JEDDAH: Coinciding with an exhibition showcasing the life of the late King Faisal at the Jeddah International Exhibitions Center, Dar Al-Hekma College held a symposium entitled “History is still witness to the wisdom of Faisal.”

The one-day symposium was divided into two sessions with Abdul Aziz Al-Khudairi moderating the first session entitled “Al-Faisal: Situations and Wisdoms.”

“King Faisal’s life was a long journey of bidding. It began with diplomacy and ended with an interest in social affairs,” said Al-Khudairi in his opening speech.

In his keynote speech, Abdulrahman Aba Al-Khail, who worked as an adviser under the king, spoke about Faisal’s social role. “I worked with the late king in the Ministry of Finance and in the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. He was a wise tutor. He knew how to come up with solutions for the toughest situations,” said Aba Al-Khail.

He said King Faisal was a great leader, but he was very humble at the same time. “He knew how to manage the affairs of the nation with wisdom and wit.”

Saleh Kamel, chairman and founder of the Dallah Al-Baraka Group and chairman of the General Council for Islamic Banks who knew King Faisal from a young age, spoke about the economic and financial conditions prevalent during his time. “I heard my father describing King Faisal’s character. He used to be always on time,” said Kamel, who worked in the government under the king.

Al-Khudairi also mentioned how the king supported women’s education. Badr Kareem, a media personality, and Hamad Al-Qadi, a writer, delivered speeches about King Faisal’s literary prowess.

Mohammed Al-Subaihi, a pioneer in Saudi media, Lina Khushaim from Dar Al-Hekma, Sarah Baghdadi, public relations manager at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and two other women chaired the second session, entitled “The Youth in Al-Faisal’s Reading.”

The session discussed the role of the younger generation in Saudi society in terms of morals and education.

Jeddah is the third city after Riyadh and Abha to host the exhibition about the life and achievements of the late King Faisal. The exhibition will continue for another four weeks.

On show are photographs, films and manuscripts detailing the king’s life.