1. “The Arab Prince” – Al‑Youm
The Arab prince I speak of is His Royal Highness Prince Saud, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The title applies to none other while he is present among us.
Prince Saud is the second son—not the first—of His Majesty King Abdulaziz. His first son, Prince Zaki, passed away in the bloom of youth, deeply mourned.
Prince Saud resembles his father in character, patience, magnanimity, and noble conduct. I witnessed these qualities when His Highness Prince Abdullah, then Emir of Transjordan, visited. I met Prince Saud on that occasion and recognized in him these virtues. Later, many recounted to me stories of his chivalry and generosity—tales reminiscent of what we read in the great books of history and literature.
I recall for the record that Prince Abdullah said at the time, describing Prince Saud:
“This man embodies in his character the purity and nobility of the Arabian Peninsula.”
Prince Saud responded with a gracious reply, full of the intelligence and nobility of the true Arab.
Today, Prince Saud oversees the affairs of the Kingdom, assisted by his noble brothers, under the guidance and direction of their father, the sovereign of Arabia.
We know not what to write except to welcome this noble Arab prince with reverence and respect— the welcome of an Arab who believes in his prince, and of a believer who honors a believing leader.
**2. “Our Hopes Require Us to Work for the Good of Arabism”
By President Saeb Salam**
There is no doubt that the few days spent by His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz Al‑Saud, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in Lebanon were among the brightest in the modern political history of this country. They left a profound impact on strengthening the already radiant relations between Lebanon and its sister nation—relations that our mutual interests, shared hopes, common national needs, and international circumstances require us to deepen for the good of both countries and for the good of Arabism as a whole.
I am personally delighted that His Royal Highness witnessed during this blessed visit some of what he had previously heard about Lebanon—now seeing with his own eyes the Lebanon of ancient national traditions and its vital role in the renaissance of the Arab world. He also heard with his own ears the echo of the immense love the Lebanese hold for his great father, His Majesty the King, for His Royal Highness himself, and for the Kingdom—love so palpable that he could almost touch it.
Just as Lebanon appreciated the gracious reception accorded to its President during his visit to Saudi Arabia, so did the Lebanese rise as one to reciprocate with equal affection and honor.
It is our deepest hope that these sincere sentiments grow ever stronger, that the two nations become ever more united, and that God grants all Arab lands the stability and peace they seek, so they may work toward their long‑awaited renaissance.
I ask God to grant success to His Royal Highness—whom I have known as great of heart, firm of resolve, and faithful to truth—in achieving all the noble aspirations he holds for the good of the Kingdom and the good of Arabism. May God guide us all to the straight path; upon Him we rely.
**3. “Light of the Peninsula!”
By Professor Abdullah Mashnouq**
April has come to us with its blossoms and fragrances, and nature has donned its fresh green garments. It is spring in its fullness—but this year, Lebanon has two springs: the enchanting spring of nature, and the radiant spring of Arabism.
Welcome to spring in its beauty; welcome to the breezes of the Ancient House filling this house of God; welcome to the scent of Najd carried to us by the morning winds— filling our hearts with the fragrance of Arab identity.
Welcome to His Royal Highness Prince Saud, the hope of Arabism, in whose garments we sense the noble spirit of his father, His Majesty King Abdulaziz—may God honor and preserve him.
From the heart of the Peninsula, light once shone upon the world fourteen centuries ago. And from the heart of the Peninsula, light shines again today. How magnificent is history when it repeats itself— and how glorious when descendants revive the glory of their ancestors.
By God, O House of Saud, you act only by the guidance of the revealed Book, and walk only upon its straight path.
“For the security of Quraysh— their security in the winter and summer journeys— let them worship the Lord of this House, who fed them against hunger and granted them safety from fear.”
For the unity of the Arabs, O Prince, your journey to Lebanon and Syria brings their hearts together— just as Quraysh once united the Arabs in their journeys of winter and summer.
God is great— the sons of the Peninsula continue the sacred mission of the Peninsula: to unite hearts, to free souls from ignorance, to liberate people from hunger and fear.
This institution you honor today— we named it after the Prophet’s saying likening believers to bees: they eat only what is pure, and produce only what is pure.
This “cell” consists of a mosque, a forum, a clinic, a school, and a workshop— providing worship, community, health, knowledge, and work. It is the first of its kind in Beirut, and we hope to build one in every district of the capital, in every town of Lebanon, and in every corner of the Arab world.
It embodies the noble mission you carry from the Book of God: uniting hearts, liberating minds from ignorance, and freeing people from hunger and fear.
In honor of your royal visit, we ask your permission to name this institution: “The Prince Saud Social Center.”
Here is its key, which I am honored to present to Your Highness. As for our hearts—the key to them has already been turned by your radiant smile, which has captivated a million Lebanese in the springtime of Arabism.