السعودية التي لا يعرفونها

We are fine, and thanks to God. We say this to all those who bet on breaking Saudi Arabia, who gathered the equipment and resources to strike its economic model, disrupt its projects, and undermine global investments in it. And to all those who ignited the fires in the region and thought that their flames would consume our ambitions: this country knows its path, and its people know the value of the land they stand on.

They bet that Saudi Arabia would be preoccupied with danger instead of its future, but what happened was different; in the face of the Houthi attacks and their supporters, King Salman bin Abdulaziz's directive, based on what Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman presented, included supportive measures for citizens, confirming the state's ability to protect its security, develop its economy, and improve the living conditions of its people simultaneously. Those who bet on exhausting it see it continue to build and give.

The world recognizes this strength in Saudi Arabia's continued energy supply despite the attacks. Its supplies contribute to the regularity of production and transportation and the lives of people, from the factory worker in Canada to the farmer in America and the gas stations in Europe, Asia, and Africa. This confirms its position as a safety valve for global energy and economy, while global investments seek their opportunities within the pathways of Saudi Vision 2030, in technology, artificial intelligence, tourism, and clean energy.

Its political and economic weight grants it a fundamental role in the security of the Middle East, protecting its balances and interests, and confronting sources of threat. On its land, the honor of serving the Two Holy Mosques and the ambition of building a prosperous economy and a better life converge. This model is what they want to break; the hostility of the Houthis and their supporters has reached the point of targeting Mecca and Medina, aiming to strike tranquility in its deepest places. But Saudis see protecting their sanctities, their security, and the future of their children as a single responsibility.

This connection is what the aggressor overlooks. The relationship between the leadership and the people has been solidified through experience in security and stability; the citizen knows the impact of his state on the safety of his family and the regularity of his services. When the country advances, he sees his dreams advance with it: a job opportunity for his son, a project for his daughter, and a city that offers his family a better life.

For this reason, Saudis realize that their security and ambitions are targeted together. They express their commitment to both by continuing to work and study in schools and universities according to safety arrangements, while maintaining the regularity of their lives.

In the conference halls in Riyadh, this confidence is embodied before the world. Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi continued his speech at the Riyadh Economic Forum while alarm sirens blared warning of a potential attack. At the World Petroleum Conference, the scene repeated itself during one of the speeches; the attendees remained in their seats, and the hall was filled with participants from around the world.

At the same time, the Riyadh Season is preparing for its events and concerts and welcoming its visitors. People also retain their right to learn, work, and rejoice, and the state fulfills its duty to protect them. Souls have their sanctity, safety instructions have their place, and defenses have their men who stay vigilant for the country's security.

The aggressor wants the impact of the missile to extend beyond its point of impact; to reach people's trust, narrow their dreams, and make them hesitant to build the future. But he is mistaken when he measures a community's will by the extent of a weapon. The rhythm of harm is one thing, and changing the direction of a country the size of Saudi Arabia is another; and between them lies a distance that a missile cannot cross.

We are fine. Behind this statement is a leadership that bears its responsibility, and a people who know what they are defending. We protect the house we live in, and we build the future we want for our children. Those who bet on scaring Saudis away from their future will find them more committed to shaping it.

Badr Al-Sunbul, Saudi Writer

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