PARTNERSHIP

A glorious legacy and a vision shaping the future

Faisal Ebraheem Alghamdi · Sep 23, 2026, 2:26 AM

SAUDI’s story sits in three portraits King Abdulaziz (middle), who founded the Kingdom; King Salman (right), who carries that legacy; and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose Vision 2030 is reshaping what the country hopes to become.

On 23 September of every year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates its National Day, commemorating on this enduring national occasion the founding of a state built upon the unity of its land and people, and whose standing among the nations of the world has been strengthened through a long journey of development, progress and stability.

The Saudi National Day in 2026 carries particular significance as the Kingdom celebrates the 96th anniversary of the unification of the country and the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the Founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, may Allah have mercy upon him, in 1932.

The National Day is not merely an occasion to recall a historical event of the past; it is a national occasion on which feelings of pride in the homeland are renewed, the sacrifices and efforts of the founding generation in building a united state are remembered, and the future is envisioned in light of an ongoing development journey that has made the Kingdom a model of a state capable of preserving its identity, values, and enduring principles while remaining open to the world and embracing the latest achievements of the modern era.

On this day in 1932, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, may Allah have mercy upon him, proclaimed the unification of the various parts of the country under the name of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This historic turning point transformed the course of the Arabian Peninsula, laid the foundations for a unified and stable political entity, and launched a national project whose impact has extended across successive decades. The unification of the Kingdom was the culmination of a long struggle and a resolute political will amid complex domestic and regional circumstances. King Abdulaziz established a state founded upon unity and stability and the implementation of Islamic law, while working to build its institutions and provide security for its citizens. This paved the way for a new era of development and modernization that continued from one generation to the next.

From founding to a modern state with global influence

Over more than nine decades, the Kingdom has undergone profound historic transformations, evolving from a nascent state at the beginning of the 20th century into a modern nation with a diversified economy, advanced infrastructure, strong national institutions and an increasingly influential political and economic presence at both the regional and international levels. This journey has unfolded through successive phases of development encompassing education, healthcare, transportation, industry, energy, housing, communications, and technology, progressing to digital transformation, smart cities, advanced industries, renewable energy, tourism, culture and entertainment. The security and stability established by the Founder became the foundation for a continuous development process that enabled the Kingdom to harness its resources and capabilities to develop its people and its physical environment. Today, Saudi Arabia stands as one of the leading economies of the G20 and as a pivotal player in the global economy, energy markets, trade and investment.

SAUDI-Philippine cooperation in air transport is also expected to receive further momentum with the launch of Riyadh Air’s direct flights between the Kingdom and the Philippines in September 2026, strengthening mobility and direct connectivity between Riyadh and Manila, supporting economic, commercial, and tourism ties, and facilitating the movement of Filipino workers between the two countries.

The Kingdom continues this journey under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah protect him, and with the support and guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may Allah protect him, who is leading an ambitious national project aimed at building a more diversified economy, a more vibrant society, and a more efficient state capable of competing on the global stage.

This ambition is embodied in Saudi Vision 2030, one of the most significant milestones in the Kingdom’s modern development history. The Vision is not merely an economic programme or a plan to diversify sources of income; it has become a comprehensive framework for reshaping numerous aspects of economic, social, cultural and administrative life.

The Vision is built upon the Kingdom’s inherent strengths, foremost among them its strategic geographical location, economic weight, Arab and Islamic stature, natural and human resources, and its potential to serve as a bridge connecting three continents: Asia, Africa and Europe.

ONE of the most distinguished manifestations of humanitarian and medical cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of the Philippines is the Saudi Conjoined Twins Separation Program. In 2026, the Kingdom welcomed two Filipino sets of conjoined twins under the program. The first, Klea Ann and Maurice Ann Misa, successfully underwent separation surgery at King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital. This was followed by the successful separation of Olivia and Gianna Manuel recently at the same hospital.

The Vision seeks to build a diversified and sustainable economy, increase the contribution of non-oil sectors, strengthen the role of the private sector, attract domestic and foreign investment, empower youth and women, improve quality of life, develop tourism, culture, and entertainment, and advance innovation, technology and digital transformation. The features of this transformation have become increasingly visible across the Kingdom through major strategic projects that are redefining the concept of urban and economic development while creating new opportunities for companies, investors and national and international talent.

Saudi Arabia: A vast development hub as 2030 approaches

Saudi Arabia is currently experiencing one of the most extensive phases of construction and development in its modern history. As 2030 approaches, the implementation of a wide range of mega-projects is accelerating, reshaping the character of cities and economic and tourism zones while creating substantial investment opportunities in construction, engineering, infrastructure, technology, tourism, and logistics. At the forefront of these projects is NEOM, one of the world’s most ambitious development initiatives, which seeks to create a new model of sustainable urban and economic development through a collection of cities, projects, and specialized zones, most notably THE LINE, Oxagon, Trojena and Sindalah.

NEOM, one of the world’s most ambitious development initiatives, seeks to create a new model of sustainable urban and economic development through a collection of cities, projects, and specialized zones, most notably THE LINE, Oxagon, Trojena, and Sindalah.

NEOM is not merely an urban development project. It seeks to establish an integrated ecosystem combining technology, clean energy, industry, tourism, logistics, and artificial intelligence, reflecting the Kingdom’s determination to develop new economic sectors beyond traditional models of development.

Saudi Arabia: A global tourism destination blending heritage and natural beauty

Saudi Arabia continues to consolidate its position as a leading global tourism destination, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which has positioned tourism as a key driver of economic diversification and a catalyst for greater cultural openness. The sector recorded notable growth in 2026, with domestic tourism increasing by 16% during the first quarter of the year, while domestic tourism expenditure reached approximately SAR 34.7 billion, representing an increase of nearly 8% compared with the same period in 2025.

In 2025, the Kingdom welcomed approximately 122 million domestic and international visitors, bringing it closer to its target of 150 million annual visits and reflecting the growing appeal of Saudi Arabia as a diverse tourism destination offering a wide range of experiences and attractions. Saudi Arabia’s tourism offering is built upon an exceptional wealth of natural, cultural, and historical assets — from the historic and cultural sites of Diriyah and AlUla, to the pristine coastline, islands, and natural landscapes of the Red Sea, as well as a growing calendar of world-class cultural, entertainment, and sporting events that attract visitors from around the globe.

This remarkable momentum reflects the transformation of tourism in Saudi Arabia from an emerging sector into a fundamental pillar of the national economy. The Kingdom continues to invest in tourism infrastructure and services, while enhancing accessibility and the overall visitor experience, in pursuit of its ambition to become one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.

THE Red Sea Project combines the natural beauty of the Red Sea, its islands and beaches, and the surrounding desert environment with a new concept of luxury tourism founded on sustainability and environmental preservation.

The Red Sea Project: Saudi tourism to global standards

The Red Sea Project is one of the Kingdom’s flagship tourism development initiatives. It combines the natural beauty of the Red Sea, its islands and beaches, and the surrounding desert environment with a new concept of luxury tourism founded on sustainability and environmental preservation. The project aims to develop a world-class tourism destination capable of attracting visitors from around the globe, while relying on renewable energy, sustainable transportation solutions and advanced technologies in destination management. The project forms part of the major transformation taking place in Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, which has emerged as one of the new drivers of the national economy and a key area of focus under Saudi Vision 2030.

Qiddiya: A new economy of entertainment and sport

In the Riyadh region, Qiddiya stands out as one of the Kingdom’s major projects aimed at developing the entertainment, sports and cultural sectors and transforming the area into a world-class destination for residents and visitors. The project includes a wide range of sporting, entertainment, and tourism facilities and reflects the Kingdom’s drive to build a diversified economy that capitalizes on growing demand for entertainment, sports, tourism and international events. Qiddiya’s significance extends beyond entertainment. The project is linked to the development of multiple sectors, including real estate, hospitality, construction, services, transportation and technology, while creating employment opportunities and developing new national skills.

IN the Riyadh region, Qiddiya stands out as one of the Kingdom’s major projects aimed at developing the entertainment, sports, and cultural sectors and transforming the area into a world-class destination for residents and visitors

Diriyah: Where history meets the future

The Diriyah Project offers a different model of development by revitalizing one of the Kingdom’s most important historical sites and connecting the national heritage with modern concepts of tourism, culture and hospitality. Diriyah’s development projects draw upon traditional Najdi architecture while incorporating the latest technologies in urban planning, services, and infrastructure, transforming the area into a world-class cultural and tourism destination and a center for introducing the history, heritage and identity of Saudi Arabia to the world. Thus, the Kingdom does not view development merely as the construction of buildings and roads, but as an integrated process of preserving national memory and presenting it to the world in a contemporary form.

THE Diriyah Project offers a different model of development by revitalizing one of the Kingdom’s most important historical sites and connecting the national heritage with modern concepts of tourism, culture, and hospitality.

2026: A new phase of transformation

The year 2026 represents an important milestone in the implementation of numerous programmes and projects associated with Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in transportation, infrastructure, housing, tourism, energy, technology, and industry. The Kingdom continues to develop its road networks and major transport corridors, enhance the efficiency of airports and seaports, expand public transportation and railway networks, and invest in new cities and economic zones.

MGEN chairman Manuel Pangilinan and ACWA Power chairman Mohammad Abunayyan meet at Malacanang as their companies pursue large-scale renewable energy projects in the Philippines.

THE Kingdom’s foreign policy. In this regard, the role of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has implemented a number of humanitarian and development projects in the Philippines in areas including healthcare, education, shelter, emergency relief, and livelihood support, reflecting the Kingdom’s humanitarian approach of assisting communities affected by disasters and crises.

May the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia forever remain a nation of pride and glory, with its flag flying high and its journey moving confidently towards an even brighter future.