Umm Al-Qura University on Sunday celebrated the fifth anniversary of pledging allegiance to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (may Allah protect him), under the slogan: “Loyalty Is Renewed, and Welfare Continues”. On this occasion, the university held a ceremony and an accompanying exhibition organized by the Museum Department, in cooperation with the College of Designs.

The event was attended by the vice presidents, college deans, and a number of representatives of the government sectors in Makkah, and took place in the King Abdulaziz Historical Support Hall in Al-Abdiyyah.

His Excellency the UQU President, Prof. Abdullah Bafail, said in his speech that was delivered on his behalf by the Vice President of Postgraduate Studies, Dr. Abdul-Wahab Al-Resini, "The fifth anniversary of the pledge of allegiance to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (may Allah protect him), stirs pride and appreciation in the soul of every citizen who has witnessed the development achievements, at both the international and local levels, that our beloved country has obtained during this epoch."

Next, Dr. Sarah Al-Khuli, UQU Vice President for Female Student Affairs, said in her speech, "In the era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz (may Allah protect him), women have been able to acquire their scientific, practical, health, technical, leadership and entrepreneurial rights. Moreover, women have proved their efficiency, competence, intelligence, dedication and outstanding excellence." Finally, she expressed her hope that Allah continues to bestow security and stability on this blessed country.

Following this was a speech by Dr. Fahd Al-Maliki, the General Supervisor of the Museum Department at the university, who said, "This precious anniversary is an occasion to renew the pledge of loyalty and allegiance to a king who has devoted himself to raise the words of Allah high, spread the message of Islam, and work diligently to ensure that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia occupies a prominent place among all other nations and people of the world." He stressed that the King harnessed all means and capacities, and eliminated all obstacles and difficulties in front of his people. This is in order to boost and mobilize their potentials and qualifications towards establishing a knowledge industry that utilizes the powers of the Saudi mind in all areas that may bring benefit and prosperity to this homeland.

A video presentation was then given by the Professor of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Chair for Studies on the History of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Dr. Abdullah Al-Sharif, which showed a historical overview of Mekkah and the holy sites. It made a comparison between the past and the present as proof of the historical and civilizational shift, as well as the urban development, that have occurred. This is in addition to the services provided by our blessed Saudi State in Mecca and the holy sites in order to serve the people of Mecca and those who visit it to perform Hajj and Umrah, and those who stay there to perform devout worship.

Afterwards, the UQU Professor of Modern History, Prof. Yusuf Al-Thaqafi, reviewed the achievements made by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz at the political, cultural and economic levels.

The ceremony included a variety of artistic programs offered by the university departments. The most notably among them was a poem for Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, a special film in commemoration of the pledge of allegiance prepared and executed by the Media Center, in addition to a patriotic concert organized by the University College in Adham. In conclusion of the program, Dr. Nada Al-Harthi recited a poem to celebrate the fifth anniversary of this pledge of allegiance.