Abdul-Majeed Bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud - Governorships

Governorships

Abdul Majeed served as governor of three significant provinces in Saudi Arabia during his lifetime: Tabuk Province, Madina Province and Makkah Province.

After completing his education, he was firstly appointed governor of the northerly Tabuk province in 1980. Agriculture was developed in the province during his governorship, and the region became one of the kingdom's main producers crops such as wheat and fruit. His tenure lasted for six years until 1986.

After the death of his half-brother, Prince Abdul Muhsin, in 1986, Prince Abdul Majeed replaced him as governor of Medina Province. The Prophet's Mosque in Medina and surrounding areas were redeveloped during his 14-year term of office. He also established the Taiba Investment Corporation in Medina.

In 2000, he was appointed governor of Makkah Province and chairman of the Mecca Development Authority. He was also chief of the central hajj committee. In 2000, Mecca became the provincial capital of the region including Jeddah. An ambitious program of development was undertaken in Mecca under his stewardship at a cost of more than US$27 billion. The developments were centered on the Two Holy Mosques, the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and the Masjid-e-Nabawi in Medina, the key destination in the annual Hajj pilgrimage, attracting millions of visitors each year. Huge commercial developments sprouted in surrounding areas, such as the Jebel Omar scheme, including hotels, convention and conference centers, and prayer facilities. Architectural historians criticized the accompanying destruction of historic sites. On the other hand, communications links were improved, including port facilities in Jeddah, airports, and roads.

Abdul Majeed is considered to be a pro-business governor who also called for greater participation of women in public life. "Prince Abdul Majeed has been a major supporter of Saudi businesswomen," said Hussa Al-Aun, a member of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI). He called for women's participation in public life in Saudi Arabia. The Khadeeja bint Khuwailed Centre for Businesswomen was established in Jeddah in 2003 by the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, under his patronage.

He also served on many public and charitable committees. He pushed for the creation of the first motor racing track in Saudi Arabia, and for mandatory blood testing before marriage to avoid disease. The procedure became obligatory.