The event also highlighted the foundation’s plans to expand award categories in the coming years to better reflect the Kingdom’s evolving national priorities.

Speaking during the ceremony at the foundation’s headquarters, Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz emphasized the award’s role in supporting national development efforts.

He noted that the award continues to focus on sustainability across multiple sectors, ensuring long-term impact for the projects and initiatives it recognizes.

Prince Faisal said that the award will broaden its scope beginning next year, with new categories dedicated to tourism and culture.
He explained that these additions reflect the Kingdom’s growing emphasis on cultural development and economic diversification.

Established in memory of the late King Khalid, who ruled Saudi Arabia from 1975 to 1982, the award has honored national leaders for more than a decade.

Its mission focuses on driving meaningful progress by acknowledging individuals and institutions that address complex social, economic and environmental challenges.

In the Development Partners category, first place was awarded to the Moddakir application, which provides digital tools for teaching the Holy Qur’an.

Hakina for Social Business secured second place, while the Waqf Maqaad Initiative earned third for its contributions to community development and charitable work.

The Sustainability category recognized organizations that demonstrated strong environmental and social responsibility.
STC claimed first place, followed by the Saudi Arabian Mining Company in second place and Alinma Bank in third.

For the Nonprofit Excellence Award, the Eastern Province Orphan Care Charity earned top honors for its dedicated community service programs.

The Hafr Al-Batin Orphan Care Association received second place, while the Al-Ahsa Charity Association came in third for its operational impact and service delivery.

Saud Al-Shammari, secretary-general of the King Khalid Award, highlighted the award’s contribution to strengthening the Kingdom’s nonprofit ecosystem.

He explained that the foundation supports the sector through research, strategic partnerships and capacity-building initiatives designed to enhance institutional performance.

Al-Shammari noted that nonprofit organizations recognized by the award receive both financial support and nationwide visibility.

He added that the evaluation process examines key criteria such as governance, sustainability, capital growth, social impact and the organization’s ability to attract donors.

He emphasized that nonprofit entities may generate revenue, but all funds must be reinvested into programs that benefit local communities.

This approach ensures that organizations maintain a strong commitment to their social missions and long-term community impact.

The King Khalid Award serves as a strategic national platform that encourages innovation across the nonprofit and private sectors.

It aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting excellence, enhancing social development and supporting models that contribute to national progress.

Over the years, the award has played an essential role in raising standards within the Kingdom’s development and nonprofit sectors.

By recognizing outstanding institutions and initiatives, the foundation encourages continuous improvement and inspires wider participation in community-oriented work.

As the award expands into new sectors, its organizers aim to highlight emerging areas of national importance and support projects that contribute to the Kingdom’s broader transformation goals.

With new categories set to launch soon, the foundation is preparing to deepen its impact and further empower institutions working toward sustainable development.

The event, held at Jeddah University, was attended by Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, Governor of Jeddah, along with senior representatives from universities, research centers, and professional statistical associations across the Kingdom.

The forum highlighted how the effective use of data and statistics plays a transformative role in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, fostering transparency, sustainability, and innovation in national development.

Data at the Heart of National Transformation

In his keynote address, Fahad Al-Dossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), underscored the importance of building a robust national statistical ecosystem to support decision-making across sectors.

He emphasized that data and statistics form the foundation of strategic development, enabling government bodies and institutions to design efficient, evidence-based policies.

“Statistics are no longer just numbers — they are the language of development, innovation, and transformation,” Al-Dossari said. “Saudi Arabia’s investment in statistical infrastructure strengthens our ability to shape sustainable economic and social growth.”

He added that GASTAT’s initiatives align with Vision 2030’s commitment to digital transformation, smart governance, and capacity building, ensuring that the Kingdom remains at the forefront of global data innovation.

Strengthening Academic and Professional Collaboration

The forum served as a bridge between academia and professional statistical institutions, providing a platform to share knowledge, enhance research quality, and promote collaboration in data science.

Experts, statisticians, and scholars participated in panel discussions exploring advanced statistical products, modern methodologies, and innovative programs aimed at developing qualified national talents.

These discussions highlighted the growing role of universities in shaping a new generation of data professionals equipped with the analytical skills needed for the future economy.

The collaboration between universities and GASTAT is expected to foster a culture of precision, innovation, and global competitiveness in the Kingdom’s research community.

Road to Riyadh: UN World Data Forum 2026

During the event, Al-Dossari announced the launch of the “Road to Riyadh” program — an initiative preparing for the Sixth UN World Data Forum, which Saudi Arabia will host in Riyadh in November 2026.

The program aims to showcase the Kingdom’s global leadership in the field of data, statistics, and digital innovation. Hosting the forum marks a milestone achievement for Saudi Arabia, positioning it as a key player in shaping the international data landscape and advancing the global dialogue on sustainable development.

“The Road to Riyadh program will strengthen global partnerships and highlight the Kingdom’s innovative approach to data governance and knowledge sharing,” Al-Dossari said.

Strategic Partnerships for Future Growth

Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi witnessed the signing of six cooperation agreements between GASTAT and leading Saudi universities, including King Abdulaziz University, Taif University, King Khalid University, Imam Mohammed bin Saud Islamic University, the Islamic University of Madinah, and the Saudi Society for Statistical Sciences.

These partnerships aim to enhance research collaboration, support statistical education, and promote the development of cutting-edge data systems.

They will also help expand the Kingdom’s pool of skilled statisticians, ensuring sustainable growth and innovation in line with global standards.

The Jeddah forum reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to a knowledge-based economy, where data serves as a powerful tool for innovation and progress.

By integrating academic research, professional expertise, and government strategy, Saudi Arabia is paving the way for a future driven by accurate insights, smart technologies, and informed policymaking.

As the nation prepares for the UN World Data Forum in 2026, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its position as a regional and global leader in statistical excellence — ensuring that data remains at the core of its journey toward national transformation and sustainable development.

Approved by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the reforms aim to expand employment opportunities for Saudi nationals, elevate service quality, and build a sustainable, citizen-driven tourism industry in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

The Ministry of Tourism announced that all hospitality and tourism establishments across the Kingdom are now required to have at least one Saudi receptionist present during working hours.

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to providing meaningful employment opportunities for citizens while ensuring that visitors experience authentic Saudi hospitality.

In addition, the new measures emphasize greater transparency and accountability in employment practices. All tourism facilities must now register their employees with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) before they begin work.

Employment contracts—whether contractual, seconded, or seasonal—must be documented via the Ajeer platform or other officially approved government systems.

This ensures fair labor practices, legal compliance, and greater job security for Saudi workers.

To further streamline operations, establishments with multiple licensed branches are required to link each employee to the specific tourism facility where they work.

This approach prevents duplication, improves workforce tracking, and supports better management of Saudization targets.

The policy also introduces stricter rules against outsourcing or transferring Saudization-designated positions to foreign workers or unlicensed entities.

Instead, such roles must be assigned to establishments accredited by the Ministry of Tourism or licensed to employ Saudis through the MHRSD.

This not only protects job opportunities for local citizens but also enhances the professionalism and accountability of the sector’s workforce.

The ministry has made it clear that compliance with these new regulations will be closely monitored. Non-compliant establishments may face penalties, reflecting the Kingdom’s determination to create a fair and transparent employment environment.

According to the ministry, the introduction of these policies represents a significant milestone in strengthening the Kingdom’s tourism industry, which has been identified as one of the key growth sectors under Vision 2030.

The localization initiative not only boosts national employment but also contributes to improving the overall service experience for tourists from around the world.

By promoting local participation, the ministry aims to foster a new generation of skilled Saudi professionals across various fields—ranging from hospitality management and tour operations to customer service and event planning.

These reforms are designed to nurture local talent, create leadership opportunities for Saudi graduates, and ensure that citizens play a central role in shaping the future of tourism in the Kingdom.

Earlier this year, the ministry introduced several incentives to encourage Saudis to pursue careers in tourism.

Wage subsidies for local workers were increased from 30 percent to 50 percent, making the sector more attractive and financially rewarding.

Additionally, financial support was extended to 43 tourism-related professions, a move that broadens opportunities for young Saudis to build successful and sustainable careers in hospitality and travel.

These combined efforts reflect the Kingdom’s broader ambition to diversify its economy, reduce reliance on foreign labor, and create a dynamic tourism industry led by its own citizens.

With growing investments in tourism infrastructure, heritage preservation, and international events, Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a global destination that blends modernity with cultural authenticity.

Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb reaffirmed that these localization policies are a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s mission to make tourism a key pillar of national growth.

“Empowering our citizens in this vital sector ensures that the Saudi spirit of hospitality shines through every visitor experience,” he said.

As tourism continues to expand—welcoming millions of visitors annually—the new localization drive promises not only to create jobs but also to ensure that the sector remains sustainable, competitive, and deeply rooted in Saudi values.