The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, chaired the Cabinet meeting held today in the capital, Riyadh, where the Council reviewed a number of political, economic and developmental files, and made a number of strategic decisions that serve the interests of the nation and the citizen and enhance the Kingdom’s position regionally and internationally.
Blessing the railway link project between Saudi Arabia and Qatar
In a move reflecting the depth of fraternal relations and the shared desire to enhance economic integration, the Cabinet approved the high-speed electric train project that will link the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar. This vital project is part of the Kingdom's transport and logistics strategy, which aims to solidify its position as a global logistics hub.
This project holds immense strategic importance, as it not only facilitates the movement of people but also enhances trade and revitalizes the tourism sector between the two countries. This railway link is a pivotal component of the GCC railway project, a long-held aspiration of the region's people to strengthen social and economic ties, thereby contributing to reduced transportation costs and lower carbon emissions compared to road and air transport.
Digital leadership and artificial intelligence: the fruits of Vision 2030
The Council commended the Kingdom's global achievements in international indicators, noting that Saudi Arabia ranked second globally in the World Bank Group's Digital Government Index for 2025. This ranking reflects the success of the digital transformation plans led by the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which invested heavily in digital infrastructure and the development of national talent.
The Council also commended the Kingdom for achieving first place in the Arab world and fifth globally in the growth of the artificial intelligence sector. This progress is a result of significant government support for this future-oriented sector, through the establishment of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and the launch of national strategies aimed at making the Kingdom a global hub for technology and innovation.
Developments in the political and regional landscape
On the political front, the Cabinet welcomed the United States' decision to lift sanctions imposed on the Syrian Arab Republic, including the repeal of the Caesar Act. The Cabinet affirmed that this step, achieved through intensive diplomatic efforts, will contribute to alleviating the suffering of the brotherly Syrian people and support reconstruction and stability efforts in the region. The Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom's firm stance in support of peaceful solutions to conflicts and prioritizing dialogue.
Regulating urban identity and international agreements
On the local regulatory front, the Council approved rules and standards for the names of public facilities, a step aimed at unifying naming standards in line with national identity and facilitating spatial guidance and urban planning in Saudi cities.
The Council concluded its session by approving a package of agreements and memoranda of understanding with a number of friendly countries, covering the fields of justice, transportation, culture, and financial oversight, with countries such as Spain, Japan, Singapore, and Uzbekistan, reflecting the Kingdom’s openness to the world and its pursuit of building diverse strategic partnerships.
