RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary expressed pride in the resilience and preparedness of the Saudi security forces in repelling Houthi terrorist attacks that target civilians and civilian infrastructure in the Kingdom. He affirmed that the Kingdom remains strong and capable of safeguarding its security and protecting its resources, while continuing its unwavering pursuit of construction and development.
Speaking at the government press conference in Riyadh on Monday, Al-Dossary stressed that the security and safety of citizens and residents remain top priorities for the Kingdom. He emphasized that active coordination is underway among various agencies to ensure a comprehensive response to any emergency, adding that the Kingdom possesses advanced capabilities to counter missile and drone threats.
The minister affirmed that daily life in the Kingdom continues as normal, stressing that heightened readiness does not signify anxiety but rather reflects the state’s preparedness to deal with various scenarios, regardless of their likelihood.
Al-Dossary pointed out that all state agencies have elevated their level of readiness and are operating in accordance with updated response and business continuity plans to ensure the uninterrupted provision of essential services. He added that the Spokesman of the Coalition Forces, Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki, would soon hold a press conference to discuss the terrorist attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and the latest developments.
He emphasized that national advancement and improving the quality of life remain the ultimate objectives of government efforts, noting that the Kingdom’s commitment extends to every individual living on its soil. As evidence of this commitment, he cited the directive of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to launch a campaign to rectify the status of illegal Yemenis in the Kingdom, along with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launching a blood donation campaign.
Al-Dossary noted that more than 63,000 Saudi families acquired their first homes during the first half of 2026. He also reviewed recent key decisions and achievements, including the Cabinet’s approval of the new Government Tenders and Procurement Law and Saudi Railways signing an agreement to finance the purchase of 10 new passenger trains to support intercity transportation.
The minister stated that the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) contributed to the employment of 329,000 Saudi citizens during the first half of this year, representing a 23 percent increase compared to the same period last year. He added that the decision to Saudize administrative jobs had been fully implemented, covering 69 professions across human resources, administration, shipping, and public relations.
He further revealed that exploration activities at the Jabal Sayid project had identified approximately 114 million tons of ore containing high concentrations of rare earth resources, along with promising indications of uranium. The value of energy storage projects reached SR 4.5 billion, while investments in localizing water industries amounted to approximately SR 2.8 billion.
Al-Dossary commended the Kingdom’s efforts to consolidate its leadership in the Healthy Cities Program, as well as its achievement of conducting 11 consecutive remote robotic surgeries. He also highlighted several recent major events hosted by the Kingdom, including the International Falconry and Hunting Exhibition 2026 in Malham, north of Riyadh.
He concluded by noting that the Kingdom secured first place regionally for the fourth consecutive time in the Digital Government Services Maturity Index, achieving an overall evaluation score of 99 percent.
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