Prince Saud al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies

Prince Saud al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies is an academic center in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia affiliated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Established in 1979, it specializes in providing developmental and qualification programs for the ministry's workforce and other entities involved in diplomatic work, in line with the requirements of modern diplomacy.

Prince Saud al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies began its programs in the city of Jeddah when the then-Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Saud al-Faisal directed the establishment of the institute in 1979. When the Ministry of Foreign Affairs moved to the capital, Riyadh, in 1984, the capital became the main headquarters for the institute.

The institute expanded its training programs to target employees of government entities related to diplomatic work, in addition to some diplomats from Gulf, Arab, and Islamic countries.

The institute was known as the Institute of Diplomatic Studies until 2016, when Council of Ministers Decision No. 102 was issued, changing its name from Institute for Diplomatic Studies to Prince Saud al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies.

The academic programs at Prince Saud al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies are delivered by specialized academics in related fields, such as political science, international law, international economics, and languages. Additionally, a select group of professors from Saudi universities provides educational consultations.

Prince Saud al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies aims to build and develop the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of Ministry of Foreign Affairs employees and those involved in diplomatic work in the Kingdom through its qualification programs. This is achieved by keeping abreast of global developments and organizing conferences, discussion panels, seminars, and workshops in areas that enhance diplomatic work. The institute also aims to enhance its role in the fields of diplomacy, international relations, and strategy by conducting and publishing studies, research, and books.

Prince Saud al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies includes centers for strategic and international studies, which support the institute's work. These centers were established in 2003 and cover political, economic, and military fields, as well as diplomatic studies both locally and internationally.

These centers aim to gather information and provide strategic analyses, considering different perspectives to support foreign policy and international relations that serve the Kingdom's interests. They also evaluate political, economic, and social issues and the factors leading to them. As a result of the expanded roles of the centers for strategic and international studies, specialized study centers were established, including the European Studies Center, the Asian Studies Center, and the American Studies Center.