RIYADH, 4 May 2008 — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah yesterday received the Abubaker Siddique Medallion of the First Order from the Arab Organization for Red Crescent and Red Cross. The award was given in appreciation of the king's humanitarian endeavors.
King Abdullah gave thanks for the award and said, as a Muslim and a human being, he has been involved in humanitarian activities. He wished the organization and its officials every success in their efforts.
Abdullah Al-Hazza, secretary-general of the organization, presented the medal to King Abdullah during a reception at his palace in Riyadh. Prince Faisal ibn Abdullah, president of Saudi Red Crescent Society, and heads of the society in other Arab countries attended the ceremony.
Al-Hazza commended Saudi Arabia's humanitarian aid, which accounts for five percent of its gross domestic product. "This is the highest percentage at international level," he added. The Kingdom sends relief aid to countries across the world.
He thanked the Kingdom for providing land and SR10 million to establish the organization's headquarters in the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh. The office will be shifted to the new building by the end of this year, he added.
