Landmark Tenth Edition Delayed to 2027
The prominent state-backed investment conference was scheduled to take place in Riyadh from October 26 to October 29. However, organizers announced on Tuesday that the landmark tenth edition has been postponed until next year, with new 2027 dates to be revealed soon. FII Institute CEO Dr. Maha Bint Mishari Al Saud explained that the difficult choice stems from a deep commitment to the event's partners, members, speakers, and delegates, ensuring the milestone gathering achieves its intended impact.
The high-profile event serves as a central pillar of Saudi Arabia's economic transformation strategy, designed to draw billions of foreign dollars to diversify the kingdom away from hydrocarbons into technology, tourism, and sports. Speakers previously listed on the agenda included top executives from major financial institutions and global firms, such as BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, and Alphabet & Google.
Escalating Houthi Attacks Trigger Remote Work in Riyadh
The cancellation follows a sharp escalation in hostilities between the Houthi movement and the Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen's internationally recognized government. Recent Houthi strikes have targeted military, energy, and civilian infrastructure across the kingdom, including Riyadh's international airport, resulting in at least 18 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
In response to the recurring security threats in the capital, government agencies and major corporations—including offices in the King Abdullah Financial District and the Kingdom Centre tower—instructed employees to transition to remote work through the week.