A touching story of loyalty and recognition has gone viral: a dedicated Pakistani worker was surprised with a golden brick (gold bar) worth approximately SAR 200,000 (around $53,000 USD) after completing 42 years of continuous service in Saudi Arabia. The emotional ceremony, shared widely on social media in February 2026, shows the longtime employee, identified in some posts as Ahmed Khan Qandal or a similar name, receiving the engraved gold bar from his employer.
The worker arrived in Saudi Arabia in late 1983 at age 23 during the reign of King Fahd bin Abdulaziz. Over four decades, he devoted his life to the company, starting young and staying committed through major changes in the kingdom.
The company’s chairman, Abdul Salam Al-Mutlaq, personally presented the symbolic gift in a box noting the exact years of service, calling the employee “a piece of gold” for his hard work and dedication.
The video captures the moment of surprise, tears, hugs, and gratitude, as the worker expressed disbelief at the honor. Social media users praised it as a “powerful reminder” that loyalty, patience, and perseverance are valued.
Comments like “He spent his prime life there” and “Allahuma Barik” flooded posts on Instagram, Facebook, and X, highlighting the sacrifices of overseas Pakistanis (over 2.6 million in Saudi Arabia, contributing billions in remittances).
While the story echoes a similar 2020 case where a Pakistani employee at Al-Fanar company received the same honor after 42 years, this recent viral clip has renewed appreciation for long-term expat workers. It underscores Saudi Arabia’s culture of rewarding dedication and the deep bond many Pakistanis build abroad.
In a world of fast-changing jobs, this gesture celebrates steadfast commitment and inspires hope for hardworking overseas Pakistanis everywhere.
