Abdurahman Al-Shamrani and Khaled Al-Faris Okaz/Saudi Gazette RIYADH – The death of Prince Sattam Bin Abdul Aziz, Emir of Riyadh region, is a great loss to the nation. “He was a great administrator and a popular leader loved by all sections of people,” a senior government official told Okaz/Saudi Gazette. Prince Sattam died Tuesday after serving the nation for about 45 years. He was 72. Funeral prayer will be offered Wednesday after Asr prayer at Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, the Royal Court said in a statement. “May Allah bestow him mercy and forgiveness, and accommodate him in heaven,” the Saudi Press Agency reported quoting the statement. Prince Sattam was admitted to King Abdulaziz Medical City at the National Guard a few months ago following illness. Prince Sattam was the 9th emir of Riyadh. He took over as emir in November 2011, succeeding Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz. Prince Sattam served as the Deputy Emir of Riyadh from 1979 to 2011. The body of Prince Sattam will be buried at Al-Adl Graveyard in Makkah according to his wish. Crown Prince Salman will receive condolences at his palace in Araqa between Maghreb and Isha prayers on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Prince Sattam was born on Jan. 21, 1941 in Riyadh. His primary education was at the Princes' School in Riyadh. Then, he joined Al Anjaal institute. He secured bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of San Diego in 1965. He obtained an honorary doctorate from the same university in 1975. Together with Crown Prince Salman, Prince Sattam played a remarkable role in the development of the capital city. He was decorated with King Abdul Aziz Sash of the Highest Order, the highest sash in the Kingdom. Prince Sattam was in the forefront of several welfare and humanitarian activities. He held key positions in several humanitarian and charity organizations.
