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December 2, 2005 |
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KING ABDULLAH, CROWN PRINCE SULTAN AND THE PRINCES TAKE PART IN THE SAUDI AL-ARDAH. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz graced a grand festival held by Riyadh's nationals celebrating the Monarch. The festival was attended by Prince Mishaal Ibn Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General. Upon arrival at Prince Faisal Ibn Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz Stadium, the King was received by Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Riyadh Region; Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of State, Cabinet Member and Chief of Court of Cabinet's Presidency; Prince Nawaf Ibn Faisal Ibn Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, Vice President of Youth Welfare and Prince Dr. Abdul Aziz Ibn Mohammed Ibn Ayyaf Al Miqren, Mayor of Riyadh. A speech ceremony was held on this occasion. Addressing the ceremony, Prince Salman greeted the King on behalf of Riyadh's nationals. He said that the Monarch and citizens reciprocate love, sincerity and faithfulness. Prince Salman addressed the King saying that you said in your speech following the pledge of allegiance that the Holy Quran is the constitution of this country and you adhere to the Prophet's Sunnah (Tradition) as did your brothers, father and grandfathers. The Prince added that we are linked in our country with those who say the truth. He said that history has proved that the Royal Family is the family of unity, solidarity, cooperation, cordiality and love. Your brothers, the Royal Family and people are all united behind you, he said. "We pin great hope on you. Your actions in the past foretold of a bright future," he added. The Riyadh city houses people from all over the Kingdom, Prince Salman said. "I welcome you to Riyadh on behalf of all of them," the governor said addressing the king. All Saudi people love the king and pledge their allegiance to him and the Crown Prince, he said. He also underscored the strong relationship between the Saudi leadership and people. He wished the Monarch and the Crown Prince all success. The speech of Riyadh's nationals was delivered by Member of Shoura Council Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Thinayyan. He announced Riyadh nationals' donation to set up a civilized landmark in name of King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, located on an area of 1.5 square meters, west Riyadh. Its design will be offered to a world competition for specializing companies, he said and added that it will be a core of a civilized center encompassing educational and entertainment gardens, health clubs and biology museums. He noted that the King will inaugurate this exemplary landmark. Chairman of the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Riyadh Abdul Rahman Al-Jeraisi said the grand festival organized by citizens of Riyadh region in honor of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, has embodied the existing coherence between the Leader and his sons. 'The festival is an expression of loyalty to the King', he said. Al-Jeraisi highlighted the wisdom and farsightedness of King Abdullah in tackling internal and external problems. 'King Abdullah is a popular King, and he is keen on leading the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the path of development and progress, said Al-Jeraisi adding that 'the King has also earned the respect of all Arab and Muslim nations'. In an unprecedented show of support, tens of thousands of Saudis from all over the capital city and adjacent areas thronged Prince Faisal Ibn Fahd Stadium to accord a grand reception to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to mark his accession to the throne and pledge their allegiance. The reception was attended by a large number of princes and high-ranking officials including Crown Prince Sultan, deputy Prime Minister and minister of defense and aviation. The scent of "bukhoor", the famous Arabic fume, started to fill the air as people from all over the capital were getting ready to welcome King Abdullah as the moment came for them to embrace him as their new leader. Prince Faisal Ibn Fahd Stadium in Malaz echoed with cheers and applause from the thousands of citizens who thronged the sports facility hours before the king's arrival. The ceremony, which was organized by the people of Riyadh, was magnificent. Little children who came along with their parents were raising the king's photos. Many young and elderly came holding Saudi flags. Some youth even took the opportunity to color their faces with green and white, the two colors of the Saudi flag. The capital was welcoming its new king. And the joy was felt everywhere. The police band that came to the stadium to play the national anthem began playing famous national songs that got the crowds cheering and singing along. Preparations for the royal reception were complete many hours before the king's arrival. Security officers were deployed outside of the stadium to organize the crowds coming in while royal guards were organizing the seating inside. Folklore bands were doing their final auditions before the king's arrival on the red carpets placed in the middle of the field. Some 14,000 Saudis from around the capital and adjacent areas filled the stadium turning its orange seats into green with Saudi flags and posters of King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan. Moments before the king's arrival, Riyadh Governor Prince Salman appeared waving to the cheering crowds before taking his place. When King Abdullah entered the stadium there was a sign of indescribable joy as the crowds cheered him. "The king of hearts" had finally made his return to the heart of the Kingdom. Colonel Khalid Ibn Nasser Al-Sibei highlighted the role of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in building the National Guard. He reiterated the pledge of allegiance and loyalty to the new Monarch and his Crown Prince. He said all the citizens are sincere to the wise leadership. He prayed to Allah to protect the Monarch. Later the King, princes and the guests watched folk dances followed by recital of poetry by Abdullah Ibn Naif Ibn Own, Khalid Al-Khenain and Fahd Ibn Mohammed Al-Sayyari. Prince Dr. Abdul Aziz Ibn Mohammed Ibn Ayyaf Aal Muqrin presented commemorative gifts to King Abdullah, Prince Mishaal Ibn Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Sultan. King Abdullah participated with the citizens in performing the sword dance Al-Ardhah. Riyadh wore a festive color with Welcome messages mounted at bridges, flyovers and major X-roads, reading Long Live the leader, who loves and is loved by the people, The residents of Riyadh welcome the King of Humanity, The residents of Riyadh receive you with love and pledge allegiance to you with honor. Your presence at our celebration is a source of pride to all of us, Riyadh residents welcome the King of hearts, With love and loyalty we renew our pledge to you, said other signs posted on along the streets of Riyadh. Prince Faisal Stadium in Malaz, the venue of the grand reception was illuminated with thousands of bulbs and hundreds of spotlights were placed near the trees. The entire stadium was decorated with multi-coloured festoons. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud arrived in Riyadh coming from Jeddah. At King Khalid International Airport, he was received by Prince Mishaal Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Mohammed Ibn Abdullah Ibn Juluwe; Prince Fahd Ibn Mohammed Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Fahd Ibn Mashari Ibn Juluwe; Prince Abdullah Ibn Mohammed Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud; Prince Badr Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Commander of the National Guard; Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Riyadh Region; other princes, ministers, civil and military officials and groups of citizens. The king was accompanied by Prince Mit'eb Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs; Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Interior; Prince Faisal Ibn Abdullah Ibn Mohammed Al Saud, Assistant Chief of General Intelligence; Prince Bandar Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Secretary General of the National Security Council; Prince Turki Ibn Abdullah Ibn Mohammed Al Saud, Advisor to the king; Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Advisor to the king; Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet and Chief of the Cabinet's Presidency; Prince Mansour Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, ministers, senior protocol officials and senior civil and military officials. Earlier the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud left Jeddah for Riyadh. At King Abdul Aziz International Airport, he was seen off by Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Faisal Ibn Turki Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud; Prince Abdullah Ibn Turki Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud; Prince Abdullah Ibn Khalid Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Mamdouh Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Abdul-Ilha Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Abdul Majeed Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Makkah Region; princes, ministers, senior civil and military officials and groups of citizen. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud had arrived in Makkah from Jeddah. Upon arrival at the guest palace, he was received by Prince Abdul Majeed Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Makkah Region; Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Majed Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Al Madinah Al Munawarah Region; Holy Haram senior officials, senior protocol officials, Makkah Governorate senior officials; senior civil and military officials and a number of citizens. King Abdullah was accompanied by Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, Chief of General Intelligence; Prince Faisal Ibn Abdullah Ibn Mohammed Al Saud, Assistant chief of General Intelligence; Prince Bandar Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Secretary General of the National Security Council; Prince Turki Ibn Abdullah Ibn Mohammed Al Saud, Advisor to the king; Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Advisor to the king, Prince Dr. Bandar Ibn Salman Ibn Mohammed Al Saud, Advisor to the king; Prince Major pilot Turki Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Mansour Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Mohammed Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Majed Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz; Dr. Ghazi Ibn Abdul Rahman Al-Gosaibi, Minister of Labor; and Khalid Ibn Abdul Rahman Al-Isa, Deputy Chief of Royal Court. The monarch was seen off by Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Ambassador to the United States of America; Prince Saud Ibn Abdullah Al-Faisal; Dr. Ibrahim Al Assaf, Minister of Finance; and a number of officials. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz graced a grand festival held by Makkah's nationals celebrating the pledge of allegiance to him as a King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival at the venue, the Monarch was received by Prince Abdul Majeed Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Makkah Region; Prince Mishaal Ibn Majid Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Jeddah; Dr. Khalid Nahhas, Mayor of Makkah and a number of nationals. A speech ceremony was held on this occasion. Speakers expressed again their loyalty and support for the King and the homeland. -- Businessman Abdul Rahman Faqeeh has requested the government to establish a permanent exhibition center in Makkah to promote commercial, industrial and agricultural cooperation among Muslim countries. "This will open the door of goodness, benefiting the people of Makkah and surrounding areas as well as pilgrims and strengthening relations between Islamic nations," he told a grand reception given in honor of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah in Makkah. Faqeeh, who spoke on behalf of the people of Makkah, called upon the king to take steps to boost trade relations between Muslim countries. "Muslims must support one another and cooperate in trade, industry and agriculture in order to become a unique force in the world. Our country can play a big role in this respect," he said. Thousands attended the reception held in a parking lot on the Makkah-Jeddah Expressway to mark King Abdullah's accession to the throne and pledge allegiance to the king and Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz. Apart from folklore dances, the event included recitation of poetry by three Makkah poets, laser shows, screening of a documentary film on the history and development of Makkah and an opera focusing on the Holy City. King Abdullah arrived and was received by Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed, senior officials and prominent citizens of the city. A group of children presented the king with bouquets. Tarek Abdul Rahman Faqeeh, chairman of the organizing committee, said that a large number of people from different parts of Makkah and its suburbs had turned up to welcome the king and pledge allegiance to him. In her speech representing the women of Makkah, Rabab Saleh Jamal said they were honored by the king's presence at the reception. She called for solving the problems facing women in the country with an Islamic and pragmatic outlook, without being too rigid or too open. She also requested the king to allocate a day to meet with women, following in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). King Abdullah later toured a heritage exhibition staged on the sidelines of the reception, featuring models of old Makkah markets displaying samples of Makkah food, coffee, handicrafts, perfumes, beads, weapons and potteries. He also chatted with many people who came to greet him. |
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