JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia on Saturday mourned the death of poet and national literary icon Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsin, who died at the age of 75 in Paris after an illness.
The Prince, affectionately known as the “Word Engineer”, was a towering figure in contemporary Saudi poetry, whose influence on the art form was felt throughout the country and the wider Gulf region, where his brilliant verse and poignant prose Had left an indelible impression. People’s hearts and minds.
A pioneer in popularizing Saudi poetry among Arab audiences, Prince Badr’s verses were immortalized in the songs of many distinguished Arab artists, including Talal Madah, Mohammed Abdu, Kadhim Al-Sahir and Asala. His patriotic words and songs left a deep impression, especially among the Saudi people, creating a strong bond between him and his countrymen.
Saudi and Arab officials and celebrities expressed sadness on Saturday after learning of the prince’s death and acknowledged his significant contribution to literature and culture.
Turki al-Sheikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, expressed his condolences to the royal family and the people of the kingdom, describing the deep sense of loss as akin to losing a father figure.
“May the soul of Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsin rest in peace and be granted the highest heaven,” he said. “My heartfelt condolences go out to his respected family, his children and the people of Saudi Arabia.
“Although it is indeed a sad moment, feeling a loss like losing a father, I can only express my gratitude to Allah in every situation.”
Social Media Platform May Allah have mercy on my dear brother, the ‘Word Engineer’, Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsin and grant him the highest place in heaven. He will always hold a special place in my heart.
“I express my heartfelt condolences to the royal family, their children and everyone who loved them. May God grant them patience and solace in this difficult time. Verily, we belong to Allah and to Him we will return.”
Prominent Saudi philanthropist Amira Al-Taweel paid tribute to Prince Badr and his legacy, particularly highlighting his role as a symbol of wisdom and generosity, his invaluable contribution to Saudi culture and his lasting impact on future generations.
“Today, we bid farewell to our prince and pioneer of words, Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsin,” he said. “May patience and solace console his children, family and all who loved him. In this transitory life, we leave behind our deeds and the essence of our character.
“Prince Badr not only enriched our culture but also imparted invaluable lessons of nobility, humility and generosity to the future generations. Although many of us never met him, we still held him dear as a father and brother.
“His passing highlights the sorrow of losing a close relative, as his noble character leaves an indelible mark. The grief is deep, especially for those who had the privilege of knowing him personally.”
Famous Emirati singer Ahlam expressed her grief and said she prays for the prince’s soul to rest in peace and strength for his loved ones during this difficult time.
Prince Badr was born on April 2, 1949 and his journey as a poet and cultural figure began at an early age. He studied in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Britain and the United States as he took his first steps on the path to becoming an important figure in Arab literature.
As president of the Saudi Society for Culture and Arts, he played a key role in promoting artistic expression and influencing the development of poetry organizations in the kingdom. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the region, King Salman awarded Prince Badr the prestigious King Abdulaziz Medal in 2019.
Shortly thereafter, the Kingdom’s Commission for Literature, Publications and Translations planned to collect and publish his complete literary works to commemorate his enduring legacy and the profound impact he had on the Saudi creative movement during his five-decade career. declare.