King Fahd was my second father, says the monarch

“I am honored to celebrate with you tonight the life of my second father Fahd bin Abdulaziz, who raised and guided me from a young age.”
These were the remarks of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman during the launch of an exhibition to honor the life of King Fahd in Riyadh on Wednesday. The event was organized by his sons and grandsons in collaboration with the King Abdulaziz Foundation.
“I am very proud to be a brother of Fahd and I thank his sons and grandsons for their effort in preparing this event,” said King Salman who had arrived at the headquarters of the ceremony accompanied by several princes.
Those who attended included Prince Bandar bin Salman, Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Prince Ahmed, Prince Sultan, the head of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, the deputy crown prince, and sons and grandchildren of the late king.
King Salman toured the interactive events showcasing his personal belongings, official documents and manuscripts and thousands of photographs, some of which were shown publicly for the first time.
King Salman then launched the Encyclopedia of King Fahd, issued by the King Abdulaziz Foundation, which includes more than 5,700 pages about his life. The 10-volume biography details his achievements, speeches, media statements, certificates, commentaries by notable figures and politicians, and a comprehensive bibliography of books about his life in different languages.
King Salman was presented a souvenir by the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts at the event, after which Prince Mohammed bin Fahd, head of the supreme committee, spoke on behalf of the sons and grandsons of the late king. “Each nation has a history and a conscience, and we must be aware of the symbols and pillars of this history,” he said.
He said the spirit of leadership has passed down over the years, starting with the founder King Abdulaziz, who instilled his sense of leadership and spirit in the blood of all Saudis.
The organizers took four years to prepare the 10-volume biography. The first volume depicts the king’s childhood, and how he grew up with his parents.
The other volumes show the various stages of the king’s life when he was minister of education, interior minister, deputy premier, crown prince and finally the king.
The two-week exhibition includes a series of seminars and an exhibition to highlight the achievements of King Fahd during his lifetime. The program is entitled “Fahd: The Spirit of Leadership.”
The seminars began Wednesday. It will include 29 speakers and researchers presenting 40 papers and studies in seven sessions. There will be activities for families, youth and children. In addition, there will be 55 workshops on leadership for 2,500 participants under the supervision of 25 trainers.

— With input from Mohammed Rasooldeen