Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Minister of Defense, launched the first phase of a university named after him in Al-Kharj, Wednesday. He laid the foundation stone and unveiled a memorial plaque marking the start of the first phase. He was also briefed by Dr. Abdul Rahman Bin Abdullah Al-Sinadi, the Supervisor of the university's projects, on the construction which includes a mosque, restaurant and multipurpose hall. The plan also includes buildings for the faculties of engineering, applied medical sciences and community science. There will also be staff residential units and a hostel which can accommodate 1,500 students. Addressing the teaching staff, he said the university is being built to cater to male and female students in the region. They will no longer need to travel far from their homes for higher education, he added. “When I told King Abdullah about this university, he gave his consent immediately. I am honored to have this university named after me, which will provide such a service for the country.” He also lauded the highly-qualified Saudi teaching staff who will work at the university and the progress made by the Kingdom in all scientific fields. “The country is witnessing phenomenal development in all walks of life, thanks to the stability and security enjoyed by all citizens.” He wished all students success at the 24 government and eight private universities in the Kingdom. A Royal decree was issued to approve the change of the name of “Al-Kharj University” to “Salman Bin Abdul Aziz University”. The University began under a Royal Decree during the first semester of the academic year 1430/1431 Hijra. This decree unified all colleges in the provinces south of Riyadh, forming them into an independent university under the name of “Al
