Faisal, Emir of Makkah region, inaugurates the Prince Khaled Al-Faisal Chair for Compliance With and Respect of the Law at Taif University, Saturday. — SG photo
Ahmad Abdullah Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah region, has urged Saudi citizens to make the best use of opportunities currently available to them in the country's development.
Prince Khaled was speaking after inaugurating the second phase of an urban observatory project and the tourism observatory in Taif Saturday. Prince Khaled said, “This project is the first step before a big stride. … The importance of the observatory lies in the fact that Saudi nationals will collect data and analyze them within the Kingdom. Earlier, we were depending on foreign agencies for this.” He hinted that the Kingdom would continue to seek international expertise in this vital area. The observatory project is part of an unprecedented development activity currently under way in the Makkah region. “We see development in every city and village, and in every vital field needed by the Saudi citizen,” said Prince Khaled. “We have a unique opportunity which we should make the best use of now when all the constituent factors of development have become available. Foremost of these is the wise leadership of this country under King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, who is taking brave initiatives,” Prince Khaled said. “Given these factors, the Saudi citizens should make accomplishments everyday and in every step they take. We must work hard to achieve (our goals),” he said. Prince Khaled's visit to Taif was the first leg of a three-day tour of the region's governorates. Prince Khaled elaborated on the 10-year strategic plan for balanced and sustainable development of the region. He said every governorate now has a university branch and a development center with all necessary facilities. Speaking about Taif, he said a higher committee had been formed for Taif. He said Taif would be divided into three sections — Old Taif, Western Front including Al-Hada and Taif, and New Taif. New Taif will include the airport, Souq Okaz, Technology Oasis and the Industrial Estate, among others. Land for these projects has been handed over to the government authorities, he added. Earlier, Prince Khaled inaugurated the Prince Khaled Al-Faisal Chair for Compliance With and Respect of the Law at Taif University. Addressing the audience during the inauguration ceremony, Prince Khaled said, “I am honored to participate in Taif University's ceremony for announcing the launching of the Chair for Compliance With and Respect of the Law.” “Civilizations are judged according to the degree of their respect of the law. No society can win respect if it does not respect itself. And no human being can win others' respect unless he respects his country's laws,” he added. Prince Khaled said Allah described Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as being of high morals. “Order is linked with morals and dealings. This is the measure of the civilization of nations and peoples. We, as Muslims, ought to set the example for others to emulate,” he said. Researchers at the university will study the Kingdom's penal code and the various violations committed by citizens. Researchers will also study residency, labor, sponsorship and traffic laws and give their recommendations.
