The Cabinet approves the 2026 budget in a historic session in Dammam
His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the Cabinet meeting held today, Tuesday, in Dammam, in the Eastern Province. The meeting witnessed a pivotal decision: the approval of the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year 1447/1448 AH (2026 CE), reflecting the Kingdom's continued strategic financial planning in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.
Dimensions of the Council meeting in the Eastern Province
The Cabinet meeting in the Eastern Province is not merely a routine procedural event; it carries profound significance, underscoring the wise leadership's commitment to direct engagement with all regions of the Kingdom. The Eastern Province holds immense strategic and economic importance as the Kingdom's industrial and energy hub, and home to major international companies and mega-development projects. The leadership's presence there allows for direct oversight of development projects and a close understanding of citizens' needs—a long-standing approach adopted by the Saudi leadership since its founding.
2026 Budget: Continuing the Path of Financial Sustainability
The approval of the 2026 budget at this time underscores the strength of the Kingdom's fiscal policies and its capacity for long-term future planning. In recent years, Saudi budgets, under the Kingdom's Vision 2030, have focused on enhancing spending efficiency, diversifying non-oil revenue sources, improving the quality of life for citizens, and supporting major projects that strengthen the Kingdom's global economic standing.
History of Cabinet meetings in the Eastern Province
Today's session was not the first of its kind. The Eastern Province, specifically Al-Aziziyah Palace in Al-Khobar Governorate, has witnessed a series of historic cabinet sessions that resulted in important decisions. Among the most prominent historical milestones are:
- April 2019: The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – may God protect him – chaired the Cabinet meeting at Al-Aziziyah Palace in Al-Khobar, stressing his constant keenness to be present among his people in various regions.
- November 2016: Al-Aziziyah Palace witnessed a session chaired by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, which coincided with the inauguration of a number of development projects in the region.
- April 2009: King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz – may God have mercy on him – held a cabinet meeting in Al-Khobar, as part of his inspection tours of the regions.
- June 2006: One of the prominent sessions chaired by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz - may God have mercy on him - was held at Al-Aziziyah Palace, thus establishing the leadership tradition of holding sessions outside the capital, Riyadh, to promote national cohesion.
The continued holding of these sessions in the Eastern Province reaffirms the pivotal importance of this region in the economic and social map of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and reflects the state’s firm commitment to balanced development throughout the nation.
