The people of Saudi Arabia rushed to their mobile phones and personal computers to express their deep sorrow and offer condolences over the passing of Crown Prince Naif. Soon after hearing the painful news, which was announced by the Royal Court early yesterday afternoon, Saudis citizens and residents exchanged their shock and offered their condolences through SMS messages and through Facebook and Twitter.
“The news was really shocking. We felt deep pain and sorrow," said Hani Al-Ghamdi, a school teacher in Jeddah. "Prince Naif was closely linked to the Kingdom’s security. His statements and comments were important and were followed by all," he said.
Khaled Al-Khulaif, a retired government employee, said he was monitoring the Tadawul stock market when the Crown Prince's death was announced. “The prices of shares were going up," he said. "But soon after the announcement of Prince Naif’s death the prices started falling.”
Al-Khulaif described Prince Naif's death as being a loss to the Kingdom and the Islamic world. “Saudi Arabia and the Islamic world have lost a great leader."
Facebook and Twitter were abuzz with thousands of messages posted expressing their sorrow and shock, posting their favorite quotes and comments made by the Prince, a man known and loved for his numerous charitable endeavors. Others posted poems they had written.
Others replaced their photos with that of Prince Naif to show their respect toward the late prince. Saleh Al-Bidaiwi, 33, said the Saudi people will always remember Prince Naif for his great contributions to the nation. “During the time of Prince Sultan’s death I was with my friends enjoying the Haj holidays. When the death of Prince Naif was announced I was taking lunch with my family at home,” he said, adding that he would never forget such moments.
Ali Al-Qahtani, a 45-year-old teacher, said Prince Naif was loved by everybody, especially the elderly men and women. “People will always pray for him when they hear news of security forces uncovering a terror cell or foiling attempts to smuggle drugs into the Kingdom.”
Prince Naif was loved by all Saudis
