Saudi Arabia’s Role at the World Economic Forum in Davos
Davos, Switzerland – A prominent delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has recently wrapped up its participation in the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) held in Davos. One of the key announcements was the Kingdom’s plan to host the WEF Global Collaboration and Growth Meeting in Jeddah on April 22-23, 2026, themed “Building Common Ground and Reviving Growth.”
Engagement and Initiatives
Led by Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the Saudi Foreign Minister, the delegation engaged in productive discussions aimed at tackling global issues while also seizing new opportunities. Over the course of the event from January 19-23, 2023, the Saudi representatives advocated for crucial dialogue and cooperative efforts that could lead to long-lasting growth and stability.
The delegation’s activities included participating in various public and private panels, attending bilateral meetings, and issuing statements to both local and international media. Their agenda not only focused on global economic concerns but also on showcasing Saudi Arabia’s evolving vision for the future.
Key Members of the Saudi Delegation
The delegation featured several high-profile individuals, including:
- Ambassador Reema Bandar Al-Saud, Saudi Ambassador to the U.S.
- Majid A. Alkassabi, Minister of Commerce
- Ahmed A. Alkhateeb, Minister of Tourism
- Khalid A. Alfalih, Minister of Investment
- Mohammed A. Aljadaan, Minister of Finance
- Abdullah A. Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology
- Bandar I. Alkhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources
- Faisal F. Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning
Highlights from the Sessions
Among the significant discussions led by the delegates were topics such as the Global Economic Outlook, insights into the Saudi economy, and factors influencing quality of life as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiatives. The sessions, designed to foster understanding and collaboration, covered various facets of future economies, reform implementations, and critical capability development.
Saudi House: A Highlight of the Forum
Saudi House, organized by the Ministry of Economy and Planning, reported its largest program yet at this year’s WEF. It featured an educational series called NextOn, showcasing thought leaders from Saudi Arabia tackling themes essential to Vision 2030. With over 20 sessions focused on areas like investment, human capability, and quality of life, Saudi House attracted ministers and business leaders from around the globe.
A remarkable turnout saw more than 10,000 visits across the week, nearly double the previous year’s attendance. The initiative highlighted Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformations in social, economic, and human sectors, along with attracting high-impact investments aligned with its future goals.
Strategic Agreements and Future Initiatives
Several noteworthy agreements were announced during the Forum:
-
Strategic Partnership: HUMAIN partnered with the National Infrastructure Fund to support AI and digital infrastructure projects, establishing a financing framework for the development of up to 250 MW of AI data center capabilities.
-
UNCCD Initiatives: The Business4Land Champions’ Council launched by the UNCCD brought together leaders ranging from CEOs to policymakers focused on land restoration and combating land degradation.
-
Manufacturing Transformation: The Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources unveiled the Lighthouse Operating System in collaboration with WEF, aimed at revolutionizing manufacturing in the Kingdom. This initiative seeks to diversify the economy and promote advanced manufacturing.
-
Quality of Life Initiatives: Outcomes from the Quality of Life Initiative were discussed in partnership with UN-Habitat, emphasizing a people-centered approach to urban development.
-
Space Research Collaboration: A partnership was formed between Saudi Digital Medicine and Weill Cornell Medicine to advance research focusing on space and human health.
Future Events
Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia is set to host its first Global Coral Reef Summit in 2026. This event will convene leaders and experts, aiming to address significant challenges in coral ecosystem conservation, sustainable financing, and policy alignment essential for global coral reef protection.
Innovation Partnerships
Additionally, the Saudi-U.S. Innovation Partnership was launched to boost bilateral collaboration in life sciences, AI, and advanced manufacturing, strengthening ties between the innovation ecosystems of Riyadh and Austin.
As Saudi Arabia continues to make its mark on the international stage, its initiatives at the World Economic Forum reflect a commitment to collaborative growth, innovation, and global dialogue.
