World Scouting is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Omar bin Muhammad Naseef, who has “gone home” on 12 October in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia at the age of 86.
Dr. Naseef was a distinguished scholar, public figure and devoted Scout leader whose lifelong dedication to education, community service and youth development has had an extraordinary impact on Scouting in the Arab region and around the world. Born in Saudi Arabia in 1939, he joined Scouting in 1956 as a Rover Scout before helping to establish the Rover Scout programme at King Abdulaziz University in 1960. His commitment to youth leadership through Scouting was exemplified by a career in education and public service, including leadership roles as President of King Abdulaziz University, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, and Vice-Chairperson of the Shura Council of Saudi Arabia.
As a pioneer of Scouting in the Arab region, Dr. Naseef served as Chairperson of the Arab Scout Committee from 1982-1985 , and its advisor from 2007-2010. He also chaired the Supreme Council of the Arab Scout Foundation, was a member of the World Scout Foundation board, and founded and presided over the International Union of Muslim Scouts (IUMS), an organisation now known as the World Islamic Union of Scouts and Youth which holds consultative status with World Scouting.
Throughout his decades of service, Dr. Naseef represented the Saudi Arabian Scout Association in numerous Arab and international events. He played a leading role in organizing Pelgrims (Hajj) service camps and Islamic Scout gatherings, His engagement in Scouting internationally included active participation in World Scout Conferences and Jamborees since 1974.
Dr. Naseef’s commitment to Scouting and education earned him numerous national and international honours. He received the Bronze Wolf Award in 1983, the highest honour given by the World Scout Committee for exceptional service to world Scouting, as well as other recogntions including the Arab Scout Medal in 1979, the King Faisal International Prize for Service to Islam in 1991.
Dr. Naseef will be remembered for his vision, integrity and commitment to advancing youth education and the values of Scouting both in the Arab region and internationally. World Scouting extends its deepest condolences to Dr. Naseef’s family, colleagues and the entire Scouting community in Saudi Arabia for this great loss.
