Saudi Arabia Asserts Importance of Globally Bolstering Economic, Investment Ties

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the cabinet session at the Peace Palace in Jeddah (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the cabinet session at the Peace Palace in Jeddah (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Asserts Importance of Globally Bolstering Economic, Investment Ties

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the cabinet session at the Peace Palace in Jeddah (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the cabinet session at the Peace Palace in Jeddah (SPA)

The Saudi cabinet affirmed the importance of bolstering economic and investment connections with diverse nations globally in line with Saudi Vision 2030, which brings unparalleled prospects in fields of mutual benefit.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the Cabinet session at al-Salam Palace in Jeddah. He briefed the meeting on the discussions of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, with the King of Eswatini, Rwanda's President, and Ethiopia's Prime Minister. The discussions mainly focused on the various aspects of bilateral relations across multiple fields.

The cabinet praised the achievements of the Kingdom's joint public and private sector delegation during their visits to various Latin American countries, where multiple memoranda of understanding (MoU) were signed to boost cooperation.

The cabinet highlighted the Kingdom's commitment to strengthening partnerships with the global community across the fields.

The commitment was reinforced during India's 2nd Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Twenty (G20).

The meeting also addressed the Riyadh Initiative for Enhancing International Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Cooperation, which achieved substantial milestones within its respective jurisdictions.

Over 161 anti-corruption agencies from 90 countries have become part of the resultant Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network).

The cabinet also lauded the outcomes of the international conference hosted by Saudi Arabia and titled "Communication with the Departments of Religious Affairs, Ifta, and Sheikhdoms in the World."

The conference aligns with the Kingdom's dedication to serving Islam and the Muslim community and its proactive involvement in strengthening unity and collaboration among Islamic countries.

It aims to combat radical ideologies and enhance the values of tolerance and harmonious coexistence among diverse populations. The Kingdom reaffirmed its esteemed mission to propagate the principles of moderation and tolerance.

The cabinet followed up on the latest regional developments and global political changes.

The meeting lauded the endeavors of the UN and the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, which have successfully managed to unload crude oil from the floating "Safer" tanker positioned off Hodeidah port in the Red Sea.

The cabinet addressed local issues as the new academic year drew near. The Kingdom's dedication and consistent attention to the education sector has played a pivotal role in boosting intellectual growth and skill development while fostering research and innovation to equip individuals to excel globally.

It also asserted that caring for education is consistent with caring for all other sectors in the Kingdom, which yielded achievements across every aspect of the economic and social landscape.

The meeting authorized the Minister of Culture, or a deputy, to hold talks with the Panamanian side on a draft MoU for cooperation in the cultural field between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Culture of Panama.

It also allowed the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call, and Guidance, or a deputy, to hold talks with the Belarusian side on a draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation in Islamic affairs between the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance and the Commission for Religious and Ethnic Affairs of Belarus.

The cabinet approved the Justice Minister, or a deputy, to discuss with counterpart agencies from other countries a draft cooperation agreement on judicial cooperation between Saudi Arabia and other countries. It authorized the Minister to consult counterpart bodies from different countries on a draft MoU with counterpart agencies from other countries.

The Minister of Communications and Information Technology, or a deputy, was authorized to discuss a draft memorandum of understanding with the Japanese side on cooperation in information technology, communications, and digital economy.

The Minister of Economy and Planning, or a deputy, was also approved to discuss a draft memorandum of understanding in economy and planning with the Bahraini Ministry of Finance and National Economy.

Among his decisions, the cabinet approved the establishment of the Insurance Authority and the National Institute for Health Research and amended Article 5 of the bylaw of the King Salman Park Foundation.

The session also appointed Tareef bin Yousef al-Aama, Shabab bin Saad al-Ghamdi, Abdulrahman bin Saad al-Qahtani, Yasser bin Abdulrahman al-Dheem, Abdulrahman bin Abdullah Eiban, and Riyad bin Ali al-Ghamdi as members board of directors of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority and renewing the membership of Badr bin Saqr al-Otaibi in the board of directors.

The cabinet was also briefed on several issues on its agenda and took the necessary measures.



Saudi FM, Lebanese Speaker Discuss Efforts Aimed at Stopping Israeli Attacks

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
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Saudi FM, Lebanese Speaker Discuss Efforts Aimed at Stopping Israeli Attacks

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held on Thursday a telephone call with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

During the call, Prince Faisal and Berri discussed the latest developments in Lebanon and diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a cessation of hostilities and an end to Israeli attacks.

The Saudi FM reiterated the Kingdom’s support for the stability of Lebanon and to strengthening its state institutions.

Berri praised the Kingdom’s role and its continuous efforts in supporting Lebanon’s security and the broader stability of the region.

He also stressed Lebanon’s commitment to the Taif Agreement and its rejection of any actions that threaten Saudi Arabia’s security.


Saudi Foreign Minister, Cuban Counterpart Discuss Latest Developments in Middle East

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
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Saudi Foreign Minister, Cuban Counterpart Discuss Latest Developments in Middle East

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah/File Photo

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call Thursday from Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, SPA reported.

During the call, they reviewed the latest developments in the Middle East, in addition to discussing a number of topics and mutual interest.


Saudi Arabia Secures Leading Rankings in Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report

The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia Secures Leading Rankings in Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report

The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia has secured top global rankings in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2025–2026 report, reflecting a highly competitive environment and reinforcing its position as a premier global hub for entrepreneurship.

The Kingdom led all high-income economies in Entrepreneurial Finance, highlighting the efficiency of its financing tools for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, Saudi Arabia ranked third globally in the National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI), cementing its status as an elite destination for entrepreneurial investment and growth, SPA reported.

Total early-stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) has seen rapid expansion, jumping from 12.1% in 2018 to 28.9% in 2025. Similarly, entrepreneurial intentions nearly doubled, rising from 26.8% to 48.5% over the same period.

This growth is mirrored in the academic sector, where the Kingdom climbed from 53rd to seventh place globally in university-based entrepreneurship.

These milestones result from integrated efforts between government entities like the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha'at), the private sector, and academic institutions.