By: Salem bin Awad bin Misfir
Director of the Antiquities and Museums Unit in Wadi Al‑Dawasir Governorate
The year 1373 AH was unlike any other for the people of Wadi Al‑Dawasir. On the 10th and 11th of that year, they were destined to meet the King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Majesty King Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al‑Faisal Al Saud, who succeeded his father—may God have mercy on him—the Falcon of Arabia, the unifier of its lands and the establisher of its foundations, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al‑Faisal Al Saud, following his passing on Monday, 3‑3‑1373 AH.
King Saud—may God have mercy on him—set out at the head of a delegation composed of directors of various governmental departments and service agencies to inspect the conditions of his subjects in every corner of the Kingdom. He was guided by the words of God Almighty:
“And say, ‘Do [as you will], for Allah will see your deeds, and [so will] His Messenger and the believers.’”
And by the saying of the Prophet, peace be upon him:
“Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.”
His Majesty sought to personally assess the needs of every city, village, and settlement—whether social, health‑related, educational, or agricultural.
After arriving in the city of Al‑Sulayyil, east of Wadi Al‑Dawasir on the road from Riyadh, he was received with the hospitality and generosity for which its people are known. He then paused in the town of Tamrah, where he rested in one of its lush orchards abundant with dates, grapes, and flowing water. The people honored him greatly, and he remained there until the afternoon prayer.
His Majesty’s motorcade then proceeded toward Wadi Al‑Dawasir, whose people had prepared extensively for the arrival of their distinguished guest. Tents were erected along the roads, feasts were prepared, and reception areas were arranged. Men stood ready to welcome him, and children gathered joyfully to see him. At every encampment he passed, His Majesty stopped, greeted the people, inquired about their needs, drank coffee and tea with them, and shared the meals prepared in his honor. He even joined in the traditional dances and local folk performances held to celebrate his visit. The tribes honored him with unmatched generosity and expressed immense joy at his presence—memories that elders still recount with pride to their children as a testament to the rulers’ dedication to their people.
Among the notable moments of the visit was a speech delivered by Sheikh Saad bin Mardhi Al‑Dosari, known as Tayshan—may God have mercy on him—on behalf of the people of Al‑Nuway‘mah. He said:
“Your Majesty, when these gathered crowds sensed your arrival, we opened our ears and eyes to you, and the people spent the night in joy. Record this, O history.
Your Majesty, I am not a man of eloquence, nor am I learned, but the virtues of our leaders have overwhelmed me, granting me insight. Record this, O history.
Your Majesty, the people of Wadi Al‑Dawasir view your noble visit as a visit of work, hope, and advancement in every matter. Record this, O history.
We suffer from the scarcity of physicians, agricultural engineers for the water pumps, schools, and preachers. And you, Your Majesty, are the one whom God has entrusted with the care of His servants. You are the heir to the noble deeds of your forefathers, whose virtues we recall in Al‑Hariq and the Haram. Peace and God’s mercy be upon you.”
One of the dignitaries then approached His Majesty accompanied by more than thirty children between the ages of nine and twelve, saying:
“May God prolong your life. These children wish to learn and attend school, but they have no school in which to study the Qur’an, writing, and arithmetic.”
King Saud smiled and replied:
“Good, God willing. You will hear what pleases you.”
At the end of his visit, His Majesty expressed his gratitude to the people of Wadi Al‑Dawasir and bestowed generous gifts upon them. He then continued southward toward the region of ‘Asir.
Only a few months after his visit, the fruits of his generosity began to appear. He ordered the establishment of three schools in Al‑Sharafā’, Al‑Nuway‘mah, and Al‑Wulāmin in 1374 AH. Teachers were brought from outside the region and even from outside the Kingdom, and many local students enrolled. Several young men from the region were also trained to become teachers.
His Majesty also ordered the opening of a health clinic for the people of Wadi Al‑Dawasir and dispatched a mobile medical unit to treat patients and transport severe cases to Riyadh. Engineers and mechanics were sent to repair water pumps, and transport vehicles were provided to facilitate Hajj journeys for those wishing to perform the pilgrimage. Later, he ordered the construction of Wadi Al‑Dawasir General Hospital, which still stands today. He also ordered the opening of Tamrah Primary School in 1379 AH and Al‑Nuway‘mah Intermediate School in 1381 AH. In 1383 AH, Muhammad ibn Abdul‑Wahhab School and Al‑Quwaiz Primary School were inaugurated. Wells were dug to provide water for the towns and the desert communities on the outskirts of Wadi Al‑Dawasir. His Majesty—may God have mercy on him—bestowed abundant gifts upon the people.
A poet commemorated the King’s journey to Wadi Al‑Dawasir, saying:
He set out for the southern lands and those beyond,
And joy increased, and songs of delight rose high.
He passed through Kammad and the lands of Al‑Sharafā’,
And the people of Al‑Dawasir raised their banners anew.
To this day, the people of Wadi Al‑Dawasir remember this visit, which continued the policy of his father—may God have mercy on them both—and which his sons carried forward until the era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud—may God preserve him. Today, Wadi Al‑Dawasir has become a developed governorate with full governmental and military services. Its people eagerly look forward to meeting their leaders—may God preserve them—to show them what has been achieved through their efforts and the efforts of their sons.
May God protect the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, keep him as a source of strength for Islam and Muslims, grant him health and well‑being, and support him with his Crown Prince, his noble brothers, and his loyal Saudi people.