At the beginning of every year (Libra Sign) which corresponds to the twenty-third of September, brings a precious national occasion to our hearts. On this occasion, we celebrate each moment with a spirit of sincerity and a spirit of belonging. We also commemorate the unification of our beloved country and the segregation of the boundaries of its unadulterated and impregnable land by His Majesty, the Founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman bin Faisal Al Saud (may Allah have mercy on him) under the name of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
That heroic epic in which a distinguished leader with insightful vision, great wisdom, and valiant courage, fought to gather the nation's scattered diaspora and reunite it and its distant parties. He fought to unite the Kingdom's vast geography, difficult geographic terrain, and social conditions so as to create a deeply rooted, cohort entity at both levels bases and pillars. He engaged in that heroic epic to unite the Kingdom and build it on solid foundations and sublime values; its pillar is the Pure Islamic Faith, and its approach is a righteous religion that entitles the truth and promotes justice and security; a nation that witnesses that there is no god but Allah and that Mohammad is the Messenger of Allah. That heroic epic underlined for generations throughout the ages, the ageless glory that shall not be interpreted without mentioning the meanings of pride, honor, and sublime legacy.
Every year we celebrate the unification of our homeland, recalling the epic for gathering the nation's scattered diaspora, and witnessing the present's achievements. We proudly review the accomplishments, the journey of construction, emergence of the characteristics of civilization, development and growth. In this occasion, we review the wise approach and inspiring thought followed by the founder, King Abdulaziz, in leading our nation. That approach of leadership represented a road map for the goodness of the nation in its present and future, implemented by great leaders who are truly excellent successors to excellent predecessors. They led the Kingdom insincere intention and did their utmost to move our kingdom towards a bright future followed by future growth - by Allah's Will -. Thus, the Kingdom became a model of development and prosperity, an exemplary nation in renaissance and distinction, and a pioneering model for development in various fields; living a comfortable life under the wise leadership and loyal and honest people.
On this day, the 6 of Safar 1442 H corresponding to September 23, 2020, we are experiencing the joy of the 90th National Day. We witnessed the remarkable paradigm shift of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH the Crown Prince (May Allah Protect Them) and their insightful visions for the Kingdom's future within the Saudi Vision 2030. We are celebrating today reaping the benefits of the Kingdom's national transformation programs. We are also celebrating today reaping the benefits of the Kingdom's international strategies, politically, economically, environmentally, and socially; as well as the benefits of its most prominent concern on development and investment platforms and initiatives in achieving justice, security and peace. Under the ambitious leadership, striving for more achievements; seeing the Kingdom at the forefront as one of the G20's most prominent countries in terms of stature, power and decision-making is an essential step on our nation's aspirational journey.
The Kingdom's 90th National Day comes this year as the whole world is witnessing exceptional circumstances caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic. This pandemic led to the collapse of health and economic systems as well as the high level of mortalities that affected many countries worldwide. The Kingdom played an exemplary role in tackling the COVID-19 Pandemic, proving to be capable and wise in facing crises and able to overcome adversity. It also showed the readiness of its sectors and ministries to make the utmost efforts to ensure the safety and security of its citizens and residents. This is the sense and the humanitarian duty that is being demonstrated by our leadership (May Allah Grant Them Success) as the most important priority. The Kingdom's efforts towards its people have been translated by a loyal army of the sons and daughters of the homeland in a high level of comprehensive performance. With such magnificent examples of giving, initiative, and altruism they have met the nation’s call, religious duty, professional and ethical motivation in its remarkable shape and comprehensive image. Moreover, they represented a great impact and gave a typical example on the responsibility towards society in terms of interdependence, cohesion and development, and towards the homeland in terms of love, loyalty and belonging.
We delight in the anniversary of our National Day this year. The Kingdom's higher education system is witnessing an unprecedented stage in light of the approval of the Universities New Law its entire policies and dimensions aimed to develop the higher education system. The approved law also is intended to be launched in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and its foundations which were based on planning, development and advancement of the Kingdom's various sectors in general and the education system in particular.
The joy of Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University (IAU) with the National Day coincided with being chosen among three universities in the first phase for implementing the Universities New Law. This selection came as a result of the University's status, reputation, and readiness which would help to transfer it to a new era, through which it can expand its range of services provided at the academic, research and societal levels and in the field of financial and human investment. IAU, with the responsibility of being selected at the forefront of the universities to implement the Universities New Law, is determined to adhere to its active role as an educational edifice and a tributary to thought and knowledge in achieving the desired developmental impact of educational edifices in the Kingdom. The University is also determined to affirm the continuation of its approach in the journey of achievement and equipping the future generations with the highest local, regional, and international quality standards. Such efforts ensure creating a stimulating and productive environment that achieves qualitative transformation in the educational processes and outcomes, as well as developing scientific research, creativity, and innovation, aspiration, and making a positive change for the future of higher education in a proper way.
On this precious occasion - The Kingdom's 90th National Day - I would like on behalf of myself and all IAU employees, to offer our sincere congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; his Crown Prince, HRH Prince Mohamed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz; Governor of the Eastern Province, HRH Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz; Deputy Governor of the Eastern Province, HRH Prince Ahmed bin Fahd bin Salman bin Abdulaziz (May Allah Protect Them).
May Allah the Almighty guide our steps to the Truth, make us always and forever inexhaustible sources of goodness, and sustainable achievements; perpetuate security over us and all Muslims, and provide sustainable development and prosperity for our homeland.
Dr. Abdullah bin Mohamed Al-Rubaish
President, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University
