kingdom. I decided to make this place my home. It exceeded my expectations,” he said.

Spagnol’s commitment to the Gulf region is reinforced by over a decade of experience in countries such as Qatar, the UAE, and Oman, bringing a wealth of regional insight to his role in Saudi Arabia.

His tenure has been marked not only by professional achievements but also by meaningful personal connections and cultural engagement, leaving a lasting legacy for Maltese-Saudi relations.

As he concludes his official mission, Clive Aquilina Spagnol’s story stands as a testament to the power of diplomacy rooted in respect, curiosity, and cultural immersion. His decision to make Saudi Arabia his home reflects the enduring bonds formed during his service and the opportunities the Kingdom offers for international cooperation, personal growth, and cultural exchange.