On this historic day in 1932, King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud, may God have mercy on him, united disparate regions into the modern Saudi state, christening it. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This momentous unification is a testament to the founding King’s remarkable dedication in the face of formidable challenges, laying the foundation for the contemporary Kingdom.
Since that pivotal day, the Kingdom has tirelessly strived to ensure a prosperous life for its citizens, extending its efforts to embrace people from diverse corners of the world. The sweeping changes and reforms that have taken place within the Kingdom in recent years have allowed Saudi citizens to live in comfort and stability under the leadership of His Majesty, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Highness the Crown Prince, who also serves as Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect them.
The Kingdom continues to achieve impressive milestones across various domains, encompassing upholding the principles of Islam, implementing political and social reforms, advancing infrastructure, and creating employment opportunities for its citizens, including Saudi women. The Kingdom has also expanded and strengthened its social welfare programs.
With unwavering support and vision from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, may God protect him, the Kingdom launched Vision 2030, a visionary plan blessed by His Highness the Crown Prince, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, aimed at securing a prosperous future for this great nation. This vision leverages the Kingdom’s inherent strengths, such as its strategic location, robust investment capabilities, and rich Arab and Islamic heritage. The leadership has devoted undivided attention and harnessed all available resources to realize these ambitious aspirations.
Over the past six years, the Kingdom has achieved numerous milestones, yielding tangible results in governance, economics, and society. While confronting various challenges, the Kingdom has acquired invaluable experiences that have solidified the trust of its citizens in the astute leadership’s ability to fulfill the Kingdom’s objectives. Through investments in digital government transformation, the creation of growth and investment opportunities, and the revitalization of various economic sectors, the Kingdom has opened its doors to the world, elevating the quality of life for its citizens. The hardworking sons and daughters of this great country have accomplished all these remarkable feats.
In the field of foreign affairs and international policies, the Kingdom’s foreign policy is based on several principles and objectives aimed at enhancing regional stability, international peace, and promoting international cooperation. The Kingdom is committed to principles of good neighborliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and seeks to build positive relationships with neighboring countries and the international community. It also works to strengthen its ties with friendly nations and regional and international partners through bilateral cooperation and participation in international organizations. The Kingdom actively participates in regional and international alliances to enhance international security and peace, supporting international efforts. It also works to promote mediation and peaceful diplomatic resolution of regional and international conflicts and strives to provide humanitarian and developmental support to countries and regions affected by conflicts and natural disasters.
Our wise leadership, may God support them, has not overlooked the international arena in its policies. It stands as the largest supporter and donor when measured by its national income, with the Kingdom’s contributions reaching approximately 5% of its national income. In addition to humanitarian contributions that have benefited more than 90 million people in over 80 countries, the Kingdom has provided interest-free loans to many nations. The Kingdom also holds high aspirations to host Expo 2030, aligning with its regional and international role in enhancing cultural and economic exchange. Hosting Expo 2030 will provide a significant opportunity for the Kingdom to showcase its creativity and present its vision for the future.
Hosting Expo 2030 will also facilitate international communication and the building of stronger diplomatic and economic relations with participating countries, creating opportunities for innovation and knowledge exchange in a variety of fields. With its aim to host Expo 2030, the Kingdom is well-positioned to highlight its achievements and offer its vision for a brighter future. It will be an opportunity to enhance international cooperation, achieve sustainable development goals, and promote understanding and communication among different cultures and peoples.
To ensure the safety and security of both Saudi citizens and the world, the Kingdom plays a prominent role in combating extremism and terrorism on both the international and domestic fronts. This role is of paramount importance due to the Kingdom’s significant influence in Islamic and regional affairs, as well as its strategic standing in the global Islamic world.
The Kingdom actively participates in international cooperation to combat terrorism, including joining international alliances such as the coalition against the Islamic State. It effectively contributes to the exchange of information and security risks, thus supporting global efforts to eliminate and counter-terrorism. Additionally, the Kingdom is committed to countering ideological extremism by promoting moderation and tolerance within Islam and emphasizing the values of a moderate interpretation of Islamic teachings. This is achieved through support for education and the dissemination of awareness regarding these values, further contributing to fostering interfaith harmony and global peace.
Beyond politics, security, and health, the Kingdom has taken a significant step towards sustainability and environmental protection. His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, Prince Mohammed bin Salman—may God protect him—announced the launch of the Saudi Green Initiative an ambitious effort aimed at achieving a substantial transformation in environmental and economic development within the Kingdom. This initiative marks a crucial step towards sustainability and combating climate change, playing a vital role in global efforts to preserve our planet and safeguard the future of coming generations.
As global interest in green energy and renewable energy sources continues to grow, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the effects of global warming, our Kingdom has been at the forefront by launching the Saudi Green Initiative.
Since its launch two years ago, 17 new renewable energy projects with a total capacity of 13.76 gigawatts have been implemented, with the goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 23.1 million metric tons equivalent. Additionally, the world’s largest clean hydrogen production facility has been announced, with a production capacity of up to 250,000 tons annually by 2026.
Furthermore, the first phase of the largest regional carbon capture, utilization, and storage facility in the world was unveiled in the industrial city of Jubail. This facility will have the capacity to capture and store 9 million tons annually by 2027 and is set to reach a maximum capacity of 44 million tons annually by 2035. As a result of these initiatives, the Kingdom has achieved global recognition, ranking 10th in the world in the Green Future Index since the launch of the Saudi Green Initiative. The Kingdom has made significant progress in renewable energy production, ranking first globally, topping the list among Arab countries, and securing the 20th position globally in the Carbon Emissions Reduction Index.
These initiatives reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to leading the transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future while contributing to global efforts to combat climate change and promote a greener, more sustainable world.
In pursuit of the well-being and elevation of Saudi citizens, our wise leadership—may God protect them—established the Saudi Tourism Authority. Since then, the tourism sector in the Kingdom has witnessed significant growth. Today, tourism plays a vital role in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, showcasing the country’s magnificent natural and historical tourist attractions as well as offering a variety of sports and recreational opportunities. These attractions include beautiful deserts, breathtaking mountains, enchanting beaches, and significant historical sites.
Major sporting and entertainment events have been organized, and extensive entertainment areas have been developed to attract visitors. The Kingdom is also committed to preserving its cultural and historical heritage and organizing cultural events and festivals for tourists. Moreover, it provides excellent opportunities for nature enthusiasts and adventurers, such as climbing, desert exploration, and Red Sea diving.
Significant tourism projects have been developed to attract investments and boost incoming tourism. Visa application procedures have been streamlined to increase the number of incoming visitors. Additionally, international promotional campaigns have been launched to attract tourists and raise awareness of the Kingdom as a tourist destination. Today, there are ample investment opportunities in this sector, offering unique cultural and natural beauty experiences in the Kingdom.
The Kingdom now welcomes tourists from all over the world through its new entry visa system. This represents a significant step towards enhancing the tourism industry in the country. Visitors will have a unique opportunity to explore and experience the renowned Saudi hospitality, unique cultural richness, and stunning landscapes that the Kingdom offers.
Effective immediately, tourists can obtain a multiple-entry visit visa valid for one full year, allowing them to enjoy stays of up to 90 days and explore many of the Kingdom’s tourist attractions and exciting cultural experiences.
This step signifies the Kingdom’s commitment to opening its doors to the world and enhancing cultural and tourist exchange. It’s a perfect opportunity for visitors to discover the diversity of Saudi culture and enjoy unforgettable experiences in this remarkable tourist destination.
The Kingdom holds a prominent position in the Middle East as one of its largest economies, primarily due to its vast oil resources, making it the world’s leading oil producer within OPEC. Furthermore, it has become a global attraction for investors and entrepreneurs, thanks to the massive modernization projects launched as part of Vision 2030. These projects aim to bring about rapid changes, especially in reducing heavy reliance on oil as the main source of national income.
As part of the implementation of Vision 2030 and economic diversification, several massive projects have emerged to boost investments and attract both local and international visitors. The Qiddiya project, known as the Future Entertainment, Sports, and Cultural Capital represents the core of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment projects. It encompasses over 300 entertainment and educational facilities spread across a vast 334- square-kilometer area. It aims to attract nearly 17 million visitors annually by 2030.
The NEOM project, symbolic of Saudi Arabia’s post-oil strategy, aims to create a technological city sprawling over a massive area of approximately 26,000 square kilometers. It includes specialized zones in various sectors. The Red Sea Development Project combines entertainment resorts with environmental preservation on the Red Sea coast, intending to provide 8,000 hotel rooms with a focus on sustainability.
The Jabal Omar project in Mecca, one of the largest construction projects in the region, includes two hotel towers and areas designated for worshippers. It aims to attract thousands of visitors annually during the Hajj season.
The Riyadh Metro network and the Jeddah Metro project are among the largest modern transportation projects globally. The first phase of the Riyadh Metro was opened in 2020, comprising six lines and over 85 stations with the capacity to transport nearly 400,000 passengers daily. The Jeddah Metro project aims to improve transportation within the city by providing three main lines, contributing to the urban infrastructure improvement efforts in the Kingdom.
King Salman Park is a massive entertainment project and one of the leading leisure projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It sprawls over an area of more than 13 square kilometers and incorporates numerous entertainment, cultural, and sports elements. The project includes vertical gardens, pedestrian and cycling paths, protected natural areas, as well as world class sports facilities, entertainment zones, and water activities. It is expected to have a significant economic impact by providing opportunities for hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets and creating new job opportunities.
The Riyadh-based Wadiyan project is also a huge real estate development that encompasses residential units, offices, educational facilities, and cultural amenities. The project aims to attract young people, students, and entrepreneurs by offering diverse residential options, and it represents an important addition to the Saudi economy.
Regarding the role of Saudi women in achieving Vision 2030, they have been significantly integrated into this vision. Saudi women today play a vital and influential role in realizing the goals of the vision. They are encouraged to participate in the workforce, engage in entrepreneurship, and have political rights, including the right to run for office and make decisions. The Saudi government also seeks to provide education and training for women to enhance their skills and increase their opportunities in various fields. Women in Saudi Arabia have gained advanced rights in recent years, achieving equality in various domains.
The leadership did not stop at addressing small challenges but has shown its ability to make the best use of all surrounding circumstances through its vision and understanding of the current situation and humanitarian work. The Kingdom provided more than $94.6 billion in total in humanitarian and relief aid from 1996 to 2022. These aids have benefited 164 countries around the world. The King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid is one of the Kingdom’s steadfast commitments to providing humanitarian and relief support to needy regions and countries. Since its establishment in 2015, it has implemented nearly 2,402 humanitarian projects in 92 countries worldwide, with the total value of these projects estimated at over $6.2 billion. The center has provided financial assistance of $4,730,276 million to the Republic of the Philippines through 13 projects spanning from 2016 to 2023. These projects included various forms of support such as food aid, relief efforts, humanitarian assistance, and financial aid.
In terms of Saudi foreign relations, it is worth noting that diplomatic relations between the Kingdom and the Republic of the Philippines were established in 1969. A mutually beneficial agreement has been successfully reached between the two countries, solidifying and formalizing the diplomatic relations between the Kingdom and the Republic of the Philippines. This agreement will contribute to fostering an official and stable relationship between the two nations. Saudi Arabia has demonstrated its commitment to fostering a strong partnership with the Philippines by establishing its embassy in 1972. Since then, these bilateral relations have consistently witnessed positive growth and development.
In the field of economic cooperation between the Kingdom and the Republic of the Philippines, a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding have been successfully signed, covering various areas such as economics, trade, investment, and technology.
Additionally, there is a significant presence of Filipino labor in Saudi Arabia. It is widely recognized as one of the pioneering countries to accommodate Filipino workers, with a significant population of over 800,000 Filipino workers residing and contributing to its workforce. The Kingdom is excited about the prospect of increasing the number of Filipino workers in the future. The recruitment of Filipino workers in the Kingdom has been ongoing since 1973, and they have played a significant role in fostering strong bilateral relations between the two countries.
In conclusion, I express my sincere admiration and gratitude to the leadership of the Kingdom on the occasion of its 93rd National Day, while also expressing my well-wishes for the ongoing prosperity and achievements of both its leadership and the benevolent populace of the Kingdom. It is our aspiration that our nation will persist in attaining success and achievements throughout various fields. I extend my sincere wishes to this friendly nation for further achievement, prosperity, and advancement under the guidance of His Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. I look forward to further progress and prosperity for the friendly Filipino people.
HISHAM S.A. ALQAHTANI
Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of the Philippines