What the Crown Prince’s Pledge of Allegiance Anniversary Means to Saudis

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (Bandar al-Galoud)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (Bandar al-Galoud)
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What the Crown Prince’s Pledge of Allegiance Anniversary Means to Saudis

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (Bandar al-Galoud)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (Bandar al-Galoud)

As Saudi Arabia marks the eighth anniversary of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz’s appointment, history pauses for a moment, reflecting on an unprecedented chapter in the Kingdom’s evolution.

On June 21, 2017, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued a royal decree naming Prince Mohammed bin Salman as Crown Prince.

That blessed night, the Saudi people pledged their allegiance to him. It was a pivotal moment in Saudi history, highlighting a remarkable leader who embraced his country’s ambitions, steeped in its rich heritage, global stature, and cultural influence.

Through this pledge of allegiance, Saudis underscore the uniqueness of their political system, its Islamic authenticity, and its constitutional legitimacy, deeply rooted in the collective acceptance and satisfaction of both rulers and citizens.

This bond solidifies the foundation of the Saudi social contract, while also evoking the nation’s achievements and its determined steps toward a bright future.

The appointment of Prince Mohammed bin Salman as Crown Prince marked the beginning of a new era, where innovation met ambition, and bold planning was paired with relentless action.

This decision was more than a political shift; it was a response to the urgent need for leadership driven by a distinct vision, one rooted in determination and the belief that the future is made, not awaited.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman has demonstrated exceptional competence and distinguished leadership, making him the ideal choice for Crown Prince, the most important position after the King.

The role symbolizes stability, solidifies the King’s foundation, and ensures the continuity of the succession. He also heads the government and the Political and Security Affairs Council, which oversees national security strategies, as well as domestic and foreign policies.

In addition, he leads the Economic and Development Affairs Council, which is responsible for economic, financial, investment, and developmental issues, including education, healthcare, and public services.

As such, he oversees the formulation and execution of policies and strategies across all state sectors.

Moreover, he is the architect of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the driving force behind its goals, and the guardian ensuring the successful implementation of its programs and projects.

All the executive tasks and responsibilities entrusted by King Salman to his Crown Prince culminated in his appointment as head of the government by royal decree in September 2022.

This marked the first time in 60 years that the King was not the head of the government. While the legal and historical aspects of this royal decree are extensive, the key takeaway is the full trust and absolute delegation from the King to the Crown Prince to manage these responsibilities and oversee a vast range of issues.

The scope of achievements reflects this significant delegation.

The Crown Prince has translated the King’s vision into a living reality, transforming Saudi Arabia into something distinctly different today, while still remaining a continuation of past phases.

This is evident in the unwavering commitment to the principles and foundations on which the state was built, drawing strength from its historical legacy and cultural depth.



King of Bahrain: We Are Keen on Bolstering Ties with Our Surroundings

King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen. (BNA)
King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen. (BNA)
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King of Bahrain: We Are Keen on Bolstering Ties with Our Surroundings

King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen. (BNA)
King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen. (BNA)

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, visited the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) on Monday to review operational readiness and capabilities.

He inspected combat aircraft operated by the Bahrain Defense Force, which are among the most advanced of their kind in the world, reported the kingdom’s state news agency BNA.

King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen, commending their combat readiness and high level of skill as they stand united in joint operations with their counterparts in air defense and various units of the Bahrain Defense Force in carrying out their national duty to defend the kingdom, safeguard the security of its citizens, and protect its development process.

Bahrain will remain steadfast in its approach grounded in wisdom, moderation, and the promotion of peace and cooperation, continuing with confidence to fulfill its national and humanitarian responsibilities while strengthening its relations with its Arab, regional, and international partners in ways that support the security and stability of the region, he stressed.

He also praised the professionalism, discipline, and strong sense of responsibility demonstrated by Bahrain Defense Force servicemen across their various posts, emphasizing that the Bahrain Defense Force will remain committed to its role in safeguarding security, stability, and development of the kingdom.


Kuwaiti Emir Condemns 'Brutal Iran Attack’, Affirms Right to Self-Defense

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah speaks in a televised address on the occasion of the last 10 nights of Ramadan (KUNA) 
Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah speaks in a televised address on the occasion of the last 10 nights of Ramadan (KUNA) 
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Kuwaiti Emir Condemns 'Brutal Iran Attack’, Affirms Right to Self-Defense

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah speaks in a televised address on the occasion of the last 10 nights of Ramadan (KUNA) 
Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah speaks in a televised address on the occasion of the last 10 nights of Ramadan (KUNA) 

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah said on Monday his country, where 12 people were killed, has been subjected to a brutal attack by Iran, despite not allowing the use of its land, airspace, or coasts for any military action against the Iranian Republic.

On Feb. 28, the United States and Israel launched a surprise strike against Iran, which responded by firing ballistic missiles on lands and facilities in Gulf countries and Jordan.

In a televised address on the occasion of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad stressed Kuwait's full and inherent right to self-defense in response to Iran’s blatant aggression.

“Our country has been subjected to a brutal attack by a neighboring Muslim country, which we consider a friend, even though we have not permitted the use of our land, airspace, or coasts for any military action against it, and we have repeatedly informed them of this through our diplomatic channels,” he said.

The Emir insisted on Kuwait's full and inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, in response to this blatant aggression, in a manner proportionate to the scale and nature of the attack and in accordance with international law, including taking all necessary measures to protect its territory, its people, and residents while preserving its sovereignty, security, and stability.

Addressing Kuwaiti nationals, he said, “I address you tonight... during a period in which the region is witnessing rapid developments, increasing tensions, and an unprecedented escalation.”

He said that awareness of current developments is no longer a choice but a national necessity that allows for the accurate interpretation of developments, understanding potential political and security challenges, and dealing with them rationally and responsibly, without neither exaggeration nor underestimation.

The Emir praised the Kuwaiti Armed Forces who managed to intercept hundreds of drones and missiles and said he ordered authorities to enhance precautionary measures and safeguard critical sites to ensure a rapid response to any emergency and maintain public stability.

“The military, security and civilian institutions are operating with high readiness and coordination to ensure the safety of citizens under all circumstances,” he said.

Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad said attacks targeting Kuwait’s airspace, territory, civilian facilities and infrastructure constitute a blatant violation of international norms and conventions and a direct assault on the country’s sovereignty, security and stability.

He said Kuwait’s sovereignty is a red line protected by the will of its people and the courage of its men and women, adding that the country will not allow any state to threaten its security or stability.

He also called on the international community to take responsibility in condemning the aggression and ensuring respect for international law.

The Emir said the attacks targeting neighboring states are attacks on the security of the entire region and a direct threat to its stability and peace.

He stressed that the security of the Gulf Cooperation Council states is indivisible and that any violation of one member state’s sovereignty is a threat to the collective security of all.

Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad reaffirmed Kuwait’s solidarity with its neighbors and support for all measures taken to protect the sovereignty, security and stability of the region.

The Crown Prince also expressed gratitude to the leaders of sisterly and friendly countries for their messages condemning the Iranian aggression against Kuwait.

“These communications showed strong solidarity and support for Kuwait in defending its sovereignty and security and reflected the close ties of friendship and unity in facing threats to regional stability and the safety of its people,” Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad said.


One Dead, Eight Wounded in Iranian Attack on Residential Building in Manama

Smoke rises after an Iranian drone was intercepted over the Bahrain Financial Harbour towers, which houses the Israeli embassy, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Manama, Bahrain, March 6, 2026. Picture taken on a mobile phone. REUTERS/Stringer
Smoke rises after an Iranian drone was intercepted over the Bahrain Financial Harbour towers, which houses the Israeli embassy, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Manama, Bahrain, March 6, 2026. Picture taken on a mobile phone. REUTERS/Stringer
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One Dead, Eight Wounded in Iranian Attack on Residential Building in Manama

Smoke rises after an Iranian drone was intercepted over the Bahrain Financial Harbour towers, which houses the Israeli embassy, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Manama, Bahrain, March 6, 2026. Picture taken on a mobile phone. REUTERS/Stringer
Smoke rises after an Iranian drone was intercepted over the Bahrain Financial Harbour towers, which houses the Israeli embassy, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Manama, Bahrain, March 6, 2026. Picture taken on a mobile phone. REUTERS/Stringer

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said early on Tuesday that a 29-year-old woman was killed and eight others were wounded as the result of a blatant Iranian attack on a residential building in the capital Manama.

The Bahrain Defense Force General Command confirmed that air defense systems continue to confront successive waves of what it described as Iranian terrorist attacks, noting that since the start of the aggression they have destroyed 102 missiles and 173 drones targeting the country.

In a statement, the General Command denounced the use of ballistic missiles and drones to target civilian facilities and private property dubbing it as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter.

It stressed that these indiscriminate attacks pose a direct threat to regional peace and security.

It also urged everyone to remain at home and only go out in cases of extreme necessity, while exercising the highest levels of caution to ensure their safety.