Faisal, Emir of Makkah Region, inaugurated Wednesday development projects in the governorate of Rabigh and the town of Thuwal. Prince Khaled's visit, which came a year after he launched several educational, health and municipal projects in the region, saw the opening of Rabigh's new governorate building and a review with the council of projects such as the local King Abdulaziz University facilities and power development plans for villages in the area. The Emir also visited Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical Company (Petro Rabigh) which last Monday exported its first consignment of liquid petrochemical products to international markets. He then proceeded to Thuwal – a coastal town 90 km north of Jeddah –where King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, laid the foundation stone two years ago for King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Residents of Thuwal, however, have expressed grievances over health and environment issues. Fahd Al-Jahdali, appointed by residents as spokesman on their behalf, holds the municipality responsible for environmental damage and sanitary conditions in the town, and also laments a failure to address land ownership issues. “Although the municipality was linked up to Jeddah Mayoralty 25 years ago, no land grants have been given to residents for around 15 years,” Al
