In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Praise be to God for His blessings and grace, and peace and blessings be upon the Seal of His Prophets.
My noble people,
From the moment I ascended the throne, I regarded it as one of my most sacred duties at the outset of my reign to travel throughout the country—region by region, village by village, tribe by tribe—to examine the affairs of my subjects, to hear with my own ears, to see with my own eyes, and to touch with my own hands their hopes and aspirations, and to learn closely about their needs.
I visited the blessed cities of the Hijaz, then turned toward Najd, then to the Eastern Provinces, and from there to the northern borders of the Kingdom. I passed through the heart of the Peninsula, moving across its most important regions, so that I might meet directly with the beloved members of my people—young and old, Bedouin and settled—and learn about their social conditions and their aspirations for urban, cultural, health, and agricultural development that would bring them comfort, prosperity, improved living standards, intellectual advancement, and steadfastness in faith and noble moral principles.
My joy was great as I witnessed their sincere desire to adhere to the teachings of religion, to pursue knowledge, and to adopt all means of material and cultural progress compatible with Islamic principles. I also saw their growing enthusiasm for modern agricultural methods and their keen interest in urban development in all aspects of life.
My heart was filled with happiness at the loyalty, devotion, and vibrant patriotism I saw in all of them. And now, at the conclusion of this journey—which lasted two months and during which I traveled thousands of miles—I feel it my duty to express to my dear sons, young and old, from all walks of life, my profound gratitude and appreciation for the loyalty, sincerity, and heartfelt affection they showed me throughout my travels, and for the warm hospitality and splendid receptions that made me forget the hardships of travel and increased my determination to sacrifice all that is precious to fulfill their hopes, raise their standard of living, and devote myself to elevating their status so that they may attain the rank they deserve among advanced nations.
With God’s help and guidance, I shall proceed to implement these development and reform projects step by step, until I achieve for them the abundant good, ample prosperity, and lofty dignity that I seek. Success is from God alone, and in Him we place our trust.
Saud
(23/6/1373 — 28/2/1954)