The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has completed four years under the dynamic leadership of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The last four years are marked by change in almost every sphere of life. With the introduction of numerous political, economic, educational and social reforms, a new era of prosperity with a balance between development and religious and moral values has started. Since his ascension to the throne, the King has left no stone unturned to transform his country into a progressive, forward-looking and above all a Humanitarian Kingdom. The approval of SR475 billion budget last year, the setting up of the National Commission for Honesty and Anti-Corruption, the General Authority for Housing and the Consumer Protection Association (the list is endless), all steps give just a glimpse of the King's broader vision of a new Saudi Arabia standing tall among the comity of nations. Being a visionary, he naturally attaches importance to education without which a nation cannot progress. While the King has admirably expanded opportunities for qualified students to continue their studies abroad, he has also laid the cornerstone for opportunities of high-quality education in the field of science within the Kingdom. Initiatives such as KAUST present the potential for world-class education and research to be accomplished without the expense of sending our students abroad, both saving money and boosting the morale of Saudi students who can look with pride at the educational developments in their own country. The King envisions a knowledge-based nation for which he has increased the number of universities in the Kingdom to 21 and opened institutions for women. The last four years also witnessed an era in which opportunities are being continuously created for the women. With the initiation of the “Interfaith Dialogue” at the United Nations in New York in November, the King has emerged as an ambassador of peace and tolerance. Beyond any shadow of doubt, the King commands great respect all across the Muslim world and could be termed a key figure in any dialogue with the West for the resolution of a host of lingering issues. US President Barack Obama's meeting with the King prior to his historic address to the Muslim world clearly indicated the position the King enjoyed in the Muslim world. It would be difficult to sum up the King's four-year achievements. Saudi Arabia has a long way to go under the dynamic leadership of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. __
