Saudi Arabia has postponed its 10th Future Investment Initiative conference, originally scheduled for October 26 to 29 in Riyadh, until 2027 because of Houthi attacks and growing concerns over travel and security.
FII Institute CEO Maha Al Saud announced the delay on Monday, stating that organizers would share new dates later. Existing registrations and partnerships will remain valid. Often called 'Davos in the Desert', the annual gathering is a major event for the kingdom to attract international investors and promote plans to diversify its economy away from oil.
Organizers had considered options including virtual attendance and alternate travel routes, but security concerns and disruptions to air travel affected preparations. Riyadh's international airport was among the locations targeted in recent attacks. The airport suspended operations after a deadly strike earlier this month.
The conference postponement comes as attacks have also hit other targets in Saudi Arabia, including energy and civilian infrastructure. The delay may complicate efforts to bring global business leaders to Riyadh while the kingdom seeks foreign money for its economic transformation. Expected speakers included senior executives from major financial companies, including JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink.