Saudi Arabia celebrates 67th anniversary

On Sept. 23, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates its National Day in commemoration of the foundation of the kingdom by his majesty King Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdul Rahman Al-Saud, who unified segmented regions and peoples in one unified nation in 1351 H. (September 1932), upholding Islamic Law (the Shari'a) as its constitution.

The kingdom's early beginning dates back to 1319 H. (1902), when the young monarch seized Riyadh to recover the state of his fathers and ancestors, the Imams (leaders) and princes of the Saud dynasty, who more than 250 years ago had established two successive states, which, at times, ruled over vast areas of the Arabian Peninsula and its surroundings.

Founder of a nation

King Abdul Aziz is perceived as one of the greatest leaders in this epoch. For more than 31 years, he struggled relentlessly and labored to build a centralized state from a segmentary community plunged into chaos, turmoil and disorder. He achieved his goals, which marked the beginning of unprecedented civilization and a great social, economic and cultural transformation unheard of in 1,000 years or so in the history of the Arabian Peninsula.

King Abdul Aziz spent more than 21 years dedicating his efforts to the advancement of the country in every conceivable walk. Consolidating the pillars of security, order and stability in the vast territories of the Kingdom and building the basis for its development and advancement, he passed away in the month of Rabi'al-Awal 1373 H. (Nov. 9, 1953).

Following in his footsteps, his sons assumed leadership -- King Saud (1953-1964), King Faisal (1964-1975), and King Khalid (1975-1982) -- committing themselves to their father's policy of upholding the teachings of Islam, accelerating development, establishing closer ties with Arab, Muslim and friendly nations and defending world peace and stability.

A comprehensive, prosperous and rapid modernization was achieved in the Kingdom, which came now to enjoy a prestigious international position, with a strong economy, due to the wise utilization of its oil revenues.

After King Khalid, the royal family and the Saudi people declared allegiance to his Crown Prince, Fahd bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud to become king, and his royal highness Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, the head of the National Guard, to be his Crown Prince on Sunday, 21st of Sha'ban 1402 (June 13, 1982).

Modern leader

Assuming the title of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Fahd had already been renowned for his multifaceted contributions to the country's progress and breakthrough in various fields since the days he was, successively, Minister of Education, Minister of Interior, second deputy to the prime minister and deputy to the prime minister; not to mention the different high commissions he had presided over to supervise development sectors in the country.

He is also known for his wisdom and deep expertise in the management of politics and administration. His unique leadership qualities won him the loyalty, affection and dedication of the people, who supported his efforts to bring progress in diverse areas.

With the promulgation of four governance statutes, King Fahd brought about a qualitative leap in the form and style of administration. These statutes are: 1) The basic law of governance; 2) The statute of the Shura (the Consultative Council); 3) The statute of regions; and 4) The statute of the Council of Ministers.

On the basis of these regulations and acts, the various departments of the legislative (regulative) and executive powers have been at present limited in their term and tenure in office, renewable every four years to benefit from the qualified young Saudi and expand their participatory role in the administration and decisionmaking process.

Since the reign of King Abdul Aziz, the country's foreign policy has been sustained and anchored in invariable principles derived from the tenets of Islam and unique Arab traditions. Among the characteristics of Saudi Arabian foreign policy are the constant strengthening of Arab and Muslim solidarity, defending just Arab and Muslim causes, serving Islam and Muslims the world over, safeguarding world peace and stability, noninterference in the internal affairs of other states and the rejection of any meddling in Saudi affairs by others.

The Kingdom has also spared no effort to consolidate international cooperation against aggression and terrorism, respecting nations' sovereignty and independence and the resolution of differences and disputes by peaceful means.

Religious duty

It has been an honor to the Saudi government and people to serve the two holy mosques: the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. It has been a top priority in the official agenda of the Kingdom's leaders to provide security, assurance, protection and comfort to pilgrims and visitors. Relevant efforts have been intensified to improve services for the guests of Allah (God).

Constant reconstruction and expansion works have been going on, the last being the greatest ever, under King Fahd. The new project has increased the area of the holy mosque in Mecca from 193,000 square meters to 328,000 square meters, augmenting the accommodation capacity of the Mosque from 410,000 prayergoers to 730,000.

During Haj (pilgrimage season) or during Ramadhan (month of fasting), the Mosque may have one million or so worshipers. Similar plans for the holy mosque in Medina have extended its area from 16,500 square meters to 165,000 square meters to receive 700,000 prayergoers, compared to 28,000 before. The cost of the two projects exceeded SR 70 billion (US$22.5 billion).