The death of Lieutenant General Saeed Al-Qahtani: A distinguished Saudi security career
The Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia mourned today, Friday, the passing of His Excellency Lieutenant General Saeed bin Abdullah Al-Qahtani, Assistant Minister of Interior for Operations, who died after a long and distinguished career serving his religion, his King, and his country. The deceased was one of the most prominent leaders who left a clear mark on the development of the Kingdom's security system for more than five decades.
Prayer and mourning time
According to the obituary, the funeral prayer for the deceased will be held at the King Khalid Mosque in Riyadh after the Asr prayer today, Friday, July 20, 1447 AH. Condolences for men will be received starting tomorrow, Saturday, from after the Asr prayer until the Isha prayer at the deceased's residence in the Al-Qayrawan neighborhood. We ask God Almighty to have mercy on him and grant him Paradise.
Half a century of service in security
Lieutenant General Saeed Al-Qahtani was not merely a security official; he was a cornerstone in building modern Saudi security. His career began after graduating from King Fahd Security College in 1390 AH (1970 CE) with the rank of lieutenant. From then on, he rose through the ranks and positions, combining field experience with academic qualifications through numerous advanced specialized courses.
His career was characterized by its diversity and comprehensiveness. He began his career as Director of Supplies at the General Directorate of Prisons, then moved to work in the Criminal Security Department of the Public Security Directorate. He did not limit himself to executive roles, but also contributed to transferring expertise to new generations through his work as an instructor of investigations at the Institute of Forensic Evidence, where he prepared specialized scientific material, reflecting the depth of his knowledge and his commitment to the scientific foundation of security work.
A pivotal role in the security of Hajj and the holy sites
Crowd management and securing the holy sites are among the most complex security operations globally, and the deceased played a prominent role in this area. From 1406 AH to 1409 AH, he led the investigation units in Mina, and then served as Director of Criminal Security in the holy sites until 1414 AH.
In 1414 AH, a decision was issued appointing him as Assistant Commander of the Hajj Security Forces for Criminal Security, a period that witnessed major organizational challenges. During this time, Al-Qahtani contributed to developing sound security plans that helped raise the level of preparedness and reduce criminal incidents, thus enhancing the security and safety of the pilgrims.
Public Security Command and System Modernization
The year 1425 AH marked a pivotal turning point in his career, as a royal decree appointed him Director of Public Security. This appointment came at a critical time, demanding intensified efforts to combat terrorism and consolidate stability. During his tenure, Public Security witnessed significant advancements in digital transformation and the adoption of modern technologies in police and traffic operations, contributing to faster response times and enhanced security enforcement.
He concluded his career by being appointed Assistant Minister of Interior for Operations in 1435 AH, to continue his advisory and leadership role in supervising major security operations, leaving behind a legacy of discipline and development that will remain engraved in the memory of the Saudi security establishment.
