“The Saudi leadership has set cultural and economic developments as key objectives to be achieved through its sustained support for modern projects, new plans and regulations in line with the rapid developments taking place in the outside world,” the prince said in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
“During the current era of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, the Kingdom has been witnessing enormous achievements and developments making the Kingdom a model state with additional stress on Islam and original Arab culture,” said President General of the Youth Welfare Presidency Prince Sultan bin Fahd. He also described King Abdullah’s reign as an era of all-round progress.
Assistant Minister of Culture and Information Prince Turki bin Sultan underscored the significance of the day as a historical, cultural, and humanitarian occasion. He added that the Kingdom’s founder King Abdul Aziz was a well-accomplished political leader who helped revive Islamic values and applied Islamic Shariah.
The prince said the government led by King Abdullah, Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, and Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif has been following the values set by King Abdul Aziz.
Chairman of the Shoura Council Abdullah Al-Asheikh said King Abdullah is a pioneering leader of modernization and reforms. He added that the king possesses remarkable qualities.
He also noted that the Kingdom has been striving to preserve fundamental Islamic principles and following the path paved by King Abdul Aziz. He added that the king has initiated a culture of dialogue both at home and abroad and has been working to protect human rights in accordance with the law.
“The strategic partnership between our two brotherly countries is deeply rooted in history and the relations have always been cordial and unique,” said Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Umar Khan Alisherzai. “The government and people of Pakistan highly appreciated the generosity and help of the Kingdom during the recent floods. Saudi Arabia has always supported Pakistan in difficult times,” he added.
The US also felicitated the Kingdom. “On behalf of the US people and President Barack Obama I offer my congratulations to King Abdullah and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of the Kingdom’s National Day,” said US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in a statement carried by the SPA.
Clinton commended the king for his efforts to create harmony among people of different religions and efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Saudi flags were selling like hot cakes across the Kingdom on Wednesday. Flags of varying sizes and other types of Saudi memorabilia, such as caps and stickers carrying the national emblem of two swords and a palm tree, have been in great demand.
The items are even being sold at traffic signals for anything between SR5 and SR15.
Car body workshops have also been busy over the last week decorating the cars of young Saudis with the color green and using the Saudi logo.
Many have also been asking to have the back of their cars decorated with the pictures of the Kingdom’s leaders.
“The fatherland has the greatest claim over us and so whatever we spend on National Day is an expression of patriotism,” said Sami Hijazi, who was busy decorating his car.
Another youth, Jamal Al-Hassan, said he spent SR4,000 decorating his car. Nasser Al-Joaedi said he was proud of the king and the Kingdom and did not know any other way to express his sentiments but by specially decorating his car for the day.
Workers at car workshops said they wait for Saudi National Day, as it is a brilliant time to do business. Muhammad Al-Aynus, who owns a car decoration shop, said he has sold over SR10,000 worth of flags and stickers carrying flags and inscribed with the wordings “Fidaka Ya Watani” (We Sacrifice Ourselves for the Fatherland.)
“Our customers are mostly between 20 and 30. They want their cars to be painted fully with the color of the flag, or pictures of the king, the crown prince and the second deputy premier. A full painting takes two or three days and costs between SR1,000 and SR3,000. The stickers range between SR50 and SR200 depending on their size,” said Hassan Ahmad, Al-Aynus’ assistant.
Director of Traffic Police in Jeddah Brig. Muhammad Al-Qahtani warned that no traffic violation would go unnoticed on Thursday. “Any attempt to block the flow of traffic or any other type of violation, such as painting a car in a way that prevents people from looking in from the outside, will not be tolerated,” said Al-Qahtani.
He also warned people against removing car registration plates, covering them with writing, playing loud music and gathering in their cars on streets.
The National Day fever is so intense this year that the day is also being celebrated online. Many young Saudis have changed their Facebook profile pictures and avatars to images with a green Saudi theme. Blackberry users have also been forwarding pictures and messages that suit the occasion.
Meanwhile, traders in Madinah are offering 50 percent discounts on items to celebrate the day. A newspaper publisher has also been offering reduced subscriptions, while communication companies are offering 50 percent reductions in prices.
Special events will be held at Madinah’s Prince Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz Sports City and King Fahd Park. There will also be a fireworks display at the city’s Equestrian Club.
A special function is also to be held on Thursday evening at the Prince Sultan Civilization Center in Hail with the support of Hail Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdul Mohsen. The celebrations, which are open to all, will consist of cultural programs, folk dances, art shows and competitions.
