There is huge excitement in the Eastern Province as the newly appointed governor arrives in Dammam today to assume his gubernatorial duties.
Prince Saud bin Naif, 56, was named as the governor of the province last month in place of Prince Mohammad bin Fahd. He took the oath of office in the presence of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah in Riyadh last week.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the new governor, will arrive on Sunday evening at the King Abdul Aziz Air Base in Dhahran. Deputy Governor Prince Jalawi bin Abdul Aziz bin Musaed will host him along with a large number of high-ranking officials, security chiefs, academics and businessmen.
All major streets and thoroughfares in Dammam and Alkhobar and other cities have been decorated with huge billboards of Prince Saud, creating a festive atmosphere.
A graduate of the University of Portland, Oregon, Prince Saud has held many key administrative and diplomatic positions and has served as the Eastern Province vice governor from 1992 to 2003. He is the eldest son of the late Prince Naif and elder brother of Interior Minister Mohammad bin Naif.
“We are more than delighted to hear about the arrival of Prince Saud and I join others in extending a warm welcome to the able prince,” said journalist Salman Al-Shethri. “He knows this region very well having being the vice governor in the past.”
Al-Shethri thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for choosing Prince Saud for the top job in the region. “He has good experience,” he said.
Saudi Aramco employee Nawaf Al-Harbi expressed delight at the prince’s arrival. “I am very happy,” he said. “Prince Saud is the son of the late Crown prince Naif and so he must be an able administrator; we are waiting to welcome him.”
“We are very pleased and grateful to King Abdullah and Crown Prince Salman for selecting Prince Saud as the new governor,” said Saleh A. Al-Humaidan, managing director of Al-Yaum Group of Publications. “Prince Saud is loved and liked by everyone in the province.”
According to Asharqia Chamber Chairman Abdul Rahman Al-Rashed, Prince Saud is fully aware of the region having seen and studied it from very close quarters during his years here as the deputy governor.
“He has charisma, he is knowledgeable, he has all the traits that will see him stand in good stead as he takes over as the new governor,” he said. “I feel delighted welcoming Prince Saud to the region.”
He said Prince Saud will have the full guidance of the king and the crown prince as he gets down to manage the affairs in the region. “Since he is no stranger to the Eastern Province, I am sure he will take this region to greater heights of development,” said Al-Rashed. “We welcome him.” Khalid Al-Abdulkarim, CEO of Al-Abdulkarim Holding Co., used a popular Arabic saying while describing it as wonderful news.
“Khairu khalaf li khairu sallaf,” he said, which translates to "a worthy successor to a great predecessor.” He said Prince Saud is a skillful administrator. “He is well respected, full of wisdom and experience and has all the skills to run this province efficiently,” said Al-Abdulkarim. “We are indeed lucky to have him as the new governor.”