Saudi Arabia 2025: A Year of Strategic Leadership, Global Peace Efforts, Technological Leaps

The year 2025 marked a significant milestone in the trajectory of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reflecting an active and balanced presence across regional and international arenas. This role was grounded in a clear vision and a steady approach to managing relations, strengthening strategic partnerships, and contributing to stability and development. The year also witnessed notable achievements in economic, technological, innovative, and humanitarian fields, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and reinforcing the Kingdom’s standing at all levels.
 As part of its central role in supporting international security and peace, and under the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Kingdom continued throughout 2025 its diplomatic efforts aimed at narrowing differences and addressing crises through dialogue. Riyadh hosted talks between the Russian Federation and the United States on February 18, while Jeddah hosted talks between the United States and Ukraine on March 11, as part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to help advance peaceful solutions to the Russia–Ukraine crisis. These efforts were driven by the Kingdom’s balanced relations with all parties and its commitment to international law.
 On May 13, Riyadh hosted the Saudi–US Summit, chaired by HRH the Crown Prince and US President Donald Trump, during which the two sides signed the Strategic Economic Partnership document between their governments. On May 14, Riyadh also hosted the Gulf–US Summit. During the visit, the US president announced from Riyadh the lifting of sanctions on the Syrian Arab Republic, in response to HRH the Crown Prince’s efforts, contributing to easing the suffering of the Syrian people and supporting stability and reconstruction.
 At the invitation of HRH the Crown Prince, a meeting was also held between US President Donald Trump, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan via telephone, and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, during which they discussed the future of the situation in Syria.
 Continuing the Kingdom’s efforts to realize an independent Palestinian state along the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, the Kingdom, in partnership with the French Republic, co-chaired the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution on July 29. On September 12, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the New York Declaration and its annexes issued by the conference, by a majority of 142 votes. On September 22, the Kingdom and France also co-chaired a similar international conference at UN headquarters, which welcomed the recognition of the State of Palestine by a number of countries, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, the United Kingdom, and France.
 In line with the Kingdom’s steadfast approach based on respect for the national sovereignty of all states, non-interference in their internal affairs, continued commitment to the principles and resolutions of international legitimacy, and adherence to the principles of good neighborliness, the Kingdom on June 13 expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of blatant Israeli attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud directed the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to facilitate all needs of Iranian pilgrims. On September 9, the Kingdom also condemned the brutal Israeli attack and flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, affirming its full solidarity with Doha.
 On September 17, HRH the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement. On November 19, HRH the Crown Prince and US President Donald Trump signed the Strategic Defense Agreement between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America at the White House. In addition, on December 8, HRH the Crown Prince and Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani signed an agreement to implement a high-speed electric passenger railway project between the two countries.
 In parallel, the Kingdom boosted its economic and investment presence by hosting a number of economic, investment, and real estate conferences, alongside organizing and hosting international sports tournaments and a range of high-quality activities across multiple sectors.
 On the humanitarian front, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continued operating air, land, and sea relief bridges delivering food, medical, and shelter assistance to affected populations, including the Palestinian, Syrian, and Yemeni people, reaffirming the Kingdom’s humanitarian approach and its leading global relief role.
 Within the framework of development and innovation, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, announced the launch of HUMAIN, a global artificial intelligence company. The Kingdom also ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa in the Government AI Readiness Index 2025 issued by Oxford Insights, signed a strategic artificial intelligence partnership agreement with the United States, and contributed to the publication of the world’s first international report on AI safety.
 Further strengthening its global standing in technology and innovation, the Kingdom ranked first worldwide in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2025. Saudi national teams achieved notable success in international science and innovation competitions, winning the Grand Prix at the Geneva International Inventions Exhibition 2025, in addition to six international awards and 124 medals. Saudi students also secured 23 awards at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2025. The Kingdom further led the region and ranked ninth globally and sixth among G20 countries in geospatial technology.
 In other major achievements, Saudi scientist Professor Omar M. Yaghi was awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, while the Riyadh Metro entered the Guinness World Records as the world’s longest driverless train network.