Cabinet approves Higher Education Fund, issues 11 new decisions

Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman chaired the Cabinet session held today in Riyadh.
At the start of the meeting, the Crown Prince briefed the Cabinet on his discussions with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shara, which covered prospects for bilateral relations and cooperation, as well as the latest regional developments.
The Cabinet reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s full support for Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, the legitimate government, and the Yemeni people in ending the coup and restoring state institutions from the Houthi militia. The statement condemned the Houthis’ escalation, ongoing threats to the region and Red Sea navigation, and the worsening humanitarian and economic crisis in Yemen.
The Cabinet welcomed the outcomes of the emergency meeting of the Political and Defense Strategic Committee of the Mecca Defense Alliance, which underscored solidarity among the three member states and their unified stance against attacks on Saudi Arabia, including those targeting Makkah, Madinah, and civilian and economic facilities. The meeting agreed to activate collective deterrence and immediately implement joint defense commitments to enhance military readiness and counter threats.
The Cabinet also praised the annual royal address by King Salman at the opening of the third year of the ninth Shoura Council session, highlighting the country’s core principles, achievements under Vision 2030, developmental reforms, economic momentum, and the foundations of Saudi foreign policy that have strengthened the Kingdom’s regional and international standing.
The Cabinet expressed appreciation for the Shoura Council’s role in supporting comprehensive development, enhancing coordination with government entities, contributing to legislative and regulatory improvements, and raising performance standards. It stressed that the interests of citizens and the nation remain central to all government decisions and strategies.
Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari stated after the session that the Cabinet viewed the preliminary estimates for the next fiscal year’s state budget as a sign of the Kingdom’s strong and resilient economy, capable of adapting to global changes with proactive policies that support national targets and continued spending on services and development priorities while maintaining fiscal sustainability.
The Cabinet reviewed reports on international conferences hosted by Saudi Arabia, commending the International Forum for Social Responsibility held under King Salman’s patronage. The second edition of the forum launched initiatives aimed at fostering impactful community and development partnerships and expanding sustainable institutional capabilities, supporting national goals and comprehensive development.
The Cabinet also noted Saudi Arabia’s participation in World Teachers’ Day on October 5, recognizing the vital role of teachers in education, character-building, and preparing generations rooted in national values and academic excellence to compete globally.
The Cabinet reviewed its agenda, including items studied jointly with the Shoura Council, and considered reports from the Political and Security Affairs Council, the Economic and Development Affairs Council, the General Committee, and the Council of Experts. The following decisions were made:
First:
Approval of an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Turkey on renewable energy projects.
Second:
Authorizing the Minister of Energy, or a delegate, to discuss and sign a memorandum of understanding with the International Energy Forum for cooperation in the energy sector.
Third:
Authorizing the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, or a delegate, to discuss and sign a memorandum of understanding with Ghana on Islamic affairs.
Fourth:
Authorizing the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, or a delegate, to discuss and sign a memorandum of understanding with Syria on environmental protection.
Fifth:
Authorizing the Public Prosecutor, or a delegate, to discuss and sign a cooperation memorandum with Albania on crimes under their jurisdictions.
Sixth:
Approval of a memorandum of understanding for television cooperation between the Saudi Broadcasting Authority and the Public Television Company of Armenia.
Seventh:
Approval of the Higher Education Fund regulation.
Eighth:
Renewal of the membership of the chair and members of the Primary Committee for Insurance Disputes and Violations in Riyadh.
Ninth:
Approval of the final accounts of the King Abdulaziz Center for Purebred Arabian Horses for previous fiscal years.
Tenth:
Issuing necessary directives regarding several agenda items, including annual reports from the Eastern Province Development Authority, the Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority, the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, the National Center for Social Studies and Research, the Horse Racing Club, and the Islamic University in Madinah.
Eleventh:
Approval of promotions to the fifteenth and fourteenth ranks, and to the positions of Ambassador and Minister Plenipotentiary, as follows:
- Saleh bin Mohammed Al-Hadithi promoted to Senior Business Advisor (15th rank) at the Ministry of Defense.
- Misfer bin Saeed Al-Shamrani promoted to Senior Business Advisor (15th rank) at the General Directorate of Border Guards.
- Ibrahim bin Bazi’ bin Tuwaili promoted to Strategy Advisor (14th rank) at the Ministry of Interior.
- Mohammed bin Mufleh Al-Dura’ani promoted to Business Advisor (14th rank) at the Ministry of Interior.