AL-HASA: King Abdullah has welcomed the vision of Prince Badr Bin Muhammad Bin Jalawi Al-Saud, the Emir of the Al-Hasa region, to transform the area into a hub of tourists destination. Prince Badr, speaking on behalf of the citizens of Al-Hasa, expressed the people's happiness for the King's visit and also the presence of his accompanying delegation, which included, among others, Crown Prince Sultan, Mohammad Bin Fahad, the Emir of EP, Prince Sultan Bin Salman, the Director of Supreme Tourism Commission, and Prince Jalawi Bin Abdulaziz Bin Mussaed, the EP Deputy Emir.
In his welcome speech at the Abdullah Bin Jalawi Sports Stadium Tuesday night, Prince Badr said Al-Hasa region has enormous potential of becoming one of the prime tourist attractions in the region.
"We can bring back to life the many tourist attractions in Al-Hasa and build more tourist infrastructures to support the dream of making the region a new hub for local and international tourists," the Emir of Al-Hasa said. Prince Badr explained the current tourism development projects that are ongoing in Al-Hassa.
"Our attention is now focused on restoring the archeological and historical sites, including the Port on Al- Aqeer beach," he said.
He said Al-Aqeer would attract citizens, the expatriate communities, and visitors from the Gulf and other foreign countries.
"Al-Hasa is very rich in Islamic and cultural values, which is why there is that need to transform the region to preserve its glorious past and make people know that these values exist. Tourism is the best avenue," he said.
Ahmad Al-Baul, one of Al-Hasa's leading citizens, delivered a speech expressing the deep appreciation of the people of the region for the visit of the King. A play, performed by the people of Al-Hasa, entitled, "The Allegiance," was presented, along with national songs and poems performed by school children.
The King enjoyed joining the 'Ardah' folk dance. The ceremony lasted past one in the early morning. King Abdullah and his delegation left Al-Hasa for Hail.
By Joe Avancena and Ibrahim Al-Shiddi
© The Saudi Gazette 2006
