Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Qatar
Under the slogan “Our Pride Is in Our Nature”, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates its 96th National Day this year. The slogan encapsulates an enduring truth: this nation’s pride springs from the character of its people and their deeply rooted values — courage, authenticity, determination, generosity and hospitality. These qualities formed the foundations of the state when its founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman al-Saud — may God rest his soul — united this land under one flag, establishing a state built on unity, security and stability. These same values continue to drive the transformation of the present, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud — may God protect them both — under Saudi Vision 2030.
A decade after its launch, the Vision is no longer merely an expression of ambition: tangible indicators show how its aspirations have become reality. Non-oil gross domestic product has sustained its growth, with non-oil activities accounting for approximately 55% of real GDP and recording growth of 4.9% in 2025 compared with the previous year. This helped real GDP achieve annual growth of 4.5%, reaching SAR4,902bn, equivalent to more than $1.3tn.
Foreign direct investment inflows also rose from SAR28bn in 2017 to SAR133bn in 2025 equivalent to approximately $28bn — almost five times their earlier level — despite the slowdown in the global investment environment. Meanwhile, preliminary estimates put the Public Investment Fund’s assets at more than SAR3.41tn, exceeding $900bn.
Women’s participation in the labour market also surpassed the Vision’s target years ahead of schedule, reaching approximately 35%. Furthermore, 93% of programme and strategy performance indicators achieved or exceeded their annual targets, or came close to doing so valued at (85-99%).
This momentum continued into the beginning of the current year, with real GDP growing by 3% in the first quarter of 2026. Non-oil activities were a prominent driver of this growth, while financial and business services led the sectors with growth of 5.4%. These figures tell the story of an economy that is diversifying and expanding, building sources of income that do not depend on oil alone.
On this occasion, relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the brotherly State of Qatar take on particular significance. The two countries share far more than geographical proximity: their relationship rests on deep-rooted fraternal bonds and a common destiny, reinforced by the sincere determination of both leaderships to take relations to broader horizons. They also share ambitions for sustainable development, clearly reflected in the alignment between Saudi Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030. Both seek to advance economic development to achieve a prosperous economy, while strengthening human development to build a vibrant society. Both countries are firmly committed to achieving their visions’ objectives, having completed numerous tangible projects that consolidate sustainable development and improve quality of life.
The eighth meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Co-ordination Council, held in Riyadh on December 8, 2025, co-chaired by Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his brother, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani — may God protect them both — reaffirmed the commitment to taking relations to broader horizons. It yielded initiatives led by the project to connect the two countries through a high-speed electric railway.
The figures also testify to the depth of this partnership. Trade between the two countries has surged over the past three years, rising from approximately SAR2.7bn to SAR9.3bn in 2025. This reflects growing economic integration between two major Gulf economies that share the same ambition to diversify and achieve prosperity.
Relations between countries are measured not only by the gains made in times of prosperity, but also by the solidarity they demonstrate during hardship. Regional developments have illustrated the depth of co-ordination between Riyadh and Doha, from continued consultation between the two leaderships to joint efforts to contain crises and support regional security.
In this context, the Kingdom has played an active role in supporting the smooth movement of travellers, trade and supply chains, and in expanding logistics options serving GCC countries and regional markets. This reflects its advanced infrastructure and enduring commitment to regional stability.
The Kingdom’s National Day is more than a moment to reflect on a glorious past. It renews the commitment to building the nation through the same qualities that forged its unity: pride rooted in character and ambition expressed through action. When this pride is coupled with a Saudi-Qatari partnership that deepens day by day, its meaning becomes complete.
May the Kingdom, Qatar and their peoples enjoy continued well-being and prosperity, year after year.
