King Abdullah laid to rest

King Abdullah was buried at the Al-Oud Cemetery in Riyadh on Friday. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, accompanied by leaders from across the world, participated in the funeral prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque after Asr prayers.
Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh led the prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, which was attended by Crown Prince Muqrin, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif, second deputy premier and minister of interior, members of the royal family, and foreign and local dignitaries.
The foreign dignitaries included King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain, Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Sudanese President Omar Bashir and Bahrain’s Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa.
Others in attendance included Egypt’s Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Cabinet Affairs Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al-Saeed, Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and Ruler of Sharjah Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Qassimi, Ruler of Ras Al-Khaimah Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al-Qassimi, Supreme Council Member of the UAE and Ruler of Ajman Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al-Nuaimi, and Crown Prince of Ajman Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al-Nuaimi.
King Salman participated in the burial rites at Al-Oud Cemetery following the funeral prayer, and received condolences from leaders, presidents and heads of delegations, princes, sheikhs and senior officials.
Condolences will be received from the public at Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Saturday and Sunday after Isha prayer.
From the African continent, Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn was present to pay his last respects. Diplomatic sources said the Indian delegation, led by Vice President Hamid Ansari, would arrive on Saturday.
Iraqi President Fouad Masum and Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Parliament Aukti Sado also arrived here on Friday evening to convey their condolences to the bereaved royal family.
Following the funeral prayers in Riyadh, similar prayers were performed in Makkah attended by thousands of pilgrims.
King Salman has ordered that funeral prayers should also be performed following Maghreb prayers at all mosques in the Kingdom.
Bahrain and Jordan have already declared 40 days of mourning. According to a directive from Bahrain Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa, the country’s national flag would be flown at half-mast throughout the period.
King Salman has a deep appreciation of the importance of empowering the Saudi ruling house. He asked the family’s Allegiance Council to pay allegiance to Prince Muqrin as crown prince and appointed him as the deputy premier.
It was no surprise that Prince Muqrin, who was the deputy crown prince, was chosen for these new positions. As the youngest living son of King Abdul Aziz, Prince Muqrin is a military man who served as a pilot in the air force and has held a series of leadership positions including as governor of both Hail and Madinah. His successes showed his eligibility for these posts.
The king also chose Interior Minister Muhammad bin Naif as the new deputy crown prince and second deputy premier. While a majority of the council supported the king’s decisions, his call reflects much respect and commitment to abide by regulations. Prince Muhammad is the first prince of the second generation to hold such a position.
This has shown the foresight of King Salman. He has gone further by appointing Prince Mohammed bin Salman as president of the royal court and the minister of defense. Prince Mohammed has worked closely with his father as a special adviser since he was appointed as governor of Riyadh and minister of defense. The prince accompanied his father on foreign trips, and internal and external meetings, which gave him much-needed expertise and experience.
King Salman’s vision and quick decisions have been met with relief on the streets in Saudi Arabia. It builds on a 300-year-old institution that prizes continuity and prioritizes the state’s connection with citizens.
Saudi Arabia has once again proved that it can rise up to the challenge of achieving stability and focusing on development while countries surrounding it are mired in conflict and terror. This is why the country is so respected across the globe.