Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its commitment to national security, public welfare and economic development amid reported Outhit attacks on civilian and strategic sites, with officials outlining new measures and infrastructure projects across the Kingdom. Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossary delivered the message during the 37th government press conference in Riyadh, alongside Royal Commission for Riyadh City CEO Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Sultan.
Al-Dossary said national unity and readiness to protect the Kingdom remained essential, while stressing that citizens and residents were central to government policies. He condemned the attacks attributed to Yemen’s Outhit movement, expressed condolences to victims’ families and praised Saudi security personnel and armed forces.
The minister said military, security, healthcare and public-service agencies were coordinating under updated emergency and business-continuity plans. He urged the public to rely on official information and avoid circulating unverified images or reports concerning security operations. He added that authorities had strengthened preparedness against aerial, missile and drone threats, while essential services continued operating.
Beyond security, Al-Dossary identified education, healthcare, employment and housing as priorities outlined in the royal address to the Shura Council, delivered by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
More than 63,000 Saudi families purchased homes for the first time during the first half of 2026, according to the minister. The Human Resources Development Fund also supported employment for 329,000 Saudi men and women over the same period, representing a 23% increase year on year. A decision covering the localization of 69 administrative support professions has also taken effect.
The government is pursuing improvements in public services alongside investment in infrastructure and emerging industries. Saudi Arabia recorded 99% in the digital government services maturity index, retaining its regional leading position for the fourth consecutive assessment, Al-Dossary said.
In transport, Saudi Arabia Railways carried more than 38 million passengers during the second quarter of 2026, alongside nearly 3.7 million tonnes of minerals and goods. The company also signed an agreement to finance the purchase of 10 passenger trains. Meanwhile, four battery storage agreements worth approximately SAR4.5 billion will add 2,000 megawatts of capacity, supporting electricity-system reliability and renewable energy expansion.
The minister also cited estimated mineral resources of around 114 million tonnes at the Jabal Sayid project, including high concentrations of rare earth elements and indications of uranium. Water-sector localization projects have reached the industrial implementation stage, with investments totalling SAR2.8 billion and local content exceeding 68% in the first half of 2026.
Healthcare initiatives include 21 Saudi cities receiving World Health Organization accreditation under the Healthy Cities Programme. SEHA Virtual Hospital has also performed 11 consecutive remote robotic surgeries, including one described in the announcement as the second of its kind worldwide.
Al-Sultan outlined Riyadh’s infrastructure programme, which targets improvements across approximately 700 kilometres of major roads and more than 330 intersections. The plans include over 300 bridges and 80 tunnels. Riyadh Metro has carried more than 300 million passengers since operations began, while contracts for 94 additional trains will increase the fleet from 183 to 277.
Environmental initiatives include planting more than 4.5 million trees under the Green Riyadh Programme and advancing development at King Salman Park, which covers over 17 million square metres. The commission is also expanding neighbourhood parks and rehabilitating natural valleys.
On housing, authorities have allocated 10,024 residential plots across more than 6.3 million square metres during the first year of a programme offering affordable land. Preparations are also advancing for Expo 2030 Riyadh, with the detailed master plan completed and participation agreements being signed. The exhibition is planned to include 197 countries and other organisations across a site of approximately six million square metres.
Officials said the combined initiatives reflect a development strategy linking security, economic opportunity, public services and urban expansion, with further implementation expected across Riyadh and the wider Kingdom.
No Comment! Be the first one.