In many Gulf countries, it's quite uncommon to see locals take up jobs as waiters or baristas. But, young people in the region are slowly changing this.
One of them is Abdullah Al Kalbani, a Omani engineering graduate who shared his experience working as a barista while studying in the U.S.
In a tweet posted late on Friday, the young man explained how his student job changed his life. His upload has since gone viral and continues to make the rounds online.
"Tonight was my last day working at Starbucks. The least I could say about the six months I spent here is that they were the most beautiful out of the time I spent in the U.S. I learned new and versatile skills and met new friends. But, the most important thing I have to say is that the inferior look some in our societies have towards those who work in restaurants is completely nonexistent here."
His post broke Khaleeji Twitter
People absolutely loved it
"You're amazing and inspirational brother Abdullah... may you always be an example we're all proud of."
"I honestly congratulate you"
Others could relate to his words
"What you're saying is so true... and when you go to ask for someone's hand in marriage, they only look at your profession."
Because work is never something to be ashamed of
"This inferior look only comes from people who don't know what it means to have priorities, values and different perspectives in life. I am always proud to work with the men and women of my country."
"I wish people who mistreat and disrespect domestic workers read your tweet"
The post inspired many to share their own experiences
"I've been working at a Starbucks in Saudi Arabia and I've never come across people who look down on me for it. On the contrary, many express their pride in seeing a Saudi in these places."
This stigma is slowly being pushed to the side
"I've worked in a Starbucks in Abha, Riyadh and Jeddah for two years and I've never felt like anyone is looking down on me."
Al Kalbani has since shared more details
After his tweet went viral, Al Kalbani made a statement to Hala FM, sharing more details about his experience.
"The idea began in one of my last semesters at college. I didn't have a huge study load and decided to work," he said.
"As an international student my visa only allowed me to work within the campus of my university. A Starbucks branch is open in the campus' library, so I applied for a job there. I was nervous because I didn't have any experience in the field, but they quickly responded and trained me for the role," he added.
When asked if he cares about his local society's views on such professions, Al Kalbani said:
"No, I don't care about how society views what I do, I'll do what I love regardless of what anyone says."