Umm Al-Qura University, represented by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Chair for Makkah Historical Studies at the Deanship of Scientific Research, organized today a symposium entitled, "The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud: Achievement in Facing the Challenges and the Future".، The symposium was held to study the history of King Salman's life in the era of the founder of the country, and its impact on his leadership of the Saudi Kingdom. The event took place at King Abdulaziz Historical Hall in Al-Abdiyyah, in the presence of His Excellency Prof. Abdullah bin Omar Bafail, President of Umm Al-Qura University, Dr. Fahd Al-Samari, the Counselor at the Royal Court and the Commissioned Secretary-General of King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, and Dr. Abdullah Al-Sharif, the Chair Professor, as well as a number of vice deans of the university, the Vice President for Female Student Affairs, Dr. Sarah Al-Khuli, and the Dean of University Studies for Girls, Dr. Halah Al-Amoudi.

In his speech, His Excellency UQU President stated that the efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz in fulfilling achievements and demonstrating firmness in the face of challenges have been complementary to the development policy adopted by the Saudi Kingdom since the era of its founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdul-Rahman (may Allah rest his soul in peace), which seeks to build a bright future for the countrymen. He also stated that King Salman bin Abdulaziz is very keen in achieving the glory of the homeland, the happiness of the citizen, the service of the Two Holy Mosques, and the advocacy of Islamic and humanitarian causes.

His Excellency said, "This is how we are looking forward to seeing the future through the eyes of the Saudi Vision 2030. We are proceeding in our future bright path in a steady pace and with high motivation, led by the patron of the vision, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Muhammad bin Salman, under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to continue the hard work towards the transformation of the homeland to the peaks of glory in all fields."

Dr. Fahd Al-Samari began his speech with a quote King Abdulaziz (may Allah rest his soul) used to often say, "Firmness is the father of determination and the father of triumphs, and disregard is the father of negligence and the father of regrets." The meaning of this quote is manifested in two aspects: first, the present that is witnessed by the country during the reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman in his leadership with firmness and determination, with a clear policy and full transparency; and the other aspect that indicates that disregard does not benefit the state, but only leads to regrets. Therefore, the Saudi Vision 2030 was created to build the future, and raise the nation and its sons and daughters.

Moreover, His Excellency the President of Jouf University, Dr. Isma`il Al-Bishri, illustrated, citing a working paper entitled, "Education and the Challenge of the Future According to the Views of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud", the steps and initiatives of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz in the development of education and his interest in the establishment of educational and cultural systems. He reviewed the qualitative initiatives presented by King Salman, when he was the Governor of the Riyadh Region, in establishing educational and national universities and libraries. In addition, he was interested in continuing the investment in education and training to graduate a generation capable of serving the country. He attributed the existence of a capable generation to employing new and advanced methods in educating the children and enhancing the outputs of the educational process in line with the labor market. This is the aim of the Saudi Vision.

The former Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Dr. Abdul-Rahman Al-Shabaili, presented a working paper entitled, "Impact of the Family of King Salman bin Abdulaziz in the Face of Challenges". In his paper, he highlighted the researchers' efforts in studying the personality of the founder of the kingdom and the innate qualities he bequeathed to his sons in their leadership of the country. He reviewed the most prominent books that described his life and his wisdom in addressing the challenges he faced, as well as the quotes from his sons about his wisdom in being both firm and kind in their upbringing.

The symposium was concluded by a working paper delivered by the former Professor of Civilizational Relations at Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, Prof. Abdullah Al-Rubai`i. The paper, entitled "King Salman and Employing History in His Internal and External Policy," discussed the wisdom of King Salman as derived from the positions he held during the last 60 years, without repeating his mistakes, a matter which made him a symbol of leadership for the nation. He stressed that heredity and the love of reading and conversing with older people to benefit from their experiences played a significant role in nurturing his wisdom and building his personality with which he leads the country.

Finally, His Excellency honored the speakers and the organizers of the forum. Moreover, the Dean of University Studies for Girls, Dr. Halah Al-Amoudi, honored the winner of the King Abdulaziz Book Award, Dr. Iman Kaifi, for her book titled, "Social Life in Makkah during the Reign of King Abdulaziz". It is one of the scientific publications of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Chair for Makkah Historical Studies.