Chief of Staff Gen. Hussein Al-Qubail and Chief Judge at the Appeals Court Abdul Rahman Al-Raqeeb were also present at the airport to receive the minister who was accompanied by Prince Naif bin Sultan, adviser at Prince Salman's office, Prince Ahmed bin Fahd bin Salman and Prince Bandar bin Salman.

Prince Salman was seen off at Riyadh Airbase by Prince Khaled bin Sultan, deputy defense minister, and Prince Salman bin Sultan, assistant chairman of the National Security Council for intelligence and security affairs.

This is Prince Salman’s first visit to the region after his taking over as the defense minister. Prince Salman will inspect the various sectors of armed forces stationed in the region and their combat readiness.

All major streets and thoroughfares in Dammam and Alkhobar have been decorated with huge billboards of the defense minister, creating a festive atmosphere. Security was tight, especially around the Eastern Province governorate in Dammam. Police cars, with their beacons flashing uninterruptedly, were out on the main streets in huge numbers.

Local newspapers have taken out special supplements to mark the royal visit. “He is a trusted and able leader; he is a statesman,” said well-known journalist Mutlaq Al-Anazi. “He has won the respect of one and all through his able management of Riyadh as its governor.”

Al-Anazi described Prince Salman as charismatic. “He has a special place in the hearts of the Saudi people. His people's skills are legendary; he is equally at ease with the most educated Saudis from the urban centers as he is with people from the villages,” he said. “He is very fair in his dealings with people; he is a great administrator.”

The visit is seen as significant. “He is coming to the region at a crucial time,” said Al-Anazi. “This will reassure our people that the leadership is in good, able and confident hands. We need him now more than ever. We love him and it is reflected in the warm welcome he is getting here in the region.”