Saudi Arabia Affirms Security Readiness Amid Houthi Attacks, Highlights Development Achievements

Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its readiness to counter security threats and protect civilians and critical infrastructure following attacks attributed to the Houthi group, with Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary emphasizing the Kingdom’s preparedness and commitment to maintaining stability and advancing national development.

Speaking at a government press conference in Riyadh on Monday, Al-Dossary expressed confidence in the capabilities of Saudi security forces to respond to threats targeting civilian facilities. He stressed that safeguarding the security and safety of citizens and residents remained the Kingdom’s foremost priority.

The minister said relevant government agencies were coordinating their efforts to ensure a comprehensive response to emergencies, adding that Saudi Arabia possessed advanced capabilities to counter missile and drone threats.

He emphasized that daily life across the Kingdom continued normally, explaining that heightened security readiness reflected preparedness for different scenarios rather than public anxiety.

Al-Dossary noted that government institutions had strengthened their operational readiness and updated their emergency response and business continuity plans to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential services. He also announced that Coalition Forces spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki would soon hold a press conference to discuss the reported attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and the latest developments.

The minister reiterated that improving quality of life and promoting human welfare remained central to government policy. He highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting everyone residing within its territory, including citizens and foreign residents.

In this context, he referred to a directive from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to launch a campaign to regularize the status of undocumented Yemeni nationals in the Kingdom. He also cited a blood donation campaign launched by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

Turning to housing, Al-Dossary reported that more than 63,000 Saudi families had acquired their first homes during the first half of 2026, reflecting continued efforts to expand access to homeownership.

He also highlighted key government decisions and infrastructure initiatives, including the Cabinet’s approval of a new Government Tenders and Procurement Law. In the transport sector, Saudi Arabia Railways signed an agreement to finance the purchase of 10 new passenger trains to support the expansion of intercity rail services.

The minister further reported that the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) had supported the employment of 329,000 Saudi citizens during the first half of 2026, marking a 23 per cent increase compared with the corresponding period last year.

He added that the implementation of Saudization requirements for administrative positions had been completed across 69 professions spanning human resources, administration, shipping and public relations.

In the mining sector, Al-Dossary revealed that exploration activities at the Jabal Sayid project had identified approximately 114 million tonnes of ore containing significant concentrations of rare earth resources, alongside promising indications of uranium.

He also disclosed that the value of energy storage projects had reached SR4.5 billion, while investments aimed at localizing water-related industries and advancing domestic industrial capabilities amounted to approximately SR2.8 billion.

Highlighting healthcare achievements, the minister commended Saudi Arabia’s efforts under the Healthy Cities Programme and reported that the Kingdom had conducted 11 consecutive remote robotic surgeries.

He also referred to the International Falconry and Hunting Exhibition 2026, held in Malham, north of Riyadh, as part of the range of events hosted by the Kingdom.

Concluding his remarks, Al-Dossary highlighted Saudi Arabia’s performance in digital government services, stating that the Kingdom had ranked first regionally for the fourth consecutive time in the Digital Government Services Maturity Index, with an overall score of 99 per cent.

The minister said the government would continue strengthening national security while pursuing economic development, improving public services and enhancing the quality of life for citizens and residents.