Riyadh: Heir Apparent Salman Bin Abdul Aziz presented five scholars with the prestigious King Faisal International Prize on behalf of the Saudi king on Sunday evening at a glittering event attended by leading princes, various personalities, members of the diplomatic corps, and several hundred guests.
In addition to a 750,000 Saudi riyal (Dh734,194) cash prize, each recipient was given a certificate hand-written in Diwani calligraphy summarising the laureate’s work, as well as a commemorative 24-carat 200-gram gold medal uniquely cast for each prize.
In the 36 years of its existence, 234 distinguished scholars representing 42 countries received the prestigious King Faisal International Prize and what was remarkable about them is that many went on to earn other awards, including Nobel Prizes.
The glamorous Sunday event was convened under the patronage of Prince Khalid Al Faisal, minister of education and chairman of the King Faisal Foundation, who delivered a welcome address to the gathering that included men as well as women.
In addition to the heir apparent, dozens of senior princes were also present, including heir to the heir apparent Muqrin Bin Abdul Aziz. Both men greeted dozens of well wishers, shook hands with guests, and exchanged pleasantries with many. Naturally, several of King Faisal’s progeny and grand-children were also at the event, mingling with attendees at will.
