Saudi Arabia marked its 96th National Day with a ceremony held at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel in Qatar on September 20, underscoring the deep fraternal ties and growing cooperation between the two Gulf neighbors.
Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Qatar, Prince Saad bin Mansour bin Saad bin Saud bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, spoke at the event, emphasizing the historical relationship and shared interests between the two countries. He highlighted the ongoing efforts by both governments to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in various sectors.
The celebration was attended by several high-ranking Qatari officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan al-Thani; Minister of State and Qatar National Library President Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz al Kuwari; Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghamei; Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed al-Mannai; Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali bin Issa al-Mohannadi; Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiyah; Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Thani; and other dignitaries including Eritrea’s ambassador to Qatar Ali Ibrahim Ahmed.
In his remarks, Prince Saad recalled the founding of Saudi Arabia by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman al-Saud and noted the country’s ongoing transformation under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud. He referenced the kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform plan as a framework for unprecedented developmental progress across multiple sectors.
The ambassador also noted the significance of celebrating the national occasion in Qatar, pointing to the fraternal relations and the results of the eighth Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council meeting held in Riyadh in December 2025. That meeting, co-chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed and Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, resulted in numerous agreements, including the launch of a high-speed electric railway project connecting Saudi Arabia and Qatar. This initiative aims to facilitate trade, ease movement, and enhance economic integration between the two countries.
Prince Saad reflected on his appointment as ambassador coinciding with the council’s recent meeting, describing it as symbolic of a new phase in bilateral relations. He reiterated his dedication to implementing the directives issued by both leaderships to benefit the peoples of Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Addressing regional developments, the ambassador emphasized the close communication and collaboration between Saudi and Qatari officials in addressing crises, supporting security, and mitigating humanitarian and economic challenges across the Gulf. He underscored the kingdom’s efforts to maintain smooth travel, trade, and logistics operations supporting the Gulf Cooperation Council states as well as broader regional and international markets.
Prince Saad expressed gratitude for Qatar’s leadership, particularly recognizing the late Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani’s contributions to the nation’s development. He also praised the current Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for his leadership, Qatar’s growing international role in mediation and conflict resolution, and Doha’s prominence as a global venue for meetings, sports, and cultural events.
Concluding his address, the Saudi ambassador extended wishes for continued security, stability, and prosperity to both countries and reaffirmed the commitment of both governments to advancing their strategic partnership.