Saudi Arabia builds its renaissance and deepens its partnership with Qatar

Saudi Arabia builds its renaissance and deepens its partnership with Qatar

14 Sep 2026

Under the theme “Our Pride Lies in Our Nature,” the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates its 96th National Day this year. The slogan encapsulates an established truth that the pride of this nation stems from the character and authentic values of its people – courage, authenticity, determination, generosity and hospitality.

It was upon these qualities that the state was founded when the founding King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud (may his soul rest in peace) united the country under one flag, establishing a state based on unity, security and stability. The same values continue to drive the renaissance of the present day, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and his Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud ( may Allah protect them ) under Saudi Vision 2030.

A decade after the launch of the Vision, its goals are no longer merely aspirations, but tangible indicators that have transformed ambitions into reality. The non-oil gross domestic product has continued to record growth, with non-oil activities accounting for around 55 percent of real GDP and registering growth of 4.9 percent in 2025 compared with the previous year. This helped real GDP grow by 4.5 percent annually to reach SAR4,902 billion, equivalent to more than $1.3 trillion.

Foreign direct investment inflows also rose from SAR28 billion in 2017 to SAR133 billion in 2025, equivalent to around $28 billion, nearly five times their previous level, despite the slowdown in the global investment environment. At the same time, the assets of the Public Investment Fund exceeded SAR3.41 trillion as an initial estimated value, equivalent to more than $900 billion. Women’s participation in the labour market also surpassed the Vision’s target years ahead of schedule, reaching around 35 percent.

In the same context, the performance indicators of the programmes and strategies reached 93 percent, representing the proportion of indicators that achieved or exceeded their annual targets, or came close to achieving them, with achievement rates ranging between 85 and 99 percent.

This momentum continued into the beginning of the current year, with real GDP growing by 3 percent in the first quarter of 2026. Non-oil activities were a prominent driver of this growth, while financial activities and business services led the sectors with growth of 5.4 percent. These figures tell the story of an economy that is diversifying and expanding, building sources of income that are not solely dependent on oil.

On this occasion, relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the sisterly State of Qatar acquire a special significance. The ties between the two countries extend beyond geographical proximity; they are rooted in deep fraternal bonds and a shared destiny, strengthened by the sincere determination of the two leaderships to take bilateral relations towards broader horizons.

The two countries share common aspirations in sustainable development, clearly reflected in the alignment between Saudi Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030. Both visions seek to advance economic development towards a prosperous economy and strengthen human development to build a vibrant society.

It is worth noting that the two countries share a strong commitment to achieving the targets of their respective visions. A large number of tangible projects have been completed, contributing to consolidating sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life in both countries.

The eighth meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council, held in Riyadh on December 8, 2025, under the chairmanship of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his brother, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani – may Allah protect them – reaffirmed the commitment to taking bilateral relations towards broader horizons. The meeting resulted in a number of initiatives, foremost among them the project to establish a high-speed electric railway link between the two countries.

The figures also testify to the depth of the partnership. Bilateral trade has surged over the past three years, following an upward trajectory from around SAR2.7 billion to SAR9.3 billion in 2025. This reflects growing economic integration between two major Gulf economies that share the same ambitions for diversification and prosperity.

Relations between countries, however, are not measured solely by the gains of prosperity, but also by the solidarity they demonstrate in times of hardship. Developments in the region have demonstrated the depth of coordination between Riyadh and Doha, from continued consultation between the two leaderships to joint efforts to contain crises and support regional security.

Within this framework, the Kingdom has played an active role in supporting the smooth movement of travel and trade and supply chains, while expanding logistical options to serve the GCC countries and regional markets. This reflects its advanced infrastructure and its continued commitment to regional stability.

Saudi National Day is not merely an occasion to reflect on a glorious past; it is a renewal of the commitment to nation-building through the same qualities that created unity: pride in character and ambition through action.

When this sense of pride is combined with a Saudi-Qatari partnership that deepens day after day, the meaning becomes complete. May the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and their peoples continue to prosper year after year.