Prime Highlights:
- The ninth Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh is being recognized as a major global event bringing together top leaders, investors, and innovators from around the world.
- The conference marks a turning point for global cooperation and investment, with a strong focus on technology-driven growth and economic partnerships.
Key Facts:
- Over 9,000 delegates from nearly 100 countries are attending FII9, including more than 20 world leaders and 50 ministers.
- 52% of the speakers at this year’s event come from the technology sector, showing the rising importance of innovation across industries.
Background:
The ninth Future Investment Initiative (FII), which began this week in Riyadh, is being seen as an important event for global growth and new business opportunities. With technology leaders forming more than half of the speakers, this year’s event underscores how artificial intelligence and digital transformation are reshaping economies worldwide.
Richard Attias, chairman of the FII Institute’s executive committee, described FII9 as a “turning point” in the way global industries approach technology. Speaking in an interview, he said the conference reflects how every sector is now influenced by innovation. “This year, 52 percent of our speakers are coming from the tech industry. It shows the importance of AI and the growing role of innovation across all industries,” he noted.
Launched in 2017 and often called “Davos in the Desert,” FII has become one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent global events. Running from October 27 to 30, it brings together world leaders, policymakers, investors, and CEOs from nearly 100 countries to discuss future trends and form partnerships across emerging industries.
Attias emphasized three defining elements of this year’s forum: the dominance of technology in discussions, the participation of over 20 world leaders and 50 ministers representing 90 nations, and the event’s reputation as one of the most inclusive global platforms for cooperation.
He described Riyadh as “the economic capital of the world, at least for the week,” adding that the conference has evolved into a week-long hub for investment and collaboration. Attias also noted that Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is no longer an ambition but a reality “in motion,” reflected in rapid growth across sectors such as tourism, entertainment, energy, and infrastructure.
With 9,000 delegates in attendance, including representatives from all Gulf sovereign wealth funds, FII9 is driving real business outcomes. “Concrete deals are being signed,” Attias confirmed, highlighting that FII has moved beyond symbolic discussions to tangible global partnerships that aim to create lasting economic and social impact.
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