Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairs Cabinet meeting approving the Consumer Protection Law, expanding international cooperation and endorsing customs and VAT exemptions on vehicles imported by eligible citizens abroad.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet has called for an immediate halt to all activities threatening maritime navigation and the security of strategic waterways, particularly the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandab Strait and Strait of Hormuz.
The position was reiterated during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on November 10, 2026.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Cabinet reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting regional and international efforts to strengthen security and stability, combat terrorism and dismantle criminal militias.
Saudi Arabia reviews regional and international relations
At the beginning of the meeting, the Crown Prince briefed ministers on his discussions with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa.
He also shared details of a message received from Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio and telephone conversations with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The discussions focused on bilateral relations and opportunities to strengthen cooperation on regional and international matters.
GCC Railway agreement welcomed
The Cabinet welcomed the signing of the General Agreement on the GCC Railway Project, which aims to connect member states through an integrated railway network.
It also praised ongoing efforts to strengthen economic and development cooperation among Gulf countries and implement King Salman’s vision for joint GCC action.
Consumer Protection Law approved
Among its key domestic decisions, the Cabinet approved the Consumer Protection Law.
It also endorsed several international agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs), covering energy, petroleum and gas, Islamic affairs, digital infrastructure, workforce development, investment, maritime affairs and railway cooperation.
Key decisions included:
• An energy cooperation MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy and South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources.
• An agreement with Portugal providing mutual entry visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic and special passports.
• A proposed cooperation agreement with Jordan and Syria covering communications and digital infrastructure.
• A workforce skills development MoU with Jordan.
• An investment promotion and protection agreement with Bangladesh.
• A maritime cooperation MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority and Cyprus’s Deputy Ministry of Shipping.
• A railway cooperation MoU between Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
• A technical cooperation MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Commission and the Digital Cooperation Organization.
Customs and VAT exemptions on vehicle imports
In another significant decision, the Cabinet approved government coverage of customs duties and value-added tax (VAT) on vehicle imports by eligible individuals serving or studying abroad.
The exemption applies to students pursuing studies overseas on government scholarships, government employees performing official duties abroad and adult family members accompanying either category.
Eligible individuals will also be exempt from the financial fee imposed on vehicle imports, subject to regulations established by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority.
Hajj services and Vision 2030 progress
The Cabinet also praised King Salman’s address at the opening of the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition, highlighting efforts to improve services for pilgrims through modern technology and coordination among government agencies.
The meeting noted the expansion of the Direct Hajj Programme to cover 133 countries, alongside new agreements and partnerships designed to facilitate pilgrims’ journeys.
Ministers also reviewed national development indicators and progress under Saudi Vision 2030, recognising government entities for receiving international and regional awards in healthcare, infrastructure, digital government and technological innovation.
The decisions reflect Saudi Arabia’s continuing focus on maritime security, economic integration, international partnerships and domestic development.