KING ABDULLAH BIN ABDUL-AZIZ, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and King of Saudi Arabia, felt the high level of respect accorded to him by the people of Bahrain during his recent visit to the country. He also felt the affection around him in public events organized by Bahraini King Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa in his honor. Sheikh Hamad gave his people an opportunity to express true love to an Arab Muslim leader who also loves them. The Bahraini King used the occasion to strengthen historical ties between the two brotherly nations, which have been enjoying mutual love and peaceful co-existence for centuries.

The expression of love for King Abdullah was due to his kind gesture through which he initiated and continues to initiate humanitarian and scientific projects in the entire region, not only in Saudi Arabia. He has been doing this to ensure the region meets contemporary demands in all aspects. Arabs have been closely following his activities.
King Abdullah has become a role model for Arabs who crave for leaders with a similar level of wisdom and vision. His recent visit to Bahrain reflected his popularity in GCC countries, while it is not out of place to say that this applies to the entire Arab region. He bears the responsibility of strengthening the modern development process in accordance with religion and advanced knowledge. He built industrial cities throughout the Kingdom, including the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Jeddah and the nuclear energy city project, which was inaugurated recently. He completed these projects within only three years to form the nucleus for the future of Saudi Arabia, the Gulf and other Arab nations, which is totally different from the inherited and ancient system.

Projects of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques are not limited to the Kingdom as he donated for the construction of a medical city in Bahrain for all Gulf citizens, regardless of their sectarian affiliations. This is part of a development plan to invest wealth for the advancement of nations.
As developing countries, GCC states should embark on similar projects considering their enormous wealth. We need creative leaders, who personally follow the implementation of development projects. We should not allow inexperienced, unenthusiastic, irresponsible and unpatriotic officials to handle these projects; otherwise, they might be trapped inside the bureaucratic system.

GCC citizens are following the activities of King Abdullah due to his unprecedented initiatives. Here is a man who has maintained cordial relations among Arabs, which he started during the summit in Kuwait, and intends to strengthen during the forthcoming tripartite summit involving Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Syria. This summit aims to end the political tension that has been rocking Arab nations, so the Arabs can face crucial challenges as a formidable group and avoid trivial issues that pitched them against one another in the past.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques has been consolidating principles of humanity and nationalism. He imbibes the spirit which is the basis of the establishment of the GCC. Cooperation in times of difficulties and comfort clearly manifests in this, while leaders have real opportunities to cement brotherly ties with citizens of the region. They have expressed interest in building strong political, economic, cultural and social systems. They have been working on the stability of Arab nations. These achievements have endeared him to people from all walks of life.
Thanks to the Bahraini King for creating an appropriate avenue for his citizens to express their love to the Muslim Arab leader who cares for them.

Email: ahmed@aljarallah.com