MAKKAH, 14 April 2003 — Thousands of Saudis and expatriates led by Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, attended funeral prayers for Prince Majed ibn Abdul Aziz, former Makkah governor, at the Grand Mosque here yesterday.
Other prominent personalities who took part in the funeral were: Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, Prince Abdul Rahman, deputy minister of defense and aviation, Interior Minister Prince Naif and Riyadh Governor Prince Salman.
Prince Majed’s sons Prince Mishaal, governor of Jeddah, and Prince Abdul Aziz, deputy governor of Qasim, as well as a large number of other princes, senior Cabinet ministers, Islamic scholars, businessmen and high-ranking officials also attended the function.
The late prince’s body was laid to rest at Al-Adel graveyard on Majed Street in the city. The body was carried by Prince Miteb, minister of public works and housing, Prince Salman, Deputy Interior Minister Prince Ahmad, Prince Mishaal ibn Majed and Prince Abdul Aziz ibn Majed.
Prince Majed, who was governor of the Makkah region for more than 20 years, died on Saturday at the age of 65 after suffering from a prolonged illness.
A brother of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd, Prince Majed made remarkable contributions toward the Kingdom’s social and economic progress.
Before his appointment as the Makkah governor in 1980, Prince Majed was minister of municipal and rural affairs. He had received several international honors, including top awards from France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Argentina, Taiwan, Lebanon, Guinea and Austria.
Prince Majed, known as a humanitarian prince, had helped in relieving the suffering of thousands of less fortunate people both within and outside the Kingdom.
As chairman of the Central Haj Committee, he organized the annual pilgrimage for many years. He also oversaw the expansion of the Haram Mosque in the holy city initiated by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd.
Dr. Nasir Al-Saleh, acting rector of Umm Al-Qura University, expressed his deep sorrow over the demise of Prince Majed and said the late prince was known for many qualities. “Everybody who knew the prince was shocked hearing the news of his death,” he added.
Dr. Muhammad Abdu Yamani said that Prince Majed was loved by everybody.
“He was a forerunner in humanitarian activities and supported charitable projects such as orphans centers,” he added.
Jeddah Mayor Abdullah Al-Muallami noted the late Makkah governor’s efforts in solving Saudi citizen’s problems. “Prince Majed had left his imprint on the development of the whole Makkah region,” he pointed out.
Abdullah ibn Marae Bin Mahfouz, a legal consultant, said Prince Majed was an honest ruler who stood for justice and freedom.
“He had a warm and welcoming personality and made everyone feel special whenever he attended social meetings,” he added.
“His personality was defined by its humility, and he had no cravings for higher office. Neither did he put barriers between him and Saudi citizens. He was a man who encouraged frank dialogue,” he said.
