The Powers That Be

The Powers That Be is the exciting and adventurous non-fiction account of one American's fascinating experiences as the Chief Executive Officer of a highly prestigious private hospital in the Middle East, at that time, owned by one of the richest and most controversial individuals in the world. The book describes the complex situations and challenges of managing such a unique hospital in an environment of "shifting sands". It provides a keen insight into the business and social culture of Saudi Arabia, its people, and the Middle East in general. It describes the many natural wonders of this mysterious and magnificent vast peninsula and some of its history. It allows one to see clearly the extremes between the life styles of the simple Bedouins and the ostentation of the privileged few. Most intriguing is the vivid description of what can happen when an influential Saudi family falls out of favour with the "powers that be" and how swiftly strategic collaboration can turn into reverse privatization and the aftermaths of such. It clearly demonstrates that mirages are not necessarily limited to the deserts of Saudi Arabia when the Monarchy flexes its muscles.