Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense announced on Thursday the appointment of Major General Abdullah al-Shehri as commander of the Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance.

The ministry said the appointment is part of ongoing efforts to finalize the alliance’s founding arrangements and follows a previous announcement made on 30 July.

According to the statement, Shehri will head the alliance’s joint maritime defense command, directing planning and coordination among member states as well as with other maritime coalitions.

He will also oversee the execution of joint activities and missions in line with the alliance’s charter, governing framework, and established procedures.

The ministry said the alliance is tasked with promoting maritime security, ensuring freedom of navigation, protecting key shipping lanes and strategic straits, and securing international trade and global supply chains across its designated area of responsibility.

A meeting is scheduled for 12–13 August to finalize the coalition’s institutional framework.