King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, leaves the King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh Thursday afternoon after a full recovery from back surgery. He is flanked on his left by Prince Miteb Bin Abdullah, Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet and Commander of the National Guard. — SPA RIYADH – Citizens from all walks of life and of all age groups expressed delight and thanked Allah Almighty after learning that King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, had left the hospital after a full recovery from back surgery. “It's great news. May Allah protect our King,” said a Saudi national. The King left the King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh Thursday afternoon, the Royal Court said in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). King Abdullah expressed thanks to his sons and daughters – the Saudi people – for their noble feelings. He also thanked leaders of Arab, Muslim and friendly countries and all those who inquired about his health or sent best wishes for good health. On Nov. 18, the Royal Court announced that King Abdullah had undergone an operation to correct “a ligamentary slackening in the upper back.” He appeared on state television on Nov. 28. He was seen receiving dignitaries at the hospital. The King said, thanking all those who wished him well: “Who am I were it not for Allah and the citizens' prayers?” There has been an outpouring of support for the King during his recuperation period. Schools prayed that Allah might protect King Abdullah and grant him good health. Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, had been constantly checking on the health of the King. He visited the hospital many times. The Crown Prince also assured citizens over the health of the King. – SG
