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Federation of Saudi Chambers Chairman Abdullah Saleh Kamel told the Security and History Dialogue 2026 conference in Riyadh on September 6 that security represents the foundation of investment and economic growth. He noted that the Kingdom’s comprehensive security system has bolstered its attractiveness and competitiveness both regionally and globally. Kamel highlighted how the event itself, which convened security officials alongside investors, illustrated the tight link between the two areas.
The chairman thanked Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif for patronizing the conference’s second edition. He praised the ministry and event organizers for their contributions to maintaining the Kingdom’s security and stability. According to Kamel, Saudi Arabia is a safe country that ranks first among G20 nations in an index gauging the feeling of safety when walking alone at night.
Kamel stressed that countries endowed with significant wealth and competitive advantages can still lose economic potential in the absence of security. He explained that security across Saudi Arabia extends to all regions, creating a stable climate for businesses and investors to operate and grow. The chairman added that the notion of security now encompasses food security, energy and supply chain protection, and cybersecurity, all of which factor into investment decisions.
The National Cybersecurity Authority reported that the cybersecurity sector added 18.5 billion riyals to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product in 2024, marking a 19 percent increase from the year before. The authority’s figures show the cybersecurity market reached 15.2 billion riyals, with private sector spending comprising 68 percent of the total. This growth supports the broader security framework Kamel described as vital for economic progress.
At the Global Cybersecurity Forum last year, experts described cybersecurity as an enabler of trust for investment rather than merely a compliance requirement. Bocar A. Ba, CEO of the SAMENA Telecommunications Council, said that making cybersecurity a top leadership priority, with allocated budgets and enforced regulations, gives investors confidence that risks are managed effectively. He noted that cybersecurity has served as the guarantor of stability and the foundation of investment trust.
The Ministry of Investment documented that foreign investment flows have quadrupled since the launch of Vision 2030, hitting nearly 120 billion riyals in 2024. A ministry assessment found that private sector local investment grew by 76 percent that year, making up about 30 percent of gross domestic product. These developments underscore the environment Kamel portrayed in his conference address.
Kamel concluded that security remains one of Saudi Arabia’s most important sources of strength, stability and investment attractiveness as well as a fundamental pillar of development, economic growth and the Kingdom’s service to pilgrims. His address formed part of the second edition of the Security and History Dialogue, which the Ministry of Interior patronized. The Federation of Saudi Chambers has separately launched a strategy for 2026-2030 to further strengthen private sector contributions to these goals.
