MAKKAH: A major Saudi award aimed at recognizing moderate thinking and the rejection of extremism will be launched on Sunday by Makkah Gov. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal.
The third Moderation Award will highlight the Kingdom’s stance on the issue through promotion and support of the work of pioneering and creative individuals and groups.
As well as encouraging positive role models, the awards program aims to increase awareness in Arab communities of moderate attitudes and combating extremism in all its forms.
The award will be launched during a meeting in Jeddah presided over by Prince Khalid and attended by the president of King Abdul Aziz University (KAU), Dr. Abdulrahman Obaid AI-Youbi, and members of the award’s executive committee.
The meeting will discuss the committee’s roles and responsibilities, and administrative and organizational matters surrounding the awards.
Dr. Hassan bin Yahya Al-Manakhra, executive director of the Prince Khalid Al-Faisal Center for Moderation at KAU, hailed the prince’s dedication to overseeing the progress of the award.
Praising Prince Khalid for initiating the award and his vision, Al-Manakhra said the message was clear: “No to extremism, no to takfir (declaring others as non-believers), and no to alienation. Yes, to moderation in thought, politics, and economy.”
The Center for Moderation sets out to prove to the world that Islam is a religion for all times and places, as it preaches moderation and rejects terrorism, tyranny and despotism.
Makkah governor to launch third special award for moderation
Makkah governor to launch third special award for moderation
‘Kingdom is on a path toward the light,’ says US Senator Graham after meeting Prince Khalid bin Salman
DUBAI: US Senator Lindsey Graham believes Saudi Arabia is on ‘a path toward the light’, in a statement he issued after meeting with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, who is on an official visit to Washington.
“My engagement with Saudi Arabia over the past two days has given me a sense of confidence that the Kingdom – while it has its own interests – is on a path toward the light, not the darkness,” the senator said in his statement.
The senator also said he was looking forward to visiting Saudi Arabia soon.
The thumbs up tour continues. Great meeting with the Defense Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Khalid bin Salman.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 29, 2026
Wow, these people are clever. pic.twitter.com/btT6OSmcSN
“Over the years, I have developed a strong working relationship with Saudi Arabia. I know President Trump is a strong admirer of the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. I have seen the changes the Crown Prince has embraced and I have been impressed,” Graham said.
The US senator added that after meeting with Prince Khalid, and Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan earlier, “I am convinced that Saudi Arabia believes the best thing for the region is economic growth and prosperity.”
“Saudi Arabia wants to be a destination of choice in the future, so that people around the world to come visit what I think is an incredible country. Saudi Arabia wants to be one of the dominant forces in Al, which means the best and brightest minds will come. I am convinced that this is still the goal of the Crown Prince and the Kingdom.”
Graham also expressed appreciation to what the Kingdom was trying to do in Syria.
“They have openly said they are the friend of both the Syrian government and the Kurdish people. The attitude of seeking compromise rather than destruction, hopefully, will win the day,” the senator said in his statement.
Prince Khalid is expected to discuss Saudi-US ties and ways to strengthen during his visit, and earlier met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
