He said King Abdullah was selected for the award in recognition of his contributions toward strengthening the principles of transparency and justice as well as his efforts to fight corruption.

King Abdullah took the initiative to launch a national strategy to combat corruption and set up the Anti-Graft Commission.

“Such decisions have produced an electrifying effect in realizing the goals set by the foundation,” Prince Turki said.

The initiative taken by King Abdullah has laid a solid ground to formulate decisions and work out procedures toward promoting transparency, fairness, justice and other values, the prince pointed out.

The foundation said the reasons for honoring King Abdullah included the monarch's relentless efforts to combat corruption, curbing misuse of public wealth, introducing judicial reforms, and promoting the culture of dialogue in his bid to formulate a broad understanding with regard to the duties and rights of citizens.

Prince Turki said that the decision to award the prize to King Abdullah was taken after exhaustive studies and extensive consultations.

"The selection committee, comprised of prominent Saudi figures, has taken the decision with full freedom and impartiality," he said, while noting that the foundation would strive hard to make King Abdullah’s initiative to consolidate the principles of transparency and justice in society a great success.

King Abdullah issued orders in March this year to set up the National Anti-Graft Commission, which comes under the direct supervision of the king and is headed by Mohammad Al-Sharief.

Saafah is a nongovernmental civil organization that works to promote transparency and fairness in Saudi society.

“The Anti-Graft Commission set up by the king offers a solid foundation and a comprehensive framework to achieve progress in the area of promoting the values of transparency, honesty and integrity in the country,” Prince Turki said.

In a similar statement, Saleh Al-Shenaifi, secretary-general of the foundation, commended King Abdullah’s endeavors to strengthen the values of transparency and justice in Saudi society. “These include his decision to license civil societies that aims to promote transparency and fairness,” he added.

Al-Shenaifi cited the firm action taken by King Abdullah against responsible officials and businessmen after the devastating Jeddah floods. “It was a good example of the king’s commitment to implementing the principles of transparency and fairness at all levels.”

The foundation promotes the values of transparency, honesty and integrity in society and distributes awards, plaques and certificates to companies. It also organizes lectures, seminars and workshops and publishes booklets. Its annual award includes a cash prize of SR250,000.