King Salman (then Governor of Riyadh) at the Opening of the “King Saud Scientific Symposium”: The King Abdulaziz Foundation Will Continue Its Conferences on the Kings in Service of History and Encouragement of Researchers
Okaz – Monday, 27 November 2006
By: Fahd Al‑Dhiabi (Riyadh)
Photography: Abdulaziz Al‑Yousef
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Riyadh Region and Chairman of the Board of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), sponsored the opening ceremony of the scientific symposium on the history of King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God have mercy on him. The event was organized by the King Abdulaziz Foundation and held at the King Faisal Conference Hall in Riyadh.
Prince Salman was received by Their Royal Highnesses Prince Mohammed bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Al‑Baha; Prince Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Najran; several sons of the late King Saud; and the Secretary‑General of the King Abdulaziz Foundation, Dr. Fahd bin Abdullah Al‑Samari.
Accompanying Prince Salman were Their Royal Highnesses: Prince Saud bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz; Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Secretary‑General of the Supreme Commission for Tourism; Prince Dr. Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz; Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz; Prince Ahmed bin Fahd bin Salman; Prince Saud bin Salman; Prince Naif bin Salman; Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Salman; and Prince Bandar bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.
The ceremony began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an.
Speech of the King Abdulaziz Foundation
Dr. Fahd Al‑Samari delivered the Foundation’s address, explaining that under a new methodology set by Prince Salman, the Foundation’s work had expanded into multiple fields: documentation, preservation, service, research, editing, publishing, support, and encouragement. Its scope now covers all aspects of the history of Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Peninsula from the founding of Dir‘iyyah in the 9th century AH (15th century CE) to the present.
He noted that among these new directions was the decision taken in 1421 AH to organize a series of scientific symposia on the Kings of Saudi Arabia, sons of the late founder King Abdulaziz.
Dr. Al‑Samari added that this symposium is the first in the series, focusing on the life and history of King Saud, who remains deeply rooted in the hearts of Saudis, Arabs, and Muslims for his humanity, patriotism, Arab and Islamic identity, courage, and major achievements. Historians have described his era as one of consolidation and modern nation‑building.
He stated that the symposium had attracted strong interest from researchers inside the Kingdom and across the Arab world, with 87 accepted papers out of more than 135 submissions, covering a wide range of topics related to King Saud’s history.
Speech of the Participants
Mohammed bin Nasser Al‑Aboudi, Assistant Secretary‑General of the Muslim World League, delivered the participants’ address. He emphasized that rising nations honor their rulers, scholars, writers, and distinguished figures by documenting their lives and achievements—something the Muslim Ummah has practiced since the first century AH. He noted that the First Saudi State continued this tradition, establishing a strong and unified polity based on the application of Islamic law.
Documentary Screening
Prince Salman and the audience then viewed documentary footage highlighting key stages in the life of King Saud.
Speech of Prince Mohammed bin Saud (Governor of Al‑Baha)
Prince Mohammed expressed gratitude to Prince Salman for sponsoring the event and conveyed, on behalf of the sons and daughters of King Saud, their appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan for supporting the Foundation and the symposium.
He recalled King Saud’s words upon assuming the throne after King Abdulaziz:
“If my father’s era was one of unification and the application of God’s law, then my era shall be one of foundation, knowledge, and construction.”
He praised King Saud’s efforts in building a strong nation, inspired by the Qur’an, and working tirelessly for the welfare of the country and its people.
Speech of Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz
Prince Salman delivered the following address:
“When King Abdulaziz—may God bless his soul—unified the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and laid its foundations, he first established a righteous household built on piety. His sons and daughters were raised to love God, care for people’s interests, and uphold justice. King Saud—may God have mercy on him—was one of the finest fruits of that noble house.
He was close to his father and participated in many administrative and political responsibilities and unification campaigns before assuming leadership.
After his father, King Saud continued the work of building and development, serving the Two Holy Mosques, supporting Arab and Islamic causes, and advancing the nation in many fields. His achievements in education, politics, economy, culture, and administration will be documented and highlighted by this symposium for future generations and for history.
The Foundation will, God willing, continue its scientific symposia on Kings Faisal, Khalid, and Fahd—may God have mercy on them all—as well as other historical topics, in service of the nation’s history and to encourage researchers to study it.”
Opening of the Exhibition and Book Launch
Prince Salman then inaugurated the documentary exhibition organized by the Foundation, featuring rare photographs and historical documents related to King Saud.
He also launched the book “The History of King Saud: Document and Truth” by Prince Dr. Salman bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, and inaugurated the official King Saud website.
Ceremony at the National Museum
A second ceremony was held at the National Museum for the launch of the illustrated biography of King Saud and the opening of the accompanying exhibition.
Prince Mishaal bin Saud, speaking on behalf of the sons and daughters of King Saud, emphasized the importance of showcasing the King’s achievements through rare photographs documenting his political, developmental, and social contributions during the foundational era of the modern Saudi state.
He expressed gratitude to Prince Salman for his patronage and thanked all those involved in preparing the book and exhibition, including Prince Sultan bin Salman, Princess Fadda bint Saud (author of the historical text), and the Secretary‑General of the Foundation.
He concluded by praying for the continued prosperity and stability of the Kingdom under its leadership.