ABHA, 3 November 2006 — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah arrived here yesterday from Najran on the second leg of his tour of the south, which will also take him to Jizan. He is expected to launch a number of welfare projects including a SR1.1 billion health city in Asir.
Crown Prince Sultan, Asir Governor Prince Khaled Al-Faisal and Deputy Governor Prince Faisal ibn Khaled greeted the king at Abha airport. Abdullah attended a popular reception held in his honor by the people of Asir at Prince Sultan Sport City.
Dr. Khaled Al-Mirghalani, spokesman of the Health Ministry, said the new health city in Asir would have a 200-bed mental hospital with a center to treat drug addicts, a health science college and a diabetes center in the first phase of the project.
This is Abdullah’s first visit to Asir after his ascension to the throne in August 2005. Gov. Prince Khaled welcomed the king on behalf of the people of Asir. “King Abdullah has come to meet the people of the region, listen to them and understand their needs,” he said.
During his three-day visit, which continues until tomorrow, the king will inaugurate a number of major educational and medical projects. He will also inspect King Faisal Military City and inspect a military parade.
Labor Minister Ghazi Al-Gosaibi said the king would lay the cornerstone for a number of vocational training projects that would cost more than SR1 billion. These include four technical colleges, three higher technical institutes for girls and 17 training institutes.
Speaking about health projects, Al-Mirghalani said the king would open seven hospitals with a total of 550 beds. Located in Khamis Mushayt, Mahayel, Al-Farsha, Al-Muda, Al-Harja, Ballahmar and Wadi Tarj, the hospitals were established at a cost of SR365.6 million.
“Apart from the health city that covers an area of 1.5 million square meters, the king will also lay the cornerstone for a 200-bed Abha General Hospital (which is to cost SR100 million) and a 300-bed hospital in Khamis Mushayt (SR150 million),” the spokesman said.
Education will receive a big boost during the royal visit with the king inaugurating a number of projects worth SR237 million. Ali Muhammad Al-Moussa, director of girls education in the region, said the king would lay the foundation for three school complexes and 20 new schools of different levels. He will also open 12 schools and eight school complexes in various parts of the region.
People of Asir are happy at the royal visit. Ibrahim Talie, a writer, said Abdullah is the first king to visit the region after the death of King Khaled. Muhammad Al-Almaie, a member of Abha Literary Club, said the king’s visit would contribute to balanced development of all regions.
“Abdullah’s inauguration of number of projects in the north of the Kingdom and now in the south is a clear indication that the king is giving importance to every region based on its economic, cultural, environmental and social potentials,” Al-Almaie said. “The king is sending a message that there is no distinction between regions,” he added. Muhammad Asiri said the king’s visit to Asir would be remembered by the people of the region fondly. “The visit shows his desire to meet with citizens and to familiarize himself with their situation and to open a number of projects that will improve their lives,” he said.
“King Abdullah is like a father to all of us. A man who loves his people. His arrival here has brought joy to us and we are eager to meet him,” Asiri said.
