His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr, Governor of Al-Ahsa, received today at the governorate headquarters the gifted participants in the fifth edition of the 'Future Cities Footprints 2026' program at the Kingdom level, implemented by the Footprints Association for Orphan Care and Development in Al-Ahsa, in the presence of partners and supporters, partner associations, and directors of supporting government entities.

His Highness affirmed that the care and attention orphans receive embodies the approach of the wise leadership—may God protect them—in empowering humans, developing their capabilities, and providing a supportive environment to build their future, based on its belief that humans are the focus of development and the foundation of the nation's prosperity. He noted that specialized programs that combine education, innovation, and character building contribute to preparing an exceptional generation possessing the skills and knowledge that enable them to contribute effectively to the development process and achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The Governor of Al-Ahsa praised the efforts of the Footprints Association for Orphan Care and Development in Al-Ahsa and its qualitative initiatives and programs that have contributed to empowering orphans academically, skillfully, and socially, developing their abilities, enhancing their self-confidence, and creating an environment conducive to creativity and excellence. He commended the role of partners, supporters, and government entities in the program's success, emphasizing that the integration of efforts among the non-profit sector, government entities, and the private sector represents a fundamental pillar to maximize sustainable impact, enhance social responsibility, and empower promising generations to contribute to building the nation's future.

He pointed out that hosting the program reflects the confidence the governorate enjoys in hosting qualitative national programs, and confirms the components, capabilities, and institutional partnerships it possesses that contribute to the success of developmental initiatives and maximize their impact, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Jughaiman, member of the Board of Directors of the Footprints Association and scientific supervisor of the program, expressed his thanks to His Highness the Governor of Al-Ahsa for his continuous support and great interest in the association's programs and initiatives, noting that the current edition of the program includes participation of (400) male and female students from orphaned families from (19) associations across various regions of the Kingdom and Al-Ahsa.

He explained that the program is an extension of four previous editions offered by the association, the last of which was the 'Survival Challenge' program. The fifth edition sees the participation of orphaned children from various regions of the Kingdom and Al-Ahsa Governorate, within a program spanning (25) days on a full-board basis, including scientific and applied tracks related to engineering and architectural innovations simulating concepts of future cities, with the participation of a select group of academics, teachers, specialists, technicians, and engineers.

His Highness and the attendees watched a documentary film about the program, which presented the concept of 'Future Cities Footprints,' its tracks, objectives, and the enriching experience it offers participants, combining education, values, skills, and practical application.

In conclusion, His Highness honored the participating associations, success partners from the private sector, donor institutions, and supporting entities.