Wise, strong, patient, discreet and highly organized.
These are some of the fundamental keys to the personality of Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz, the Kingdom’s new Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. This is in addition to the experience and knowledge that he has accumulated over many years.
Because an official’s majlis [a weekly meet-and-greet where an official engages with the local populace] is confidential, there are many stories and accounts that I cannot tell you now or at any time in the future, unless those involved allow me to do so. However, today I will dare to disclose a story I witnessed in Prince Salman’s majlis. A man from a small village on the outskirts of the city – and you could glean his circumstances from the way he was dressed – came to Prince Salman’s majlis to lodge a complaint. You could tell by the sound of his voice the strength of the grievances he felt against a well-known figure in the Saudi state.
Prince Salman listened to the man with his complete attention, and looked for a period of time at his records, then ordered an investigation into the case.
A month passed…then I learned and read that land had been returned to the simple Bedouin man, and I also learned that punitive action had been taken against the well-known state figure.
This was a story from nearly a quarter of a century ago.
Many people may not know that Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz loves to play the role of the “silent player” in his actions. He has been responsible for many large and influential decisions in the Kingdom’s modern history, without seeking to appear before a camera, or for his photo to appear in the newspapers.
As for Prince Salman’s incredible organization when it comes to his tasks; responding to letters, telephone calls and maintaining all social obligations, this is unprecedented outside of most European circles, which are organized to the very minute and second.
If you are opening the door to Prince Salman’s office, this means that the clock has chimed to announce your appointment, without a delay of even one minute!
As for his patience, with Prince Salman we are talking about a rock that shatters all problems, tragedies, tensions and ailments. He has dealt with the deaths of his loved ones and friends, in accordance with God’s will, in a calm and collected manner. As a result, some even call him the “rock of the mountain” for his legendary ability to shoulder his responsibilities.
Prince Salman is a man whose experience confirms that he is able to withstand all the heavy responsibilities that he carries, and hence he was chosen by King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz to be the new Crown Prince.
Prince Salman is a dedicated and discreet servant of his religion, his people and his country. Now he is assuming a new responsibility in addition to the mountain of responsibilities that he already carries on his shoulders without complaint, with the courage of a noble knight.