Amid regional developments and MUIS advisories, Ambassador H.E. Mohammad Abdullah S. Alghamdi says serving pilgrims remains Saudi Arabia’s foremost duty.
For Muslims preparing to perform Umrah, concerns about regional developments and travel safety can raise important questions about their pilgrimage plans. In Singapore, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) has also issued advisories in response to the evolving situation, bringing attention to the well-being of those planning to travel to Saudi Arabia for religious purposes. Against this backdrop, Saudi Arabia has sought to address these concerns and communicate its commitment to the safety and welfare of pilgrims.
In an exclusive interview with IN Diplomacy Editor-in-Chief Ms. Nomita Dhar, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Singapore, H.E. Mohammad Abdullah S. Alghamdi, shared a key message with Singapore’s Muslim community: serving pilgrims remains a top priority for the Kingdom. He also reassured Singaporeans with personal or commercial ties to Saudi Arabia, advising them to stay informed through official sources during ongoing regional developments.
In light of current regional developments, what message would you like to convey to Saudi Arabia’s friends in Singapore?
We understand the concerns of Singaporeans who have family, friends or business interests in Saudi Arabia, as well as those planning to visit. The Kingdom is addressing these developments seriously and with confidence in its capabilities, placing the safety of citizens, residents and visitors among its foremost priorities.
Saudi Arabia is determined to protect its security and sovereignty and the safety of its citizens, residents and visitors, in accordance with international law, while continuing to support efforts towards peace and stability in the region.
Cooperation between our countries has been evident in times of need. In March, the Kingdom facilitated two repatriation flights for Singaporeans from Riyadh and Jeddah. The Singapore Government expressed its appreciation for this assistance. This experience reflects the trust between our institutions and their shared concern for people’s safety.
We appreciate Singapore’s supportive stance and its clear condemnation of the Houthi attacks on civilian aviation infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. We respect the responsibility of the Singapore authorities towards their citizens and emphasise the importance of following updated official information and guidance from the relevant authorities in both countries.
The Embassy remains committed to facilitating contact with the relevant authorities and responding to enquiries within its remit.
How do you assess the development of Saudi–Singapore relations, and what is the significance of the cooperation announced this year?
Our Strategic Partnership provides a foundation for the long-term development of Saudi–Singapore relations. Its announcement in 2023, followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Saudi–Singapore Strategic Partnership Council in 2025, reflects both countries’ commitment to expanding cooperation, strengthening institutional coordination and following through on their agreements.
The relationship encompasses political consultation, economic and investment cooperation, exchanges of expertise and stronger ties between our peoples. The importance of the Strategic Partnership lies in bringing these areas together within a long-term framework based on mutual interests and the priorities of both countries.
Economic cooperation and investment are central to this partnership. Saudi Arabia’s transformation under Vision 2030 is opening opportunities for investment, trade and business development. Singapore, in turn, brings expertise, international business networks and an established role as a regional centre for companies and financial institutions.
These complementary strengths provide a basis for expanding investment in both directions, increasing trade, developing joint projects, sharing knowledge and helping businesses reach new markets. We see opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurs alongside major institutions.
The cooperation announced this year reflects continued efforts to develop the partnership. The priority is to build on what both sides have agreed and pursue implementation through the relevant institutions, delivering tangible benefits for our economies and peoples.
What are the key messages Saudi Arabia has put forward at the World Petroleum Congress in Riyadh regarding energy security and reliable supplies, and why do they matter to its Asian partners, including Singapore?
His Royal Highness the Minister of Energy affirmed that Saudi Arabia would overcome the challenges it faces, continue implementing its Vision and fulfil its commitments. He also emphasised that energy security cannot be taken for granted and that resilience must be built before crises occur.
Over several decades, the Kingdom has invested in infrastructure, spare capacity, alternative export routes, technology and national expertise. These investments support its ability to restore operations and maintain supplies under pressure, reinforcing its position as a reliable partner in the global economy.
For our partners in Asia, including Singapore, reliable energy supplies are closely connected to economic stability, trade and business activity. Strengthening energy security therefore serves the interests of producers and consumers alike.
Saudi Arabia continues to invest in energy sources, technology and human capabilities, recognising that energy security and the energy transition must advance together. International cooperation remains essential to meeting both present and future needs.
With the Future Investment Initiative approaching, why are its themes important to Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation and international cooperation?
The announced themes address the role of investment, technology and leadership in creating prosperity for future generations. These issues are closely connected to Saudi Vision 2030 and its objectives of diversifying the economy, developing people’s capabilities and expanding opportunities for investment and employment.
The Initiative provides an opportunity for investors, policymakers and businesses to discuss how ideas can be turned into commercially viable projects with lasting benefits. In the current circumstances, clear discussions about risk, business continuity and the ability to meet commitments are particularly important.
We hope these discussions will help develop partnerships that bring together capital, expertise and technology to address real economic needs. The value of dialogue is ultimately reflected in the projects, jobs and knowledge it helps create.
How can Saudi Arabia and Singapore sustain economic cooperation during this period, and what is the significance of Temasek’s announced plans to establish an office in Riyadh?
Our Strategic Partnership provides a framework for sustaining economic cooperation and pursuing opportunities over the long term. At the same time, we understand that companies need to assess their employees’ safety, travel arrangements and operational commitments. Reliable information and regular communication with partners and the relevant authorities are therefore especially important.
Businesses can continue to explore opportunities, exchange information and advance existing discussions, using virtual meetings where meeting in person is not possible. The “Invest in Saudi Arabia” event organised by the Embassy alongside our National Day celebration provided an opportunity to engage Singaporean business leaders and investors. We are following up on that interest and connecting participants with the appropriate Saudi institutions.
Temasek’s announcement that it plans to establish an office in Riyadh in the first half of 2027, following the necessary regulatory approvals, is an important development in institutional presence and economic engagement. A direct presence can deepen its understanding of the market and strengthen relationships with institutions and businesses.
We welcome this development while respecting investment institutions’ independent decisions and their assessment of opportunities and risks.
What is your message to Muslims in Singapore whose plans to perform Umrah have been affected?
We recognise the deep significance of Umrah for Muslims and understand the concerns of pilgrims and their families in the current circumstances. We have taken note of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore’s advisory and appreciate its concern for the safety of Singaporean citizens.
Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to serving pilgrims and ensuring their safety, while working to facilitate procedures and improve the services provided to them. The Embassy is committed to providing information on visa requirements, directing enquiries to official channels and coordinating with the relevant authorities when necessary, within its remit.
We emphasise the importance of following updated official information and guidance in both countries.
Beyond current regional developments, what would you like Singaporean readers to understand about the transformation taking place in Saudi Arabia?
I would like them to understand what this transformation means for people’s lives. Behind the projects and economic figures are young people acquiring new skills, women and men gaining greater opportunities to work and contribute, and entrepreneurs developing their businesses.
This transformation encompasses economic diversification, improved services and infrastructure, expanding cultural and tourism activities, and a better quality of life. Investment in institutions and people also strengthens the Kingdom’s ability to respond to challenges.
Saudi Arabia is determined to continue its development and achieve the objectives of Vision 2030. Addressing immediate challenges goes hand in hand with pursuing long-term priorities, developing capabilities and expanding cooperation with international partners.
We welcome more exchanges between Saudis and Singaporeans so that we can learn from one another’s experiences and share knowledge. These connections deepen understanding of both countries and create opportunities for new ideas and initiatives.
What are your priorities for strengthening Saudi–Singapore relations in the period ahead?
My focus is on following up on existing cooperation under our Strategic Partnership and facilitating communication between the relevant institutions in both countries to advance what the two sides have agreed.
On the economic front, we are following up on opportunities that have attracted interest from businesses and investors and building on meetings organised by the Embassy. We work to connect interested parties with the appropriate counterparts and understand what they need to continue their discussions and explore opportunities for cooperation.
I also attach importance to strengthening ties between our peoples through education, culture, scientific research and exchanges of expertise, while encouraging closer contact between institutions in these fields.
We hope these efforts will advance cooperation through practical steps that reflect both countries’ priorities and benefit their peoples.
Source: IN Diplomacy Reporter
