MAKKAH: Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, on Friday commended the establishment of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, 80 km northwest of Jeddah, as a major cultural and historic achievement.
“Everyone who loves science and knowledge will support this great qualitative development in (education),” said Al-Sudais while delivering his Friday sermon to thousands of worshippers who thronged the Grand Mosque.
Al-Sudais described the international research university as a lofty scientific fort and a giant bastion of scientific knowledge. He said the new university would contribute to restoring the past glory of the Islamic Ummah.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah established this university with noble intentions, he said, adding that it would bring happiness not only to the king but to the whole Muslim world.
“It is the duty of leaders, scholars, writers, media persons and youths to support this great effort and historic achievement,” the imam said and cautioned against those who create doubts about the university and its programs.
King Abdullah inaugurated KAUST on Sept. 23, on the Kingdom’s National Day, in the presence of several heads of state, global business leaders, Nobel laureates and celebrated academics.
