Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Kamel, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Okaz for Press and Publishing and Chairman of the Saudi Chambers Federation, told the Security and History Dialogue 2026 that security is the essential pillar for investment and economic growth, noting that the Kingdom's comprehensive security framework has boosted its appeal and competitiveness regionally and globally.
Opening his remarks at the Riyadh conference, he thanked Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif for sponsoring the event's second edition, praising the ministry's organizing efforts and its central role in preserving the nation's stability. He observed that Saudi society enjoys security so continuously that it has become woven into daily life, and that convening security officials alongside investors in one forum underscores the tight bond between safety and commerce.
“The Kingdom is a secure country, ranking first among G20 nations in the indicator for feeling safe walking at night,” he said, adding that security underpins investment, which in turn drives growth, and that any wealth or competitive edge is squandered without it. Security, he stressed, extends beyond major cities to all regions, and its modern meaning now spans food, energy, supply-chain, and cybersecurity—factors that weigh heavily on investor decisions.
He highlighted the Kingdom's advanced standing in cybersecurity, placing it among the world's top five countries in that domain, which reinforces trust in its business environment and its capacity to shield enterprises and supply lines. The ministry's work in safeguarding people, trade flows, and logistics within cities and across borders, he explained, is a cornerstone for the private sector, directly lowering costs and ensuring operational continuity.
He also tied today's security to the historical unification of the Kingdom under King Abdulaziz, which opened safe routes for citizens and pilgrims. Managing crowds and securing millions of Hajj visitors, he said, offers Muslims worldwide a practical demonstration of the Kingdom's ability to host guests in a stable environment, concluding that security remains a core asset for the nation's strength, investment allure, and service to pilgrims.