Saudi Gazette report

BURAIDAH - Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman started his tour of Al-Qassim region by attending a grand public reception hosted by the people of the region on Tuesday night.

Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, was also present at the reception held at King Abdullah Sports City in Buraidah. The King will launch more than 600 projects worth over SR16 billion on Wednesday, on the second day of the visit.

On the auspicious occasion of the visit, King Salman has ordered the release of all insolvent Saudi prisoners whose financial obligations do not exceed SR1 million. The King will bear the expense to settle dues of those prisoners who are not convicted of any criminal offenses.

At the beginning of the public reception, Prince Faisal Bin Mishal Bin Saud, emir of Qassim, delivered a speech in which he welcomed the royal visit and expressed support of the people in the region to the king, lauding his great services for the country.

Then, Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Hasani, president of the General Court in Buraidah, welcomed the King on behalf of the people of Qassim.

Prominent poets from the region -Saud Al-Hafi and Saleh Al-Shabaan - recited poems, welcoming the Monarch.

The Monarch presented prizes to a number of distinguished figures who brought laurels to the region in diverse fields.

The King also watched an operetta. The traditional Ardah Sword dance was performed on the occasion.

The emir of Qassim said the King will open on Wednesday 402 projects, covering 12 sectors worth SR12.15 billion. The King will lay the foundation stone for another 199 projects costing SR4.2 billion. These projects include educational, housing, road, environment, water, electricity and public services.