National Day reflects Saudi Arabia’s enduring progress, says Faisal bin Sultan

Faisal bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Secretary-General of the Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Foundation, extended his congratulations to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, and the Saudi people on the occasion of National Day, praying for continued security, stability, and prosperity for the Kingdom.

He emphasized that National Day is an opportunity to reflect on the journey of a nation founded on a far-reaching vision, which, since its unification by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, has built a solid state and continued to evolve through successive historical stages, preserving its core values and identity while adapting to each era’s demands and changes.

He stated, “The significance of National Day goes beyond recalling the unification; it is a time to consider a national experience that has maintained state stability and institutional continuity, making development a continuous path whose achievements accumulate across generations.” He affirmed that today’s Saudi Arabia is the result of long-term nation-building, steadfast national will, and a strong bond between leadership and citizens.

He added that among the greatest blessings for the Kingdom is its wise leadership, represented by the King and Crown Prince, whose vision and ability safeguard the nation’s gains, strengthen its security and stability, and lead it toward a more prosperous future.

He noted that the region’s rapid challenges and changes highlight the leadership’s ability to anticipate risks and respond with wisdom and resolve, preserving the Kingdom’s security, stability, and standing, while boosting citizens’ confidence in their country’s future.

People at the heart of development

Faisal bin Sultan stressed that Saudi Arabia is experiencing a pivotal phase in its development, with the national economy expanding, state institutions advancing, and opportunities growing for citizens under an ambitious vision that has opened new horizons for growth, competitiveness, and influence.

He said the Kingdom’s transformation is distinguished by its comprehensive impact on all aspects of life and its ability to build sustainable foundations for the future, emphasizing that the value of major achievements is enhanced when they improve people’s lives, expand opportunities, and increase participation in national development.

He pointed out that the priority given to people is evident in the allocations for education, health, and social protection. The 2026 budget earmarks about 202 billion riyals (SAR) for education, 259 billion riyals for health and social development, around 99 billion riyals for social benefits, and nearly 30 billion riyals for subsidies.

He explained that these allocations reflect the broadening concept of development in Saudi Arabia to include education, health, care, and social protection, enhancing quality of life and social stability, and reinforcing the centrality of people as both the focus and goal of development.

Progress in education, health, and volunteering

He praised the impact of Saudi Vision 2030 on development, society, health, education, and the promotion of a culture of volunteering, noting that the number of volunteers has surpassed 1.7 million.

In education, the number of Saudi universities listed in the top three international rankings rose from 25 in 2023 to 33 in 2025. Health service coverage reached 97.5 percent by the end of 2025, and average life expectancy increased to 79.7 years, according to the latest 2024 data.

He also noted that the number of beneficiaries from empowerment and training programs exceeded 77,000 by the end of the third quarter of 2025, as part of efforts to enable those capable of work to transition from reliance on support to productivity and self-sufficiency.

Nonprofit sector as a development partner

Faisal bin Sultan affirmed that humanitarian and charitable work is a fundamental aspect of the Kingdom’s journey, with contributions extending domestically and internationally in relief, development, care, health, education, and human empowerment, rooted in Islamic and humanitarian values.

He said this is reflected in a growing national nonprofit sector, with the number of nonprofit organizations exceeding 7,500 by the end of 2025, highlighting expanding community participation and the increasing role of the sector as a partner in national development.

He added, “Charitable and humanitarian work in the Kingdom is a collaborative effort between the state, nonprofit institutions, and community initiatives, increasingly focused on maximizing and sustaining impact.”

He expressed the Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Foundation’s pride in being part of this national framework, contributing through its programs and initiatives to serving people and enhancing their quality of life, in line with the Kingdom’s established approach.

He concluded by emphasizing that National Day reinforces the idea that a nation’s strength is built over time, and the responsibility to preserve and develop its achievements passes from one generation to the next. He noted that Saudi Arabia is confidently moving toward a future worthy of its history and potential, with Saudi citizens remaining at the heart of this journey through their loyalty, competence, ambition, and dedication to the nation’s progress.