Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense announced on Thursday the appointment of Major General (Navy) Staff Abdullah bin Salem Al-Shahri as commander of the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition, a newly established Saudi-led alliance aimed at strengthening maritime security in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.
Major General Al-Shahri brings more than 32 years of military and leadership experience to the role, having held a series of senior command and operational positions within the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. His previous assignments include serving as Head of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces Planning, Budget and Force Development Authority, directing the Naval Supervision and Follow-up Office in the Kingdom of Spain, and overseeing the Sarawat Project, which involved the construction of five combat ships for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces.
Throughout his career spanning more than three decades, Al-Shahri has played a prominent role in international defense cooperation and multinational military coordination, experience expected to strengthen his leadership of the coalition as additional countries continue to seek membership.
He also served as Secretary of the Steering Committee for the Executive Agreement between the Saudi and Spanish Ministries of Defense, and participated in the planning and command of numerous joint naval operations, missions, and exercises. His expertise spans command and control, operational planning, and multinational military cooperation.
Al-Shahri holds a Master's degree in Defense Policy and International Security from the Complutense University of Madrid, as well as a Master's degree in Human Resource Systems Management from the Naval Postgraduate School in the United States.
He has also completed advanced leadership programs in Higher Strategic Leadership in the United Kingdom, Command and Staff studies at Spain's Center for National Defense Studies (CESEDEN), and advanced operations training in France. During his military career, he has been awarded numerous decorations, badges, and medals.
