Jeddah Siraj Wahab
From the moment (click here) he took over in 2005 after the death of King Fahd, the hugely popular King Abdullah was a man on a mission.
The biggest challenge for him was to get the economy back into shape and end the isolation Saudi Arabia had faced in the international world after 9/11. He took drastic measures and bold decisions. He united his people by launching national dialogue.
Saudis from every corner of the Kingdom were brought into the decision-making process. He launched many economic cities. A multitude of international conferences and seminars and meetings indicated a country on the move under an able leadership.
Women regarded him as a benevolent father who cared for them, and understood their problems. He always received them with a smile. He knew the pulse of the Kingdom. When one day, he visited a poor household in Riyadh the whole nation gasped. Here was their king wanting to know the state of a fellow citizen....
As much some what to criticize and diminish the rule of the Late King Abdullah, he sought to bring his country into the times if found itself. He did that while still holding on to the deepest traditions of the people. In so much the Arab News chose to show the late king with President Obama only speaks to the fact he was an ally and friend. 
