The exhibition, organized by the sons and daughters of the late king, provides an insight into the life and achievements of King Khaled, who ruled the Kingdom from 1975 to 1982.

Princess Muda bint Khaled, who is also secretary-general of King Khaled’s Welfare Foundation, opened the exhibition. She told Arab News after the opening ceremony that her father was deeply saddened by an attack on the Grand Mosque in 1979.

“I wished the attackers had assaulted me and my home instead of the Haram,” she said.

Princess Muda said King Khaled was deeply hurt by the incident, which led to the closure of the Grand Mosque for 15 days, during which the king appeared looking very troubled with a swollen face.

She said his sons and daughters prepared the exhibition, which was one of the programs included in the activities of the King Abdul Aziz Foundation for Research and Archives.

The foundation asked similar organizations to facilitate exhibitions to reflect the history and achievements of other Saudi kings.

Princess Muda said an exhibition on King Fahd would be held two years later.

She added that her father gave special attention to women as they were perceived weak and powerless at the time.

She also said he used to take his daughters with him on trips to desert areas, particularly after it had rained.

More than 200 women visited the exhibition on its first day and were warmly welcomed by Princess Muda. They also saw a 15-minute documentary film on the life and achievements of King Khaled.

The exhibition consists of seven pavilions covering his seven-year rule.

They feature pictures of his state visits, the medals and decorations he received and a registry of what leaders and important people had to say about him

His hobbies, which are featured in the exhibition, included Al-Najdiyah folklore dances, hunting and looking after camels and horses.

His private life with his family and his remarkable achievements, including the establishment of the Saudi petrochemicals giant Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) and the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu as well as the gilding of the Kaaba door, also feature at the event.

Rain fell in Asir during the opening of the exhibition, a reminder that the same thing had happened the day King Khaled assumed power.