Saudi Gazette report

MADINAH – Funeral prayers for former Minister of Information Ali Al-Shaer was performed at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah after the Asr prayer on Wednesday. Prince Faisal Bin Salman, emir of Madinah, and several other prominent figures attended the funeral prayer.

Al-Shaer, aged 88, died in Madinah earlier on Wednesday.

Prince Faisal offered condolences to his son Dr. Talal Ali Al-Shaer and other bereaved family members.

“The Kingdom has lost one of the sincere persons who served the nation, religion and the rulers,” he said.

Born in 1931 in Madinah, Al-Shaer had served as information minister for 14 years during King Fahd's reign. He was later appointed advisor to the Royal Court.

Earlier, he served as military attaché at the Saudi Embassy in Beirut and later became the Kingdom's ambassador to Lebanon. Saudi Television’s Channel 2 was launched while he was information minister.