On September 19, 2024, in Riyadh, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, inaugurated the first year of the ninth session of the Shura Council on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Upon his arrival, he was warmly welcomed by Deputy Governor of the Riyadh Region, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, and the Speaker of the Shura Council, Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh. The event commenced with the Royal Anthem and a formal greeting of officials.
The Crown Prince then proceeded to the session hall, where he observed the oath-taking ceremony for the council’s speaker and members. Following this, commemorative photographs were taken, and the ceremony began with a recitation from the Holy Quran. In his address, Speaker Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh expressed gratitude for the leadership’s support and highlighted the Shura Council's achievements over the past year, which included the approval of 493 decisions across various domains. He welcomed the new council members and thanked those whose terms had concluded, wishing continued prosperity for the Kingdom.
In a speech delivered on behalf of King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the council's critical role in enhancing the performance of state institutions and its commitment to developing regulations. He reaffirmed that the citizen remains central to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to secure long-term benefits for the nation and its future generations.
The Crown Prince reflected on the significant progress made since the launch of Vision 2030, noting that non-oil activities now account for 50% of the real GDP, showcasing successful economic diversification. He highlighted that unemployment has dropped to a historic low of 7.6% and that home ownership among citizens has increased from 47% in 2016 to over 63%. The Kingdom also surpassed its tourism target by reaching 109 million visitors in 2023, achieving a sixth-place ranking among the most competitive nations.
He stressed that the Kingdom is recognized globally for its achievements and is an attractive destination for international investment. The opening of the International Monetary Fund's regional office in Riyadh exemplifies this confidence. Additionally, the Kingdom is preparing to host significant global events, including Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034.
The Crown Prince also underscored the importance of education in fostering innovation and scientific advancement, ensuring that future generations are equipped with essential skills. He reiterated the commitment to maintaining the Kingdom's cultural identity and values amidst modernization efforts.
Addressing regional issues, he reaffirmed the Kingdom's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, condemning the actions of the Israeli occupation and advocating for an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. He called for international cooperation and dialogue to resolve regional and global crises, emphasizing the Kingdom's dedication to enhancing security and peace.
In conclusion, the Crown Prince thanked the members of the Shura Council and all civil servants for their dedication and commitment to the nation’s remarkable achievements. The ceremony concluded with the Royal Anthem, marking the end of the event as HRH the Crown Prince departed to a warm farewell.
