Interior Minister opens Security and History Dialogue 2026 in Riyadh
RIYADH — Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif on Sunday inaugurated the Security and History Dialogue 2026, a three-day conference examining nearly three centuries of security in the Saudi state and its role in shaping stability, development and prosperity.Organized by the Ministry of Interior at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, the conference is being held under the theme “Our History and Our Future: Security and Development.”The event brings together more than 160 speakers and features over 65 panel discussions and interactive sessions, alongside an exhibition documenting the evolution of security throughout the history of the Saudi state.Conference General Supervisor Ahmed Al-Tuwaiyan said the Security and History Dialogue serves as a national platform bringing together experts and specialists from Saudi Arabia and abroad to examine the Kingdom’s history through the interconnected paths of security and development.He said the conference aims to produce documented knowledge that strengthens understanding of the Kingdom’s historical journey, reinforces national identity and the values of citizenship and belonging, and presents the Saudi story to future generations.The conference traces the development of security in the Kingdom from the establishment of the First Saudi State to the present day, examining how security became an established approach that contributed to building state institutions, maintaining stability and enabling development and prosperity.Discussions also address national awareness and cultural security, as well as the role of security in supporting investment, creating opportunities and improving quality of life.Historian Dr. Bashar Marouf, speaking on behalf of the conference guests, praised the Kingdom’s development and the security and stability underpinning its progress.Marouf recalled his first visit to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj in 1373 AH and the rapid transformation he witnessed during subsequent visits.He described security as a fundamental pillar for building civilizations and enabling societies to prosper, praising the Saudi leadership’s efforts to strengthen security and provide stability for citizens and residents.Prince Abdulaziz and attendees also watched a film outlining the conference’s objectives and scientific program, including its dialogue sessions, interactive meetings and visual and educational experiences documenting the Kingdom’s security journey and its contribution to stability and development.The interior minister earlier toured the accompanying exhibition, where participating organizations are presenting historical and educational content and interactive experiences covering nearly three centuries of security in the Saudi state.The conference builds on the Security and History Dialogue Forum organized by the Ministry of Interior in 2025, with the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) serving as a partner for scientific and historical content.This year’s event also includes partnerships with the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of National Guard and Presidency of State Security, alongside more than 40 academic, media and cultural organizations.The conference runs through Sept. 8 and is attended by senior officials, experts, researchers and academics from Saudi Arabia and abroad.