NAQUA: Unraveling the Meaning in a Name – The Strength and Excellence of a Global Aquaculture Leader

The third version, نقوا, was the selected rendition for the company,
a decision laden with purpose as it translates to "being strong". 

In the barren expanse of the desert, a powerhouse in the global aquaculture and seafood landscape rose, ambitiously tearing down the borders of possibility – National Aquaculture Group or more commonly known as NAQUA. Yet, it wasn't until recently, only a week ago to be exact, that the deeper significance of its name, clothed in the elegance of Arabic language, was made known to me and is truly acknowledged and appreciated.

In 2018, the company embraced the acronym NAQUA as its official name, a portmanteau of the words 'National Aquaculture Group.' To many, the name NAQUA was just a simplification, a convenient coining that encapsulated a vastly complex operation. Yet, unknown to most, managers and employees alike, the name takes an elevated and richer meaning in the beautiful Arabic script.

Written in Arabic, NAQUA can manifest in three variations – نقوى, نقوة, and نقوا, each iteration carrying its own deeply symbolic meaning that reverberates through the ethos of what this pioneering company represents.

The first two variants, نقوى and نقوة, as explained to me by Hassan Asmary, NAQUA's CHRO, signify "the best of the best." The analogy, encapsulated in the imagery of carefully selecting the prime dried date fruit from a plentiful basket, delineates the essence of NAQUA's quality – being chosen as the peak, the prime, the epitome of excellence.

NAQUA is not just the obvious choice among good options in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East; it stands as an unparalleled entity in the global arena, signifying not merely excellence, but apex excellence! This transcendent interpretation of excellence is mirrored in the company's relentless dedication to nurturing and producing the finest aquaculture products and services. The brand unequivocally is the best of the best!

The third version, نقوا, was the selected rendition for the company, a decision laden with purpose as it translates to "being strong". Indeed, NAQUA's more than 30 years of industry leadership in the demanding and ever-changing sphere of desert coast aquaculture farming crystallizes this very strength. It's no longer about merely surviving; it's about consistently thriving in challenging terrains, exhibiting robustness, resilience, and opulence.

With an indomitable spirit and an undeniably resilient  track record, NAQUA withstood the test of time, evolving into a formidable leader in the industry. The recent acquisition of a 42.4% stake by the Saudi Agricultural & Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) not only exemplifies NAQUA's monumental strength but also the company's profound commitment to aquaculture advancements and food sustainability. This strategic partnership illuminates NAQUA's targeted towards the Vision 2030, an enriched and self-sustaining Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by 2030.

The Arabic translations of NAQUA – strength and apex excellence – are far from mere coincidences; instead they resonate deeply with the company's vision, mission, and the quality of services it offers. While these interpretations of NAQUA have been hidden in plain sight, their recent discovery has shed light to me on NAQUA brand's deeper essence, encapsulating a proud legacy and an unwavering commitment to leading the global aquaculture and seafood industry.

Life's Perspective: the Zebra Question

(Photo: Chantal de Bruijne/Shutterstock)

Zebra Question

~Shel Silverstein

I asked the zebra

Are you black with white stripes?

Or white with black stripes?

And the zebra asked me,

Or you good with bad habits?

Or are you bad with good habits?

Are you noisy with quiet times?

Or are you quiet with noisy times?

Are you happy with some sad days?

Or are you sad with some happy days?

Are you neat with some sloppy ways?

Or are you sloppy with some neat ways?

And on and on and on and on

And on and on he went.

I'll never ask a zebra

About stripes 

Again.

The Importance of Perspective

The reality of life is always full of dual perspective. Both sides of these dichotomies are true for all of us. Most of us rely much on our perception and define our perspective to give meaning to what is happening around us. We decide and define our perspective based on our perception and experiences, resulting to reality. 

'PEACE ON EARTH!' - What do you think of this photo?

"Finally, Peace on Earth!"
Photo from Hannah Hawkes Photography Facebook Page

"A picture is worth a thousand words" 

The idiom which refers to the notion that a complex idea can be conveyed with just a single still image, or that an image of a subject conveys its meaning and essence more effectively than a description does, was made real when a Louisiana-based photographer posted a family photo she took in her Hannah Hawkes Photography Facebook Page. As soon as the photo was posted, it quickly went viral that not only a thousand words, but tens of thousand words were contributed by netizens about the controversial Holiday-duct photo. 

The family photo shows the girls and the mom bound by Christmas lights and their mouths taped shut with neon green duct tape, as the dad holds 'Peace on Earth' sign while the little boy stands next to him, giving the camera a thumbs up. 

The photographer faced a big backlash for this holiday picture in a way that critics reportedly took issue with the picture, calling it sexist and promoting the idea of domestic violence and silencing women while others apparently thought the photo was just a harmless joke.

On December 15, Hawkes defended the photo and wrote on her Facebook page status, saying it was requested by the family pictured and in no way meant to promote abuse.

"After being silent, now isn't that ironic, I would like to speak! 

I have been called every name in the book, and have received some very hateful and vulgar comments and messages. I would like to say that as a female I do NOT and have never promoted violence to women! 

I do not support abuse, or the degradation of women. My controversial photo was taken by request by the family, and was in no way meant to promote abuse. 

This photo was taken with humor in mind, and was meant as a comical Christmas photo. I personally know this family, and have known them for many years. They are not abusive to their children in any shape or form. Also, I would like to add that no one was harmed during the process! So everyone have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and MAY GOD BLESS you and yours!"

This defense fell on deaf ears. With hundreds of shares, the company’s Facebook page has been shut down.

PHOTOGRAPHER’S FACEBOOK PAGE GETS SHUT DOWN AFTER CONTROVERSIAL HOLIDAY DUCT-TAPE PHOTO

I love Photography. I even would like to be a Photographer because pictures and images speak louder than words. So much can be extracted and communicated from a single photo. I am a visual-type of person for that reason. But even with the same photo, it may be perceived differently by others. It may mean differently to other viewers.

Since the time of Hippocrates, researchers and experts in the field of personality and human behavior have been seeking ways to understand how different personality and behavioral styles perceive things and impact others. It was found out that what is inside, what is hidden, what is not seen by others is what usually comes out when a person reacts. The thing inside of us is what comes out when we're asked how we perceive things and images.

So what is the intent of this photo? The photograph very loudly speaks what it intends to convey.

It was obviously meant as a joke. Maybe done in jest? To some it may have been done in poor taste. Others find it funny. To some it may be insensitive and disturbing. To others it could be degrading. Still others see it as artistic.

We cannot put judgment on the sentiment of the photo. The family meant it the way to be.

The value of the photo lies on how it is received.

How do you look at this photo? What are your thoughts about it?

The judgment is yours!

Here are two other photos that could have been taken together during the photo shot of that now controversial photo with the green duct tape

Johnson Family Photos
Photo from Hannah Hawkes Photography Facebook Page

The photographer had so much fun with these three at the Grant Christmas Tree Farm!
Photo from Hannah Hawkes Photography Facebook Page

J u s t   t h i n k i n g   o u t  l o u d !