Crown prince’s Shoura address — a blueprint for regional resolve and national renewal

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In his annual address to the Shoura Council on Wednesday, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman delivered a speech that was both a strategic compass and a declaration of intent. It was a moment of clarity and reassurance in a region often clouded by uncertainty.

The political part of the speech opened with a firm stance on Gulf unity. The crown prince made it clear that ºÚÁÏÉçÇø views Qatar’s security as inseparable from its own. Any aggression against Doha is considered an attack on the entire Gulf Cooperation Council and all Saudi resources will be placed to support Qatar’s sovereignty. This was a direct response to recent Israeli provocations and a signal that Riyadh will pursue all political and legal avenues to deter future violations.

The crown prince described Israel’s actions as blatant and unlawful, dismissing its disregard for international norms. The message was clear: ºÚÁÏÉçÇø will continue to rally Arab and international efforts to hold Israel accountable and push for compliance with international law. This was not just about Qatar — it was about defending the integrity of the region.

Palestine, as ever, remained central. The crown prince highlighted ºÚÁÏÉçÇøâ€™s role in convening the international conference on the Palestinian issue, despite attempts to derail it. He reminded the Shoura Council that the Kingdom had previously hosted the October 2024 summit of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. These efforts are not symbolic — they reflect ºÚÁÏÉçÇøâ€™s enduring commitment to the Palestinian cause and its belief that international recognition of a Palestinian state is the most effective pressure point against Israeli occupation.

The speech also reminded those of us in the audience of a major diplomatic achievement: ºÚÁÏÉçÇøâ€™s successful push for the lifting of US sanctions on Syria. This breakthrough, secured through direct engagement with Washington, is expected to bolster Syria’s stability, support its economic recovery and ease the suffering of its people. It was a quiet but powerful example of Saudi diplomacy delivering a real-world impact.

The message was clear: ºÚÁÏÉçÇø will continue to rally Arab and international efforts to hold Israel accountable. 

Faisal J. Abbas | Editor-in-Chief

The crown prince expressed hope for peace in Lebanon, Yemen and Sudan, reiterating the Kingdom’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy. These are not mere aspirations — they are strategic imperatives. ºÚÁÏÉçÇø has invested heavily in peace-building efforts, recognizing that regional stability is essential for long-term prosperity.

On the domestic front, the crown prince offered a compelling snapshot of Vision 2030’s progress. Non-oil activities now contribute 56 percent of ºÚÁÏÉçÇøâ€™s gross domestic product, a milestone that speaks volumes about the success of its economic diversification. Who would have imagined the transformation of AlUla and the Red Sea islands into global tourist destinations or the arrival of more than 100 million tourists?

In my view, these are proof that the Kingdom’s ambitions are not only achievable — they are already being realized.

ºÚÁÏÉçÇø has invested heavily in peace-building, recognizing that regional stability is essential for long-term prosperity. 

Faisal J. Abbas | Editor-in-Chief

The decision by 660 multinational companies to establish their regional headquarters in ºÚÁÏÉçÇø was another highlight. It reflects growing global confidence in the Kingdom’s economic resilience, infrastructure and regulatory environment. ºÚÁÏÉçÇø is no longer just a regional power — it is becoming a global business hub.

The crown prince also emphasized the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global center for artificial intelligence. This is not a futuristic fantasy — it is a strategic priority. By investing in emerging technologies, ºÚÁÏÉçÇø is positioning itself at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

In a powerful rebuttal to critics of Vision 2030’s evolving targets, the crown prince asserted that public interest is the guiding principle behind every policy. Flexibility is not a weakness — it is wisdom. The Kingdom will continue to adapt its strategies to serve its people better, a stance that reflects maturity and responsiveness. And may I remind readers that, while people might be critical of changing targets now, the criticism a decade ago was that the Kingdom had no vision, key performance indicators or ambition.

Perhaps the most important takeaway from the address was the Kingdom’s ability to balance geopolitical turbulence with domestic stability. Despite global uncertainties and regional threats, ºÚÁÏÉçÇø has maintained internal cohesion and pursued ambitious reforms. The crown prince’s leadership has steered the Kingdom through turbulent waters, ensuring that progress is not sacrificed at the altar of geopolitics.

In sum, the Shoura Council address was not just a speech — it was a strategic blueprint. It showcased a Kingdom that is assertive yet measured, visionary yet grounded. Under the stewardship of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, ºÚÁÏÉçÇø is not merely navigating the future — it is defining it.

  • Faisal J. Abbas is the Editor-in-Chief of Arab News. X: @FaisalJAbbas