Opinion

From his own resources… Luminous lessons in leadership and humanity

April 28, 2025
Firas Trabulsi 
Firas Trabulsi 

By Firas Trabulsi 

In an era where words often outweigh actions, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman presents a fresh and living lesson in genuine leadership and humanity. The Crown Prince’s unprecedented and generous donation of one billion Saudi riyals (approximately 267 million US dollars) from his personal funds to the National Developmental Housing Foundation (Sakan), through the “Jood Eskan” initiative, reflects a profound commitment to serving the citizens.

Yet, the true beauty of this act lies not merely in its extraordinary value, but in the deep messages it conveys — messages deserving of thoughtful reflection and admiration.

First: A generous donation... Opening the widest doors of giving

For a nation’s leader to make a donation of this scale from personal wealth speaks not only of individual generosity but of a leadership vision that sees the citizen as the very heart and purpose of development. When the leader personally dedicates SR1billion to support dignified housing, it affirms that the bond between leadership and citizens is not one of authority and governance alone, but a bond of shared responsibility and familial care.

This donation stands as a vivid testament that the citizen remains the central focus of every developmental project, and that dignity begins with a roof overhead.

Second: Completion within 12 months... Speed in the service of humanity

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman did not merely announce the donation; but he directed that all funded housing projects be completed within no more than 12 months — a clear declaration that the age of swift achievement has replaced the era of deferred promises.

This emphasis on speed reveals a leadership philosophy that leaves no room for procrastination or bureaucratic delay. There is no space for frozen hopes trapped behind the walls of red tape. Citizens are to witness the fruits of initiatives promptly, rather than waiting for development promises to be buried in endless files. Thus, a new culture emerges: speed in the service of humanity.

Third: National companies leading the projects... Boosting the local economy

The Crown Prince’s insistence that national companies undertake these projects reflects a deep-rooted patriotism that seamlessly links human service with economic empowerment. By assigning these tasks to Saudi firms, the initiative not only supports local expertise and talent but also stimulates the construction sector to reclaim its rightful place in the Kingdom’s economic renaissance.

Through this vision, the donation simultaneously fulfills two goals: providing homes for citizens and revitalizing the national economy by creating both direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Fourth: Monthly progress reports... Rigorous oversight from the heart of leadership

Success is not achieved through funding alone, but through diligent follow-up. Accordingly, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman directed that monthly reports on project progress be submitted.

This instruction reflects a leadership spirit that does not merely launch initiatives but actively monitors, measures, and holds them accountable. Every riyal must be spent wisely. Every housing unit must meet the highest standards and be delivered precisely on schedule, reinforcing the citizens’ confidence that their leadership is involved in every detail of their lives and dreams.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s donation is not measured solely by its financial value, but by the spirit driving it and the sincere intention that believes dignity begins with secure shelter.

In every aspect of this initiative — from generosity to speed, from national economic empowerment to meticulous oversight — we discern the portrait of a leader who has chosen to be intimately involved in the details of his people’s lives.

Through initiatives like these, nations are not merely built; trust is nurtured, belonging is strengthened, and a conviction is reinforced: that leadership is not merely a position, but a relentless mission of service and generosity.

When a leader becomes part of the dreams of his people, dreams transform into reality, hopes evolve into achievements, and the homeland becomes a shelter vast enough for everyone.


April 28, 2025
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