The visit comes as part of his trip to inspect the needs of the region’s Islamic affairs sector, and to inaugurate a number of programs and initiatives.

The minister toured the center’s facilities, departments and library, and listened to a full explanation of the center and its activities and the scientific and advocacy programs it offers. He also met with the employees in their offices and discussed their needs with them.

On Thursday, Al-Asheikh met Jouf Gov. Prince Faisal bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz. The two men discussed the construction, maintenance and restoration of mosques — as well as the need for qualified imams, preachers and muezzins — in the province.

Following the meeting, the two men witnessed the signing of an agreement between the ministry’s branch in the province and the Jouf Association for
Renewable Energy, of which Prince Faisal is honorary president. The agreement sets out plans for a transition to renewable energy in the province’s mosques and ministry buildings and also encourages anyone building a mosque to use solar power as an energy source for lighting and air conditioning.