JEDDAH, 2 August 2005 — Many expats reacted with surprise and concern on learning of King Fahd’s death yesterday. The only noticeable difference that the expats felt throughout the day was lesser people on the roads and a comparatively lesser police presence on the streets.
Expats and Saudis, both within and outside the Kingdom, lamented the loss of a great king. All pointed to the Kingdom being a peace oasis during King Fahd’s reign.
The Pakistani ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Abdul Aziz Mirza, expressed the sadness of the Pakistani people and the Islamic world on the death of King Fahd. He said the Pakistani president could attend King Fahd’s funeral. Mirza said that King Fahd gave a lot to the Arab and Islamic world and this was clearly seen in the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah and the establishment of the King Fahd Qur’an Printing Complex.
Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India, Jeddah: “We received with profound grief and sorrow the news of the sad demise of King Fahd. The world has lost an unparalleled leader and one of the most distinguished personalities of recent times who made vital and unprecedented contributions on international, Arab and Islamic fronts. King Fahd also played a very significant role in the modernization of Saudi Arabia and rendered the best services to the guests of Almighty Allah through the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques and renovation of the Holy Haj sites.”
Briton Steve Jones Said: “It’s a shame that he is gone, but not entirely a surprise as his health has been deteriorating for quite sometime. Politically I don’t believe things are going to change that drastically.”
“I was here in 1982 when King Khaled died and everything remained as it was. For the most part, there were no major changes. The line of succession had long been established and I expect Saudi Arabia will remain stable as it has always done.”
Carole Jones, another Briton, said: “My heart and thoughts are with his family. It is always sad when a member of any family dies.”
Ahmad Badugaish, a Saudi living in Cairo, Said: “We were surprised by the news this morning. Since then, people at our compound in Egypt have been coming up to us today to express their condolences.”
Salma Nahed in Cannes, said: “He was a good king who always wanted to help. We are praying for his soul. It is a sad day today. But his legacy shall continue now through King Abdullah.”
Omar Al-Aydaroos, Saudi and Urdu poet who represented the Kingdom in number of international occasions, said that the king died but his legacy is still here. Great people do not die, we see him alive through his good deeds.
Al-Dahlawi Company President Shakeel Mageed said that he received the news with great shock. He said that King Fahd worked for the entire people.
Tamizuddin Iqbal, sales manager in the private company, said that ever since King Fahd became King and he was helping people. He said, “King Fahd gave Saudi Arabia a high status and stood next to Pakistan in all issues. We appreciate him.”
