Saudi Arabia postpones Future Investment Initiative to 2027

Saudi Arabia has postponed its flagship Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference, often referred to as the ‘desert Davos’, from its scheduled October dates to 2027. The decision follows a series of security incidents, including missile and drone attacks attributed to the Houthi group.

Recent attacks have significantly impacted the kingdom’s infrastructure and logistics. An attack on October 10 at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh resulted in 13 deaths and led to the cancellation of 86% of scheduled flights between October 8 and 25. Additionally, an attack on the night of October 13–14 damaged the upper floors of an Aramco administrative building in Dhahran.

Princess Maha Bint Mishari Al Saud, Director General of the FII, stated that the postponement ensures the 10th anniversary edition provides the ‘extraordinary quality and unforgettable impact’ expected by the community. The delay poses a challenge to the Vision 2030 program, which seeks to diversify the economy through tourism, technology, and private sector growth by reducing dependence on oil.