الغيث الهتان من زيارة سلمان

The documentary release "The Rain of Blessings from Salman’s Visit" issued by the Qassim Secretariat showcases the events of the visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Crown Prince, Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to the region in November 2018.

The release meticulously covers the events of the visit from the moment King Salman arrived at the airport until he departed from Qassim. It also highlights the preparations made by the emirate and the locals for this blessed visit, along with a photographic description of the developmental projects that were inaugurated and established by King Salman. The documentary concludes with the lasting impact of the event and its resonance in the media and community circles.

The release provides a historical overview of the region and the successive visits of kings, dedicating illustrated chapters to the preparations made by the emirate and the locals for the historic reception, as well as the unprecedented mobilization for the event. It also includes the lasting impact of the visit and the monumental projects that were inaugurated and established.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz arrived in the Qassim region on the evening of November 8, 2018, where he was warmly welcomed by Crown Prince, Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Emir of Qassim, Dr. Faisal bin Mishal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz.

Coinciding with King Salman’s arrival was the rainfall in the region, making it fitting to liken the visit and the abundance of goodness it brought to the rain that nourishes the earth in spring. The continuous rain symbolizes the ongoing goodness that has not ceased for the region and its people through the inauguration of developmental projects.

Years Passed, and the Impact Remains in the Hearts

In a documentary release, a copy of which was sent by the Emir of Qassim, Prince Faisal bin Mishal, to the Editor-in-Chief and General Supervisor of Saudi Gazette, colleague Jamil Al-Dhiyabi, the Emirate of the region presented illuminating glimpses of the historic visit. The Emir of Qassim began the document with a bright illumination of the significance and concepts of the visit: “There are visits that do not end with the conclusion of their details but live on in the moment when their people depart. Among those is the historic visit that Qassim received from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and his trustworthy Crown Prince, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. It left a good impact on the soul that time cannot erase and settled in the hearts as a fragrant memory that the passage of days cannot forget. The years have passed quickly, but the impact of the visit remains in the hearts, with its details shining brightly in the record of memories, reminding us that some moments are created to remain eternal and resistant to forgetfulness.”

The documentary release reviewed the events of the visit, paving the way with a historical account of the region, its geographical and economic importance, its historical depth, and its vital role in trade and in repelling invading campaigns against the country. It mentions its provinces and historical landmarks, as well as the attention given by the kings of Saudi Arabia to visiting it and directly addressing the needs of its people.

Documents of the Founder’s Visits to Qassim

With the unification of Saudi Arabia, Qassim entered a new phase of stability and institutional development, becoming part of a comprehensive national project based on security, building institutions, developing infrastructure, and enhancing human and spatial development. This transformation reflected on the region in various fields. Looking towards the future, the release presented inspiring historical documents, including one published by the Umm Al-Qura newspaper in August 1941, about the founding king’s travel to Qassim to check on its people and look into their affairs. The news report in Umm Al-Qura stated: “King Abdulaziz visited Qassim in 1928 to meet with delegations from the northern regions in Buraidah, and then he visited it again in 1929 in a grand procession, staying at the ruling palace in Buraidah and meeting with the locals who welcomed his arrival. He also visited in 1938, accompanied by his sons, and stayed for several days, as well as in 1941 and 1947.”

Only Salman Responds to Me

During the reception ceremony, Prince Faisal bin Mishal delivered a speech before the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, stating: “Welcome, as many as the rain has fallen from the sky and as many as the date palms have borne fruit, and what the country has offered in men from a region you know its people before I do. You know them before I do, as you advised me, being deeply knowledgeable in history. You are the one who explained history before it was written, your glories, your determination, your resolve, and your justice. How could it be otherwise when the people of Riyadh say about you, when you were their prince, if they sought justice and fairness: ‘By God, only Salman bin Abdulaziz responds to me.’”

From Zuhair bin Abi Sulma to Al-Qadi and Al-Urfaj

From the land of Qassim emerged great poets in ancient and modern times, such as Zuhair bin Abi Sulma, his son Ka'b bin Zuhair, Bashar bin Abi Hazim, the great poet of the island Muhammad bin Abdullah Al-Auni, Muhammad bin Abdullah Al-Qadi, and Muhammad bin Ali Al-Urfaj.

From Qassim also came the knights and brave men of the Arabs who were raised in its lands, inhaled its atmosphere, and drew inspiration from its environment: Antar bin Shaddad Al-Absi and Zaid Al-Fawaris Al-Dhubai.

Qassim is Visited by the Continuity of the Rain

The poet Saud Al-Hafi recited a Nabati poem:

Qassim today is covered by the gentle breeze of the coolness

It has been visited by the continuity of the rain, reviving every plant

And its prince ignites the atmosphere with the scent of musk

And the citizen wishes to ease his burden

Remembering the one who raised the banner of jihad in it

King Abdulaziz and the men of steadfastness

600 Projects at 16 Billion

During his visit, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz inaugurated and launched more than 600 projects covering developmental, educational, housing, road, environmental, water, electricity, and public service aspects, in addition to government economic projects at a cost of 16 billion riyals. The projects included:

Water and Agriculture:

Opening 8 projects and launching 16

Municipalities:

Opening 246 projects and launching 175

Tourism:

Opening 1 project and launching 2 projects

Education:

Opening 28 projects at Qassim University and launching 5, along with 33 projects for the General Directorate of Education

Housing:

Opening the Unayzah Housing Project

Energy and Industry:

Opening 14 electrical projects and 4 technical projects, and launching 1 project

Transport:

Opening 21 projects

Labor and Social Development:

Opening 2 projects