August 2010
(WASHINGTON, DC) – A Saudi rescue team from the Saudi Civil Defense and Border Guards sent under the directive of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has saved the lives of 136 Pakistanis after flooding waters swept over five villages in Pakistan. The teams arrived in Pakistan on August 23 and 24.
(WASHINGTON, DC) – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including the government, citizens and corporations, have donated more than $170 million to the people affected by the flooding in Pakistan. This includes $70 million in humanitarian aid, such as water, food, blankets and medical supplies being transported by the air bridge established at the directive of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.
(WASHINGTON, DC) - This week, Newsweek published a list of the top 10 most respected leaders around the world, and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz was featured on the list as “The Reformer.” The piece noted the many strides King Abdullah has made in opening Saudi Arabia to foreign investors, providing the best education for his citizens, eliminating extremists within his borders and opening the job market to women.
(WASHINGTON, DC) – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is rushing more than $80 million for flood relief efforts in Pakistan. In addition to the official assistance, a Pakistan flood appeal launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz August 16 has raised over $28 million. King Abdullah kicked off his Campaign for the Relief of the Pakistani People with a $5.33 million donation. Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz donated $2.67 million and Second Deputy Prime Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz donated $1.33 million to the campaign.
(WASHINGTON, DC) – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers endorsed the Ninth Five-Year Development Plan this week, increasing spending over the next five years by 67 percent. The total investment over the next five years is $385 billion. Despite the international economic downturn, the Kingdom continues to invest in the education and health of its people and its infrastructure.
Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, President of Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, has announced that the World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has added the Turaif Quarter in historic Dir’iya to its official list of World Heritage sites. The Committee concluded its 34th session in Brasilia, Brazil last week after adding 21 new sites to the list.