Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, expressed his profound happiness at the king’s return after recovery, and said all schools and government departments will be on holiday on Saturday to celebrate the happy occasion.

“On the occasion of the return of King Abdullah to the homeland after a successful medical journey … it has been decided that Saturday (Feb. 26) will be an official holiday for all ministries, government departments, schools and universities all over the Kingdom,” Prince Sultan said in a directive.

King Abdullah flew to New York for medical treatment on Nov. 22 following a slipped disc and a blood clot pressing on the nerves in his back. He then underwent surgery twice at the New York Presbyterian Hospital; the first surgery extracted the clot and corrected the disc while the second was to stabilize several vertebrae on the spinal cord. He left the hospital on Dec. 21.

In a statement on the occasion, Prince Sultan commended the king’s care for citizens. King Abdullah has been following developments within and outside the Kingdom while convalescing in the Moroccan city of Casablanca, he said. “He always inquired about the condition of citizens and issued his directives to meet their requirements and enhance their welfare,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted the crown prince as saying.

Prince Naif addressed the nation on Tuesday to express the happiness of Saudis on his return to the homeland and extend him a warm welcome on behalf of Saudi people.

“Every citizen in the Kingdom is overjoyed on the safe return of their leader to the country with full health,” Prince Naif said in a statement aired by Saudi Television. He said every Saudi has been praying for the king’s safe return. He wished the king long life and good health.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Salman also expressed his intense happiness over the king’s return and highlighted the king’s noble qualities and humanitarian activities.

He also underscored the strong relationship between the Saudi leadership and people.