At 82, the Kingdom is proud of its allround achievements

Saudi Arabia, which has made unprecedented progress under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, marks 82nd anniversary of its National Day today (Sunday). It has been playing a significant role on the world stage as a peacemaker to bolster global security and stability.
“On the occasion of the National Day, we are proud of the comprehensive development achieved by the Kingdom in various sectors,” said Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, minister of commerce and industry in a statement.
He commended the efforts of King Abdullah and Vice Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Prince Salman in enhancing the standard of living of Saudi citizens by carrying out massive welfare projects across the country.
“The National Day, marking the Kingdom’s unification by King Abdul Aziz, reflects the unity and cohesion of Saudi people and their leadership. It also gives a strong message to the world about the Saudi political and economic stability,” Al-Rabiah said.
He said the Kingdom’s industrial strategy aims at doubling the sector contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) by 2020. Saudi accession to the World Trade Organization was instrumental in boosting its trade relations with other countries. The total number of licensed and operating industries in the Kingdom reached 5,324 by the middle of this year, Al-Rabiah said.
In a similar statement, Haj Minister Dr. Bandar Hajjar highlighted the importance of celebrating the National Day, which he says strengthens the national unity and spirit. “This is essential to confront challenges facing the country with force,” he added. He commended the efforts made by King Abdul Aziz to reinforce security and stability all over the Kingdom, by unifying warring tribes.
Hajjar noted King Abdullah’s efforts in the educational sector by constructing schools, colleges and universities all over the country. “King Abdullah also promoted constructive dialogue among the various groups of Saudis,” he added.
Hajjar highlighted the Saudi government’s efforts to enhance services for pilgrims, by expanding the Two Holy Mosques, introducing modern transport systems and implementing the high-tech Jamarat in Mina. The Kingdom receives more than six million foreign pilgrims who come for Haj and Umrah.
According to Labor Minister Adel Fakeih, the National Day gives Saudis an opportunity to think about their past to work earnestly for a bright future. He commended King Abdullah’s directives to fight unemployment in the Kingdom and create more jobs for Saudis. More than 1.3 million Saudis currently benefit from the unemployment allowance introduced by the King. He said the Nitaqat program helped in employing more than 300,000 Saudis including 54,000 women in less than a year.
Health Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah spoke about the Kingdom’s remarkable strides in the health sector. He said the 10-year health strategy introduced by the ministry aims at providing quality health service to all citizens in the country. Al-Rabeeah’s ministry currently runs 251 hospitals and 2,109 primary health care centers. Its home medicine program covers more than 17,000 patients.
Agriculture Minister Fahd Balghunaim congratulated the Saudi leadership and people on the occasion of the National Day while highlighting the unprecedented progress achieved by his sector, which contributed SR 44.1 billion to the GDP in 2011. The sector makes a 11 percent annual growth.