King lays foundation stone for KAUST
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz laid here today the foundation stone for the project of King Abdullah University for Sciences and Technology (KAUST).
On arrival at the venue, the King was welcomed by Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Premier, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, the Governor of Makkah region, other princes and senior officials.
Speaking on the occasion, King Abdullah said "In line with the eternal principles of Islam which advocates science and knowledge and development of the earth, after depending on Allah Almighty, we would like to announce the establishment of King Abdullah University for Sciences and Technology (KAUST)."
"We hope that it will become a center for knowledge and a bridge for enhancing contacts among the civilizations and nations. We also hope it will perform its noble humanitarian mission in a clear atmosphere with the help of Allah Almighty and the enlightened people from all places without differentiation or distinction.
In line with the traditions of the educational institutions in the ages of the glorious Arab and Islamic civilization, we have established an endowment to spend its revenues on the university. We are only looking for pleasing Allah Almighty as well as benefiting the citizens in this dear country -- the cradle of Islam, as well as benefiting the entire humanity.
I pray to Allah Almighty to make this university a house of wisdom and forum for scientists, and a center which diffuses knowledge for the coming generations."