Saudi Arabia to host regular global WEF meetings starting Spring 2026

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Economy and Planning, Faisal Al-Ibrahim, announced today that the Kingdom will collaborate with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to regularly host global WEF meetings in Saudi Arabia, starting in the spring of 2026.

Minister Al-Ibrahim stated, "Last April, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the World Economic Forum successfully held a special meeting in Riyadh, sponsored by His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. Now, building on the success of that meeting, Saudi Arabia and the World Economic Forum are pleased to announce that we will regularly host global World Economic Forum meetings in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

Last year's WEF special meeting in Saudi Arabia focused on global cooperation, growth, and energy. The meeting brought together over 700 global leaders from the public and private sectors, international organizations, NGOs, academia, and civil society, aiming to foster dialogue and revitalize international cooperation. Minister Al-Ibrahim added, "This demonstrates that Saudi Arabia has become a platform for global dialogue, cooperation, and innovation, and the World Economic Forum continues to play this role. This meeting provided an important opportunity to further unite the world and seize the enormous potential of the future."

The World Economic Forum's special meeting, themed around promoting development through global cooperation, growth, and energy, advanced key forum initiatives in the region and beyond. The meeting aimed to bridge the widening North-South divide, which has been exacerbated by issues such as emerging economic policies, energy transition, and geopolitical shocks. It facilitated comprehensive dialogue on leveraging global cooperation for economic development, promoting a global energy transition that supports sustainable development, fostering technological progress, and supporting the forum's efforts to build a more equitable and resilient global economy.

Minister Al-Ibrahim concluded, "At this critical moment for the global economy, we are not only encouraged by the opportunities ahead, but also deeply confident that our collective efforts will create a brighter, more inclusive, and more prosperous future for all. We look forward to welcoming the global community back to Saudi Arabia in the spring of 2026."