Saudi Arabia opens conference on security, history and national development

Saudi Arabia has opened a conference devoted to linking the kingdom’s security history with its development and national identity. Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz attended the opening of the Security and History Dialogue 2026 at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter.

Organized by the Ministry of Interior under the theme “Our History and Our Future: Security and Growth,” the conference is presented as a national platform for experts and specialists from inside and outside the kingdom. Its organizers say it will examine Saudi history through the lenses of security and development, while producing documented material for future generations.

Conference General Supervisor Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Tuwaian said the event aims to strengthen awareness of the kingdom’s historical journey, national identity, and the values of citizenship and belonging. The program traces the security history of the Saudi state from the establishment of the First Saudi State to the present day.

The conference also highlights security’s role in building state institutions, consolidating stability, supporting investment, creating opportunities, and improving quality of life. Sessions will address national awareness and cultural security. The minister and attendees watched an introductory film outlining the event’s objectives and academic program.

The program includes more than 65 dialogue sessions and interactive meetings, with over 160 speakers, including officials, experts, researchers and academics. An accompanying exhibition features historical and educational material, interactive experiences, and pavilions from participating organizations. It presents nearly three centuries of the Saudi state’s security journey. The conference runs until Sept. 8 and follows a 2025 forum organized by the Interior Ministry with the King Abdulaziz Foundation, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of National Guard, the Presidency of State Security, and more than 40 academic, media and cultural bodies.