Analysts: New Structure of Saudi Defense Ministry Depends on Innovation, Informatics

Analysts: New Structure of Saudi Defense Ministry Depends on Innovation, Informatics
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Analysts: New Structure of Saudi Defense Ministry Depends on Innovation, Informatics

Analysts: New Structure of Saudi Defense Ministry Depends on Innovation, Informatics

Changes made in the Saudi ministry of defense call for a new military doctrine and strategy, taking into account regional threats, rapid changes, and the role played by the Kingdom regionally and internationally, military analysts said.

Analysts said these changes, which have focused on youth, will inspire youth and lead to more development in the ministry of defense. They also are evidence of Saudi Arabia's drive towards engineering innovation and informatics, which currently represent the heart of the military industry.

Saudi Arabia announced Sunday evening the launch of a new national defense strategy that promotes joint action and response to changing and accelerating threats to protect the interests and security of the Kingdom.

This new strategy started by restructuring the ministry of defense with a new operational model that defines its roles, ensuring the protection of national interests and the achievement of the strategic objectives of the ministry.

Retired Marine Brigadier General Amr al-Amri told Asharq Al-Awsat that these changes came in light of the rapid changes in the world, which urge Saudi Arabia to stay up to date with the developments in military and strategic affairs, especially after becoming a regional and international player in the reign of King Salman, in line with threats, alliances and the rapid changes in the region.

“These changes call for a new military doctrine and a different strategy, taking into account the new military and economic role of the Kingdom in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030 that affects all areas, requiring ideas from youth qualified to implement this trend,” Amri added.

According to the new strategy, the armed forces will modernize their military capabilities through possessing high-tech weapon systems that provide them with military superiority.

The new operational model of the ministry of defense aims at increasing transparency by separating powers and responsibilities and by implementing clear control measures.

The defense ministry’s development program, in cooperation with the General Directorate of Medical Services in the Armed Forces, seeks to improve medical care for its employees and their families and raise the efficiency of spending through the localization of the military industry, job creation and promotion of defense studies and research.



Saudi Interior Ministry Arrests 17 for Transporting Individuals Without Hajj Permits

Muslims perform the Tawaf (circumambulation) around Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, at al-Masjid al-Haram, during the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, 05 June 2025. (EPA)
Muslims perform the Tawaf (circumambulation) around Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, at al-Masjid al-Haram, during the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, 05 June 2025. (EPA)
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Saudi Interior Ministry Arrests 17 for Transporting Individuals Without Hajj Permits

Muslims perform the Tawaf (circumambulation) around Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, at al-Masjid al-Haram, during the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, 05 June 2025. (EPA)
Muslims perform the Tawaf (circumambulation) around Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, at al-Masjid al-Haram, during the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, 05 June 2025. (EPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Interior's Hajj Security Forces apprehended 17 individuals - three expatriates and 14 citizens - for violating Hajj regulations by transporting 109 individuals without valid Hajj permits at Makkah entry points .
Administrative rulings were issued by the seasonal administrative committees against both transporters and those transported, said the Saudi Press Agency.

Penalties imposed included imprisonment, fines of up to SAR 100,000, public naming of violators, deportation of expatriate offenders with a 10-year re-entry ban, and legal proceedings for the confiscation of vehicles used in the violations. Individuals attempting to perform Hajj without a permit face a fine of up to SAR 20,000.

The ministry urged all citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims performing their rites.