Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Prince Mishal Bin Abdulaziz Passes Away | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Riyadh- Saudi Royal Court announced the death of Saudi Prince Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, reportedly in his nineties, on Wednesday. His funeral prayers will be held on Thursday at the holy grand mosque in Makkah after Isha (evening) prayers.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received on Wednesday phone calls from Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to offer condolences. King Salman expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Egyptian and Sudanese presidents.

Prince Mishaal was the chairman of the Allegiance Council, which was founded in 2007 and tasked with formalizing the succession process. According to chapter 15, the council is headed by the eldest of the founder King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz sons and is then succeeded by the following brother.

Prince Mishaal was twice appointed as a defense minister.

Saudi journalist Jaber Al-Qarni told Asharq Al-Awsat, in a phone call, that the late prince was known for his firm personality and his accurate follow-up of work while keeping an eye on his children and their scholar performance.

Qarni added that the prince was strict when it comes to religious affairs including the prayers and he was keen on teaching his children equitation and various sports such as archery, not to mention his commitment to values.

King Fahd bin Abdulaziz had appointed him as his adviser before the formation of the Allegiance Council in 2007. He is known for his interest in national heritage and popular literature in addition to activating cultural tourism that reflects the Saudi values.

This resulted in establishing – in 2000 – the first annual camel festival in the Gulf in a pursuit to make the festival international and pioneering.