His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday attended the inauguration of the King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST) in Jeddah, which also marked Saudi Arabia's national day.

Upon arrival at the ceremony, King Abdullah was received by Saudi King Abdullah Ben Abdul Aziz.

King Abdullah congratulated the Saudi monarch on the 79th anniversary of Saudi Arabia's national day, the opening of the university and the kingdom's achievements in various fields, expressing his wishes for the Saudi people to enjoy more progress and prosperity.

King Abdullah and other world leaders and international figures attending the ceremony toured the university's exhibition.

The Saudi monarch said: "Faith and science are not incompatible" and that universities should be "in the front line in the war against extremists". He expressed hope that the university would be a "house of knowledge and a place of tolerance".

The Saudi king expressed appreciation for the participation of a number of world leaders and personalities in the ceremony.

The ceremony included short films exploring the university's expected role in supporting higher education in Saudi Arabia and the world.

The Saudi monarch announced the establishment of the university in 2006. It cost 10 billion Saudi riyals and is built over 36 square kilometers situated north of Jeddah.

Royal Court Chief Nasser Lozi and Jordanian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Qaftan Al Majali accompanied King Abdullah, who returned home Wednesday.