Saudi Cabinet condemns Houthi attacks on Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, reaffirms the Kingdom’s commitment to protecting its security and national assets, and approves a new reserve in Riyadh, amendments to the Judiciary Law and international agreements

Jeddah | BETH

The Saudi Cabinet affirmed that the Kingdom will continue to defend its sovereignty, safeguard the security of citizens and residents, and protect its national assets, following Houthi attacks on civilian and economic targets in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, as well as the continued targeting of commercial vessels and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

The statement came during the Cabinet session chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday in Jeddah.

The Cabinet strongly rejected the Houthis’ hostile approach and criminal conduct, as well as their threats to the stability of Yemen and its Arab and Islamic surroundings. It also directed that the highest level of medical care be provided to those injured in the attacks.

Key Highlights

• Houthis: Reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to defending its sovereignty, security and national assets, while condemning attacks on cities, facilities and maritime navigation.
• Palestine: Supported joint Arab efforts to halt Israeli violations in Jerusalem and the occupied territories, while rejecting settlement expansion, displacement and other expansionist policies.
• Germany: Welcomed the memorandum of understanding establishing a strategic dialogue between Riyadh and Berlin.
• LEAP 2026: Praised initiatives, agreements and investments approaching $15 billion in artificial intelligence infrastructure, data centers, cloud computing and technology manufacturing.
• Water sector: Considered new localization projects in water industries and services a step toward moving the Kingdom from importing technologies to developing, manufacturing and exporting them.
• Riyadh: Approved the establishment of the Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal Reserve under the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.
• Judiciary: Approved amendments to several provisions of the Judiciary Law related to judicial ranks and appointment requirements.

At the beginning of the session, the Crown Prince briefed the Cabinet on his consultations and talks with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, which focused on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.

The Cabinet also reviewed the results of Saudi participation in regional and international meetings, as well as developments related to the Hajj and Umrah Research Forum, technology, investment and the localization of industries.

Cabinet Decisions

First: Approved an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Spain on reciprocal visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic, special and service passports.

Second: Approved an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Switzerland on the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments.

Third: Authorized the Governor of the Saudi Central Bank, or his representative, to discuss and sign a draft memorandum of understanding with Bank Indonesia on cooperation in central banking fields.

Fourth: Approved a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the service of the Arabic language between the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language and the Muslim World League.

Fifth: Approved amendments to several provisions of the Judiciary Law concerning judicial ranks and the conditions governing appointments to them.

Sixth: Established a special nature reserve named the Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal Reserve under the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.

Seventh: Appointed Dr. Fahad bin Abdulaziz Al-Shuraihi and Ali bin Abdullah Al-Lafi as members of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center.

Eighth: Approved the final accounts of the Jeddah Development Authority, the Social Development Bank and Taibah University for two previous fiscal years.

Ninth: Issued directives concerning several agenda items, including annual reports from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Higher Authority for Hosting the 2034 World Cup, the General Irrigation Corporation and the Entrustment and Liquidation Center.

Tenth: Approved promotions to the 14th rank, including:

• Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Jalawi Al Saud to Business Adviser at the Ministry of Defense.
• Muayad bin Abdullah Al-Zahrani to Business Adviser at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
• Turki bin Saad Al-Sharif to Business Adviser at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
• Saud bin Abdulrahman Al-Amiri to Office Director at the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers.
• Badr bin Abdulrahman Al-Rais to Office Director at the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers.