Saudi Crown Prince: Kingdom Capable of Deterring Threats from Any Source - Sarmad

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said on Wednesday that the Kingdom “possesses highly capable human and military resources, able to fully confront and deter threats, regardless of their sources.”

In his annual royal address, delivered on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz at the opening of the third year of the ninth session of the Shura Council, Prince Mohammed bin Salman added that “the attacks targeting all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states underscore that Gulf security and stability are indivisible. We are working with our brothers to safeguard Gulf security, pursue strategic cooperation and economic integration, and continue implementing the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to enhance joint efforts that achieve the Council’s objectives and meet the aspirations of its citizens.”

The Crown Prince continued: “We reaffirm that we are making every possible effort to de-escalate tensions and support diplomatic solutions, without any compromise in safeguarding our security. We will not hesitate to respond decisively to any threat or aggression aimed at undermining it.”

He noted that “the events currently unfolding in the region serve as proof that long-term planning does not mean stagnation or immobility, but rather the ability to adapt to changes.”

He said: “In the context of our contributions to enhancing regional stability, sparing the region from the repercussions of tensions and conflicts, and coordinating efforts, the Mecca Defense Alliance was established between the Kingdom, the Republic of Turkey, and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. This stems from our joint efforts to play our role in strengthening security and stability in the region. In this regard, we appreciate the stance of brotherly and friendly countries standing by the Kingdom and their contributions to enhancing security and stability.”

The Saudi Crown Prince also addressed the situation in Palestine, stating: “We strongly condemn the continued brutal attacks by the occupying authority on our brothers in Palestine in the Gaza Strip, as well as its multiple violations of Al-Aqsa Mosque. We call on the international community, and the Security Council in particular, to play its expected role in reaching a permanent political solution.”

He affirmed that “the Kingdom’s commitment to the rights of the Palestinian people is a firm stance and a continuous effort that will not cease until the Palestinian people attain their legitimate rights, including the establishment of their independent state in accordance with international references.”

Regarding Yemen, Prince Mohammed bin Salman said the Kingdom “reaffirms its comprehensive support, through the coalition supporting legitimacy for the Yemeni government, to extend its authority over the entire country, restore stability, and confront the attacks of the terrorist Houthi militias, which have chosen chaos and destruction, and threaten the Yemeni people and the region.”

On the Sudan crisis, he said: “The Kingdom reaffirms its firm and supportive position regarding the unity and stability of Sudan, the preservation of its legitimate institutions, and sparing its people from the tragedies of war and destruction.”

On energy security, the Saudi Crown Prince noted that the world is currently facing an energy crisis with uncertain prospects. He said: “The Kingdom has served as a valve for global energy security, with its ability to provide oil supplies to international markets despite the escalation. It also took the initiative to establish the multinational maritime defense alliance to enhance maritime security and protect shared interests in international sea lanes, rejecting their exploitation as a tool for political or economic pressure.”

He stressed that the Kingdom “is making every effort with partners to enhance international cooperation for preserving security, de-escalating tensions, and diffusing conflicts to achieve regional and international stability, while emphasizing the need for the international community to expedite fulfilling its responsibilities to ensure the safe flow of essential goods and humanitarian aid.”

Saudi Vision 2030

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said: “Our blessed nation will complete 300 years since its establishment on the upcoming Founding Day. Throughout all its stages, it has been founded on the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), adhering to monotheism and justice. This is a path we will not deviate from, preserving its authentic heritage and values, which grow deeper and stronger with each passing day. This has made citizens more committed to their pure faith and solid national identity.”

He added: “Allah has honored our nation with the service and maintenance of the Two Holy Mosques and the care of their visitors. This is an extension of our inherited commitment in this regard and a reflection of our pride in this great honor bestowed upon us by Allah.”

He pointed out that “the ten years of Vision 2030 have been full of achievements, with the performance indicators for the vision’s programs and strategies reaching 93% of their targets, thanks to Allah and then to the performance and competence of Saudi men and women, who have been the source of every success.”

The Saudi Crown Prince added: “Non-oil exports recorded a growth of 155% compared to 2016, reflecting the growing presence of products from this sector. The private sector’s contribution to the economy rose to 51%, and the transport and logistics system has proven its ability to handle changes in supply chains and maintain the smooth flow of goods and services.”

He continued: “The Public Investment Fund has launched its five-year strategy, focusing on building local economic systems with high competitive capabilities, through a pivotal partnership with the private sector and enhancing local content to achieve economic transformation, while simultaneously achieving sustainable financial returns. At the same time, the National Development Fund contributes to the development of many sectors, supported by annual financing that ensures the achievement of its targets.”

The Saudi Economy

He clarified that “amid the successive transformations the world is witnessing, the importance of reforms that have enhanced economic diversification becomes evident. These reforms have contributed to increasing the Kingdom’s ability to handle crises, successfully turning threats into opportunities to strengthen the Kingdom’s position, and continuing its developmental priorities with efficiency and sustainability.”

He said: “The current circumstances are a testament to the resilience of the national economy, the maturity of its facilities, the strength and financial sustainability of state institutions.” He explained that “the core of the Kingdom’s economic policies is the development of national capabilities and potential, empowering promising sectors, attracting local and international investments, and directing resources toward areas with the highest economic and social impact. This preserves the ability to finance developmental priorities and ensures the sustainability of achievements for future generations.”

He emphasized that “the fundamental goal of everything the state does is the elevation and prosperity of the nation and the improvement of the quality of life within it.” He added: “Education and health sectors consistently top our priorities and are given priority in the state budget. The decision on the general education system aims to realize ambitions that elevate the quality of education to a leading global level, while the health transformation is making rapid strides to ensure healthcare services are at their highest standards and available with comprehensive coverage for citizens.”

Labor Market and Real Estate Sector

Prince Mohammed bin Salman said: “With the success in reducing unemployment rates, we are working to invest in human capital, which contributes to maximizing opportunities for citizens to enter the labor market, enabling them to compete and excel in all fields, thereby becoming the driving force of development.”

Regarding the real estate market, he said: “The measures taken to reform the real estate sector have yielded multiple options for citizens, enhanced market efficiency, and increased homeownership rates. We continue to work on addressing the challenges facing this sector, and we are proceeding with steps that benefit citizens in all aspects of their lives, without compromising national development and the resources of future generations, while ensuring the country’s financial and economic stability.”

On artificial intelligence, the Saudi Crown Prince pointed out that “the Kingdom is advancing globally across many indicators, including ranking first in the Digital Readiness Index, the Telecommunications and Technology Development Index, and the Cybersecurity Index, and ranking second in the Digital Government Maturity Index. It has also entered the list of the ten most attractive countries for mining investment.”

He added: “We have designated 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence, underscoring our commitment to positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in developing AI applications and solutions, leveraging them to boost productivity, improve service quality, and train Saudi talent.”