JEDDAH, 5 November 2006 — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah yesterday announced plans to establish a SR100 billion economic city in Jizan. “We have also instructed the Ministry of Petroleum and Minerals to study the prospects of establishing an oil refinery in Jizan,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted the king as saying.
Addressing a popular reception organized by the people of Jizan, the king said the new economic city would attract more than SR100 billion in investment and create some 500,000 new jobs. He said SR375 million from the joint stock company to be formed for developing the city would be allocated as free shares to the people of limited income in the region.
Abdullah emphasized the government’s determination to boost Jizan’s development by extending special care to the region. “We don’t differentiate between regions and citizens,” he said.
The king and Prince Sultan were greeted by continuous applause when they arrived at King Faisal Sports City for the reception. Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed was also present.
In his welcome address, Jizan Gov. Prince Muhammad ibn Nasser underscored the king’s efforts for the welfare and prosperity of citizens. “Your sons in Jizan are looking forward to more welfare projects in the region,” he said.
Prince Muhammad said the king had agreed to transform Al-Rifae homes in Farasan and their surrounding areas into a cultural center with a public library. Poet Ibrahim Miftah welcomed the idea and said it is a gift from the king to the people of Farasan, which is known as the island of poets.
Speaking at a military parade in Abha earlier, King Abdullah commended the bravery displayed by Saudi security forces in defeating Al-Qaeda militants and pledged support for the relatives of officers martyred fighting terrorists.
“Let me applaud the heroism showed by our sons who were martyred while confronting the deviant group. Their sacrifices will be in the nation’s memory forever,” Abdullah told the armed forces and security officers.
The king reassured the martyrs’ relatives their rights would be protected. “We tell their kith and kin that we will not forget your rights. You are our sons and daughters and you will receive from us all care and support,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted the king as saying.
He also noted the remarkable role being played by the armed forces in defending the Kingdom, its people and its religion and sanctities.
“Our brave armed forces are the heirs of nobility, pride, history and heroism. You are the sons and grandsons of men who gave unwavering support to King Abdul Aziz in the Kingdom’s unification,” the king said while reminding the armed forces of their duty in protecting the Kingdom from enemies.
Apart from the military parade by the various wings of the armed forces, F-15 fighter pilots displayed their skills in an air show.
The fighters created a formation 1,000 to denote the traditional Asiri welcome of “Marhaban Alf” (a thousand welcomes). Advanced military planes such as Apaches, Desert Falcons and reconnaissance planes joined the show that also featured freestyle parachuting by experts from naval forces.
