JEDDAH, 24 September 2007 — Fighting poverty and improving the living conditions of citizens are among the top priorities of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, says his son Prince Mishaal, who is minister plenipotentiary at the Foreign Ministry.
“King Abdullah visited a slum area in Riyadh when he was crown prince in order to see the living condition of the poor and understand their needs. He later established a public fund to fight poverty,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat, a sister publication of Arab News.
Prince Mishaal said his father was deeply concerned with matters including the stock market crash and the rising prices of essential commodities that directly affect the lives and welfare of citizens. The king has taken practical measures to solve these problems, after consulting experts.
The prince also noted King Abdullah’s efforts to promote education in the country. “The king initiated an SR9 billion program for the development of general education and established universities in major cities of the Kingdom. He will soon lay the foundation stone for the new university of science and technology which is named after him,” the prince said, adding that the king recently visited the university’s site in Rabigh.
Speaking about the king’s daily activities in the royal court, Mishaal said it differed from one day to the next, depending on political events and the visits of dignitaries. “The king usually rests between Asr and Maghreb prayers after having his lunch,” he added.
The king also finds time to check the school progress reports of his children as well as their marks in different subjects, regardless of whether they are studying inside or outside Saudi Arabia. “King Abdullah maintains close relations with members of his family as well as with the Saudi people. He finds time to meet with us every week. All his sons, who are present in the Kingdom, attend these family meetings when he asks about everybody and the education of children.”
“He also advises us to deal with people in the best manner and not to attack anybody even if they are wrong. Those who have gone abroad for higher studies were also advised by the king to represent the Kingdom in the best manner. He also advised us to pray at mosques and establish good relations with other Muslims and Arabs.
“During the past several years I have not seen the king punish any of his children or any Saudis. He has listened to all aspects of issues carefully before taking a decision. He will not make a hasty decision without hearing the views of all parties.”
Asked when he had seen the king most happy, Mishaal said: “I have found him extremely happy when Arabs and Muslims reconcile after problems.”
The king was angry at Saudis who took part in terrorist acts and when he heard news of attacks against Saudis abroad.
The king used to play polo with his sons and many times he defeated them. In the past he used to ride every week as he enjoys equestrian sports. He loves horses very much and hunting is one of his hobbies. But he has had to stop hunting for the past 15 years as a result of official engagements.
“The king also closely follows the sessions of the National Dialogue and what is written in local newspapers and he often points out some of the articles in meetings,” the prince said.
Prince Mishaal said the king used to walk for an hour at night when he had time and found the climate suitable. “I have seen him instructing ambassadors to foreign countries to take care of Saudis living in those countries,” the young prince said.
