RIYADH, 13 October 2004 — Riyadh Governor Prince Salman inaugurated the renovated Al-Madhi mosque at a ceremony attended by a gathering of dignitaries at the King Abdul Aziz Historical Center (KAAHC) yesterday. The historic mosque, which has stood the test of time, used to be favored by King Abdul Aziz 75 years ago.
Also yesterday, Prince Salman, chairman of the Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA), signed an agreement allowing the Saudi Aviation Club (SAC) to use Thumama airport for its activities for the next 27 years. Prince Sultan ibn Salman, SAC chairman, inked the accord on behalf of the club.
Later in the day, Prince Salman opened two parks in the complex that are dotted with palm trees. Green areas of the parks are characterized by man-made hills and valleys. Limestone and different types of granite have been used for paving the area, while pathways are laid with concrete pavers in between water courses.
“This is an important landmark in the history of aviation in the Kingdom: The Saudi Aviation Club has taken Thumama airport on lease for 27 years to carry out its activities,” Prince Sultan told Arab News and added that it will be used as the headquarters of the club. Under the agreement, the club will collaborate with ADA to develop a master plan for Thumama to start a flight training school, a maintenance service center, and hangars for private aircraft.
“This will be the beginning of general aviation activities in the Kingdom and those interested in the field will get a good opportunity to learn all about aviation. A training school for various aviation sports will be established, he added. “It will provide an ideal opportunity for pilots, aircraft owners, parachutists, para gliders, model aircraft enthusiasts, glider enthusiasts and balloon enthusiasts,” the prince said.
The airport covers an area of 2.5 million square meters and has a 4,000-meter runaway, enough for a 747 aircraft to land.
In August this year, Prince Sultan took delivery of A Stemme motor glider from the factory in Strasbourg Germany.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of SAC, Capt. Ahmed M. Al-Juhani told Arab News that the International Sky Diving Championship will be held this year in Jeddah on Dec. 8. It will be a grand event in which more than 25 countries will participate”.
Juhani said the club represented Saudi Arabia at several national and international aviation activities such as the World Para Motor Championship in which the Kingdom won sixth place among 46 contestants.”
