Riyadh hosts Security and History Dialogue 2026 conference with over 160 speakers

Under the patronage of Interior Minister Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, the Security and History Dialogue 2026 conference opens today, Sunday, in Riyadh. Organized by the Ministry of Interior from September 6 to 8, the event is held under the theme "Our History and Our Future: Security and Prosperity," and features participation from more than 160 speakers from Saudi Arabia and around the world.

The conference serves as a national platform for dialogue and intellectual and historical exchange, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s journey in security and development. It explores the nation’s evolution from multiple perspectives, including security, politics, economy, society, culture, national identity, awareness, international relations, and institution-building.

The three-day program includes more than 65 panel discussions and interactive sessions, with the involvement of over 30 organizations. Attendance is expected to exceed 5,000 visitors.

The event welcomes several prominent figures, including Prince Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud, Governor of Qassim Region; Princess Luluwah Al-Faisal, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and General Supervisor of Effat University; Princess Shaima bint Abdulmohsen, Director of Development and Partnerships at the Society of Culture and Arts; Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council; Dr. Madani Abdulqader Alaqqi, former Minister of State and Cabinet Member; and Dr. Saud bin Saeed Al-Mutahmi, former Minister of State for Shura Council Affairs.

Other participants include Royal Court Advisor and Chairman of the Saudi Association for Energy Economics Dr. Majid Al-Muneef; former Kuwaiti Minister of Information Sami Abdulatif Al-Nisf; Dr. Fahd Al-Majid, Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars and the Permanent Committee for Fatwa; Thamer bin Mohammed Al-Harbi, Assistant Minister of Interior for Technology Affairs; Abdullah bin Yahya Al-Muallami, former Saudi Permanent Representative to the United Nations; and Lieutenant General Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bassami, Director of Public Security.

The conference also features King Faisal Prize laureates Dr. Saeed bin Fayez Al-Saeed, an expert in archaeology, civilizations, and Semitic languages, and historian Dr. Bashar Awad Ma'rouf.

The agenda is divided into two parallel tracks: the Dialogue Platform and the Security and History Theater, offering panel discussions, special talks, and interactive sessions throughout the three days.

The first day addresses topics such as the roots of place, the beginnings of security in the Saudi state, the legacy of the founding king and his global reputation, as well as security and investment, justice, citizenship and identity, the care of the Two Holy Mosques and sacred sites, military heritage, military and security culture, and sources of Saudi history.

On the second day, sessions will cover national heritage in literature and arts, digital national awareness, Saudi Arabia’s role in regional and global security and peace, the future of security capabilities, international partnerships for security and development, protecting awareness and promoting moderation, the citizen’s role in maintaining stability, artificial intelligence and future security, media and the Gulf’s image, and the history of various security sectors.

The third day will focus on the role of women and families in building a secure society and strengthening national awareness, Saudi Arabia’s civilizational heritage, the image of a secure nation and vibrant society, security and peace in Saudi political history, the story of human development and its security and social impacts, as well as topics on culture and national identity, historical narratives and identity formation, and the role of media and security sectors in raising awareness. The day will also feature special addresses sharing local and international experiences and perspectives related to Saudi history and its transformation.

The conference is accompanied by a range of educational and visual experiences, most notably the "Security Path," which offers visitors an interactive journey through more than 300 years of security in the Saudi state, from its founding to the development of the modern security system and contemporary technologies. There will also be exhibitions and displays from participating organizations.

King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives is the main partner of the conference, with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City as strategic partner. Tuwaiq Academy and Tahakom, the Saudi Company for Comprehensive Technical and Security Control, are leading partners, alongside several governmental, academic, and scientific bodies presenting accompanying sessions and experiences.