Before a crowd of distinguished guests, Board Members, media representatives, and television cameras and microphones, Senior Administrators and Board Members of the King Faisal Foundation proudly launched the opening of Alfaisal University on Wednesday, May 16, 2007, in the lavish and beautifully decorated auditorium of the King Faisal Foundation in Riyadh. HRH Prince Khaled Al Faisal addressed the crowd with his inspiring speech about the plans for the university, the importance of private education, and the need for a university like Alfaisal University in Saudi Arabia. He stated, “Alfaisal University will be a renowned academic and research-oriented institution, the first of its kind in the Arab world, with its operational base in the Saudi capital.” His speech was followed by speeches by Sheikh Nassir Al Rashaid, Member of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Alan Goodridge, Provost of Alfaisal University, Dr. John Aydelott, UPP Director, and Mr. Paul Dugan, Member of the Board of Trustees. Following the speeches, HRH Prince Khaled answered questions from the audience.