In a symposium about the Saudi National Day, Prof. Saeed bin Omar Al Omar, the President of the Northern Border University (NBU), spoke about the historical role of King Abdulaziz Al Saud in laying the foundations to establish and draw the features and borders of this young state. He added that this was achieved by the king’s remarkable brilliance, which was evident in his personality since the dawn of his youth.

It is worth mentioning that the symposium was organized by Umm Al-Qura University (UQU), represented in the Museum Department. It was held at King Abdulaziz Historical Hall in Al-Abediyah and carried the title, “The Genius and Biography of King Abdulaziz.” In addition, it was managed by Dr. Fawaz Al-Dahas, Director of the Center for the History of Makkah and Professor of Contemporary Saudi History. During the symposium, Prof. Al Omar confirmed that the Iraqi and Kuwaiti negotiators in the Treaties of Bahrah and Jeddah were astonished at the genius, firm personality and political experience and intelligence of King Abdulaziz. He added that during such treaties the king won everyone’s appreciation and respect. 

In the same context, Dr. Al Omar discussed the qualities that characterized the personality of King Abdulaziz and his clinging to the land of his ancestors. In other words, he listed the historical facts that laid the foundations of his state and contributed to the unification of his kingdom, which constituted a historic turning point for the Arabian Peninsula.  

In turn, Prof. Khalil bin Ibrahim Al-Brahim, President of Hail University, spoke about the role and contribution of universities to reinforce the national identity, acquire knowledge and form the patriotic personality that clung to and defended its land.    

During his speech, Prof. Al-Brahim pointed out to the purposeful programs that national universities should activate. He added that such universities should pay attention to the non-classroom activities and courses offered to students to develop their skills and build their capacities to be constructive in serving their country and society.

Prof. Al-Brahim also called on the Saudi universities to consolidate the concept of giving university students the opportunity to participate in student advisory councils and to make decisions that were of interest to them and in line with their needs and wishes to serve their homeland and nation.

At the end of the symposium, Prof. Abdullah bin Omar Bafil, UQU President, honored the participants.