Riyadh: Saudi Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz has announced here that Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz has been chosen for the King Faisal International Prize for his service to Islam.
The King Faisal International Award is considered as the Arab equivalent of the Nobel Prize. It is awarded every year for outstanding work in the fields of science, medicine, Islamic studies, Arabic literature and service to Islam.
Prince Sultan, who is also the Saudi defence minister, said that the selection of King Abdullah for this award by the ad hoc committee comes in recognition to his pioneering services to Islam, Muslims and the entire mankind.
Meanwhile, Prince Sultan said that forthcoming visit of US President George W. Bush to the Kingdom and his meeting with King Abdullah would yield positive outcomes.
President Bush is scheduled to visit the kingdom on January 14 as part of his Middle East tour.
Prince Sultan praised the efforts exerted by King Abdullah, the interior minister, the head of the Haj Higher committee, and Haj minister for ensuring the success of the Haj season.
