By Khaled Al-Maeena,
Editor-in-chief of Arab news

King Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al-Saud, founder of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was unified on September 23, 1932 — now the country's National Day — by the modern Kingdom's founder, King Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al-Saud. Ever since that moment, Saudi Arabia's weight in the Arab world has carried a responsibility that has not been taken lightly. As home to the two holiest sites in Islam — the Ka'bah at Makkah and the Holy Prophet Muhammad's Mosque in Madinah — it is revered by Muslims the world over. Likewise, the country demands respect from the West as the world's largest oil exporter and producer, holding an energy reserve central to daily life and industrial prosperity in the U.S. and other countries.

King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques

This year marks the 20-year anniversary of King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz's accession to the throne. His reign has been arduous, with efforts at home focused on the implementation of development plans, and internationally, stressing the importance of Arab and Islamic solidarity. Throughout these challenging times the King has been assisted by Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz and has come to rely on his strength and judgement.

On the international stage, both the King and the Crown Prince have followed the policies of their father, the late King Abdul Aziz, of non-interference in the affairs of others. However, such a stance has not kept the Saudi leaders from emphasizing regional stability and attachment to Arab ideals. As a country with many neighbors, Saudi Arabia has always been keen to resolve outstanding border issues with them. It pushed for rapprochement with Iran. It has also been the main supporter of the Palestinian cause advocating the return of the Israeli-occupied territories of the West Bank captured in the June 1967 war.

Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard

Saudi Arabia has never shirked its international duties. In recent years the Crown Prince has played a strong role in this regard, meeting with foreign leaders in nations on all continents and representing the Kingdom at many high-level conferences.

Domestically both these leaders are committed to a program of economic reforms that include greater transparency; they have also begun introducing social reforms that allow more public participation. The Shoura or Consultative Council has now been increased from 90 to 120 members. High on the domestic agenda is a drive to increase economic growth, create more jobs and find roles for all citizens in the nation's future development. In the light of this, Saudi Arabia sees regional stability, foreign investment and the adoption of hi-tech as a must.

King Fahd was the Kingdom's first Education Minister and it has remained one of his primary passions. Saudi Arabia has a very young population; 60 percent of its nationals are under 20 years of age. Last year there were more than 4.5 million male and female students in the Kingdom, all studying at government expense.

Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector-General

In addition to enhancing services for his own people, King Fahd, in his role as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, funded the largest ever expansion of the Grand Mosque in Makkah Al Mukarramah and the Holy Prophet's Mosque in Al Madinah Al Munawwarah. Billions of riyals have been spent to improve the facilities and services for pilgrims.

Perhaps what is most remarkable about the reign of King Fahd is that the development of Saudi Arabia has continued without compromise to the society's deep-rooted Islamic values. Built on the strong foundation laid by King Abdul Aziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia, King Fahd, in consultation with the Crown Prince and Prince Sultan, has led the nation through a period of growth and prosperity. Wisdom, moderation and vision have allowed this great leader to enhance the position of the Kingdom and increase its influence internationally. In the process he has created a legacy by which all future Arab leaders will be measured.

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