King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz awarded King Faisal International Prize for Service of Islam

Saudi CP says prize comes in recognition of king's pioneering services to Islam, Muslims, mankind

Prize confirms King's great policy, says Prince Khalid al-Faisal Expansion project at northern areas of Holy Mosque of Makkah approved

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has been named the winner of King Faisal International Prize for Service to Islam for the year 1428 AH.

The announcement was made by Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, after he presided over the 30th session of the Prize's Selection Committee.

The nomination of King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz for the prize comes in line with his achievements in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and abroad. King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz led the National Guard since 1964, and under his leadership the National Guard made big strides and became a cultural, social and healthy military institution.

In 1975, he became the Second Deputy Premier in addition to his presidency of the National Guard.

In 1982, he became the Crown Prince and the First Deputy Premier in addition to his presidency of the National Guard. In 2005, he ascended to the throne as the King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz also heads premier institutions like the Supreme Economic Council, the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), King Abdullah foundation for his parents, the Supreme Council for the handicapped, King Abdulaziz foundation for the care of the gifted.

His achievements include the establishment of King Abdullah Economic City which has an invested capital of SR 100 billion, King Abdullah Financial Center, and the Investment Fund for the persons of limited income.

King Abdullah's achievements also include establishment of ten universities in addition to King Abdullah University for Sciences and Technology (KAUST), Housing units for the people of limited income, the establishment of Human Rights Commission, as well as the Center of National Dialogue, allocation of more than SR 10 billion for the Holy Mosque of Makkah, King Abdulaziz Endowment for the Two Holy Mosques, Jamrat bridge, tunnels between Mina and Makkah, expansion of (Mas'aa) at the Holy Mosque and expansion of surrounding areas from the northern side, completion of the projects of the Prophet's Mosque, shading the surrounding areas and establishment of a transport station and a parking lot for the cars in addition to tunnels.

Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz said the nomination of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz for King Faisal international prize to the service of Islam comes in recognition of his pioneering services to Islam, Muslims and the entire mankind.

The Crown Prince made these remarks while presiding over the 30th session of the Prize's Selection Committee.

In reply to a question about what US President George W. Bush said about King Abdullah, he said Bush will soon visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and meet with the King.

He noted that such meetings would yield positive results.

In a press conference following a dinner party held in honor of the members of the prize's nomination committees, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Makkah Region, Director General of King Faisal Charity and Head of the prize's Commission also announced names of other laureates.

He gave an account on the achievements of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in the service of Islam for which he was selected as this year's winner of King Faisal International prize for the service to Islam.

He paid tributes to the late Professor Abdulrazzaq Qaddourah, who passed away last year after a rich service in the prize's nomination committees.

Highlighting the Monarch's accomplishments at the Kingdom's national level, he said King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the winner of the this year's prize in the field of Service to Islam, had made major achievements in the economic, social, intellectual, educational and construction and urbanization fields which all benefit the citizens of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in general and the low-income people in particular.

In the economic field, he cited King Abdullah Economic city; King Abdullah Financial Center, Investment Fund for Low Income people.

In the intellectual and social fields, he mentioned the establishment of Human Rights Commission; and National Dialogue Center.

In the educational field, he noted the establishment of King Abdullah University for Sciences and Technology.

In the construction field, he singled out the gigantic achievements at the Two holy mosques and other sacred places as well as the establishment of a pioneering housing project for the limited income people under the auspices of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Foundation for his Parents and other Developmental Housing schemes.

At the world-wide field as regards major achievements of King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Prince Khalid cited a number of positions, decisions and proposals in support of human rights, particularly the rights of the Arab nation and Islamic world including the Palestinian issue.

He also cited the King's mediation between different and warring Arab or Muslim brothers, help of the poor and the needy in the Muslim world, works for achieving just peace, inviting Muslim scholars to a Makkah meeting to put a plan for the new renaissance of the Muslim world, which was later adopted by the Muslim leaders, steadfast stand against all kinds of terrorism, call for the importance of dialogue among religions and civilizations of today's world to enhance tolerance and security among the world's peoples.

King Faisal International Prize for Islamic Studies for the year 1428 AH - 2008 was withheld as the nominated works were disqualified. The subject of the prize was "The Rules Governing International Relations During Peace and War in Islam".

The prize for Arabic Language and Literature was shared by Professor Ahmed Matloob Al-nasiri, an Iraqi national, and Professor Mohammed Rashad Mohammed Alsalih Hamzaoui, a Tunisian, in recognition of their works in the sphere of "Terminology Issues of the Arabic Language."

Also the Medicine prize in the field of Emergency Medicine (Trauma Management) was shared by Professor Donald Dean Trunkey and Professor Basil Arthur Pruitt, both from the United state.

The prize in the field of science was awarded to Professor Rudiger Wehner from Germany, for his effort in the field of biology.

Prince Khalid Al-Faisal thanked the nomination committees members, experts and arbitrators who took part in finalizing this great achievement, wishing every one good luck.

Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, then, answered questions raised by newsmen.

As regards selection of The Custodian of Two Holy Mosques as the winner laureate for the King Faisal Prize International Prize for the service to Islam, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal said that this selection comes to confirm that Islam, Muslims and Islamic leaders are major sources and their welfare works generate happiness for all humanity and that this incessant noble Islamic trend, thought and Muslims are effective factors in this world.

Prince Khalid Al-Faisal termed the award of the prize to The Custodian of Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul-aziz as a source of pride and contentment for every one in this country because his policies, stances and works are just and pioneering.

"A work that characterizes a Muslim in a true perspective is a work that serves all humanity and that the Kingdom's leadership, people, policy and the culture of people and society is a true projection of its stances, traditions and Islamic doctrine that call for doing good, showing tolerance and engaging in noble Islamic dealings with all human beings," Prince Khalid said.

As regards memorializing the works of King Faisal International Prize, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal disclosed that the Foundation and the Prize are preparing festivities, which are set for next year to memorialize the Prize by inviting all previous laureates from around the world, adding that more than 70 scientists and thinkers have already accepted the invitations and they will be hosted in the next ceremony in addition to setting up a program that aims to benefit from their presence by organizing symposiums, forums and conferences in the Universities and in all cultural institutions which would like to cooperate with the Foundation in organizing this program.

As regards inclusion of the issues of combating Terrorism combating in the list of topics for the Prize, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal said this topic was proposed on several occasions, adding that the specification of the Prize subjects are reserved for the specialization of the Prize's approved branches.

Answering a question about ways of benefiting from the presence of the Prize's laureates in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal said that every year there is program for laureates with Saudi Universities and medical Colleges pertaining to this matter, adding that during this year there will be a wide domain for institutions to make use of experiences of these prominent laureates.

On prospects of documentation of the Prize's efforts, the Prince reiterated that these efforts are already documented in the Prize itself and also stored at King Faisal Center for researches and Studies.

On the possibilities of coordination between King Faisal Foundation and the Arab Thought Establishment as regards arbitration and topics for selecting laureates, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal pointed that there is a set approach, modality and great experience in subjects of selection committees for the International King Faisal Prize that traces back to 30 years while The Arab Thought Establishment is still a modest beginning. " However, this will not prevent the Establishment to be the one which benefits from King Faisal Foundation and its Prize."

Answering another question about the criteria for the process of selecting topics of the Prize, he said that is carried out in accordance with desires of selection Committees.

Prince Khalid Al-Faisal emphasized that the Prize is a crowned efforts exerted by Scientists in their varied fields and specializations.

The dinner party and the press Conference was attended by princes and a number of high-ranking officials.

The Muslim World League (MWL) has praised the decision of awarding King Faisal international prize for service to Islam to King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, and affirmed that this development has pleased the Islamic organizations and centers around the world.

In a statement issued by the MWL's General Secretariat, the League's Secretary General Dr Abdullah bin Abdul-Moshin al-Turki said King Abdullah deserves to be honored in recognition of his great services to his country, the Muslim nation and the entire humanity.

He pointed out to the great attention being given by him to the pilgrims and Umrah (minor Hajj) performers.

He noted that the scientific and cultural development in the Kingdom stands as a witness for the great achievements attained by the Monarch. Dr al-Turki said the service of King Abdullah to his religion, nation and the great attention he has been giving to the affairs of the Muslims are linked to his keenness on the revival of the Islamic spirit and values and making the Islamic rules applicable in the lives of the Muslims.

Dr al-Turki said the impulses of King Abdullah are linked with his religion and the unity of the Muslim nation.

He highlighted his call for the Islamic solidarity, the unification of the ranks of the Muslims and the defense of their sanctuaries in addition to his contribution to activating the role of the mosque, spreading the Holy Quran and his support to the Muslim minorities as well as his incessant efforts to resolve their problems.

He hailed the Kingdom's role in enhancing the pillars of stability and security in the Muslim world, citing his role in the settlement of the Lebanese problem, his support to the Palestinian cause and narrowing the gap among the Palestinians as well as his role in resolving the Iraqi problem.

Dr al-Turki said King Abdullah stands as a symbol for the leader who is keen on realizing security, peace, cooperation and co-existence among all people.

King Abdullah deserves to be honored and the MWL has received so many contacts from the Islamic centers and organizations around the world which spelled out happiness for this important development, he said.

It will please the MWL to congratulate the King on this occasion, he said, praying to Allah Almighty to enable the Saudi leadership to work for the service of Islam and the Muslim nation as well as the Kingdom and its people.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has approved the implementation of the expansion project at the northern areas of the Holy Mosque of Makkah.

This was announced by minister of municipal and rural affairs Prince Miteb bin Abdulaziz, who is also the head of the development commission of Makkah, Madinah and the Holy Places.

In a press statement, he said this expansion includes addition of northern areas to the Haram with a depth of about 380 meters, tunnels for pedestrians and a service station.

He noted that in line with the Royal approval the concerned authorities will start expropriation of buildings in the northern and north-western areas.

He added that the technical teams assigned to implement the project will resume their works to implement the project on the scheduled time.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz chaired the cabinet's session at Al-Yamamah palace in Riyadh on Monday.

In a statement following the session, the Minister of Culture and Information Iyad bin Amin Madani said that the King briefed the cabinet on the consultations, communications and meetings held over the previous days including the visits paid to the Kingdom by Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian National Authority and Chairman of the Executive Committee of Palestine Liberation Organization.

In this regard, the cabinet affirmed the Kingdom's continuing efforts in supporting all attempts to solve the political crisis in Lebanon. The cabinet hoped that Lebanese factions realize that their well-being lies in strengthening the national interest and maintaining the principles of coexistence, reconciliation and favorable response to the decision issued by the Arab League' council and to its good efforts in seeking to achieve stability in Lebanon.

Regarding the Palestinian affairs, the cabinet stressed the Kingdom's principled stands towards the Palestinian cause and its pivotal significance in achieving security, stability and peace in the region. The Minister of Culture and Information noted that the cabinet reviewed the economic activity in the Kingdom in light of overall projects being implemented by various governmental sectors according to the budget approved in the past fiscal year and other major projects approved in the current fiscal year's budget 1428/1429 H. The cabinet noted the effect of these projects on improving the standards of health, educational and municipal services, and on raising the efficiency of transport, communications, scientific research and vocational training sectors which are expected to provide new job opportunities for qualified citizens. The cabinet took note of the relationship between the general governmental expenditure and the levels of wages and prices in the Kingdom's markets in light of the world economic situation as a whole.

In this context, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques directed that all government sectors should work on bringing about a qualitative leap in their performance, simplify procedures, continuously communicate with the recipients of their services and be efficient in implementing their projects.

Also, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques directed the bodies concerned with financial and economic planning to consider the achievement of economic growth as well as the protection of citizens' living standards and income's purchasing power as a priority of the financial and economic policies.

The Cabinet also reviewed the results of this year's Hajj season as well as the efforts exerted by all government and private sectors to serve pilgrims. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques asserted that "Serving pilgrims and Umrah (minor Hajj) performers is Allah's grace. The government and people of the Kingdom have given this service high priority and will continue, God willing, to improve and upgrade the equipment, facilities and services provided to pilgrims".

The Cabinet pointed out that the project of new expansion of the Grand Mosque in Makkah embodies this commitment to serving Islam and Muslims in Makkah, Madinah and holy places.

The Minister said that Cabinet issued the following two decisions: - The Cabinet authorized the Minister of Higher Education or his deputy to sign a draft cooperation agreement in the field of higher education and scientific research between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the Republic of France.

- The Cabinet authorized the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources to sign a draft cooperation agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the Republic of France in the sectors of oil, gas and minerals.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has sent a reply cable of thanks to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran in which he thanked the President and the accompanying delegation for their noble feelings following their performance of Hajj rituals.

In his cable, the Monarch said, "I am pleased to receive your message regarding your performance of Hajj rituals and visit of the Two Holy Mosques. I would like to thank you and the accompanying delegation for what you have expressed of noble feelings, wishing you good health and happiness. I pray to Allah Almighty to help us to serve pilgrims".

"On this occasion, I am also pleased to hail the close historical relations between our two countries as well as what they look forward to achieving peace, justice, security and stability in the Middle East. I would like also to affirm the keenness to enhance the relations between our two countries in all fields", the King said.