October 31 marks the final day of the 8th Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, where global leaders, investors, and experts have gathered to outline a transformative vision for the world economy.
As the curtains draw on this year's “Davos in the Desert,” discussions have centered on pioneering advancements in sustainable technologies, financial market innovation, and the pivotal role of public-private partnerships in navigating today’s complex economic landscape.
Saudi Arabia has positioned itself not only as a regional leader but as a global economic powerhouse, setting the stage for a future defined by resilience, inclusivity, and visionary investment strategies.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia presented a clear message to the world in this event: through focused investment in sustainable technologies and an evolving financial landscape, Saudi Arabia intends to emerge as a pivotal force for resilient and inclusive economic growth.
Addressing the immense challenges of anemic global growth, economic fragmentation, and technological disruption, ministers and experts outlined a roadmap centered on efficient capital allocation and a united vision for development.
图片来源：FII官网
// Transforming Economic Vision into Action //
Saudi Arabia’s economic evolution was detailed by Faisal F. Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning, who addressed the FII audience on the Kingdom’s progress since the launch of its Vision 2030. “Our economy without oil has grown by 20%, and private investments in non-oil sectors have surged by 70%,” Faisal F. Alibrahim noted, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia’s strategy to diversify beyond oil is already reshaping its GDP, with non-oil activities now contributing to 53% of the national economy.
His remarks highlighted Saudi Arabia’s public-private partnerships, which are playing a pivotal role in capturing emerging growth opportunities in the Kingdom. “Collaboration is the bridge between national and global resilience,” he affirmed, stressing the importance of a globally inclusive economic approach that prioritizes mutual growth and stability. Echoing this sentiment, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva shared that “leaders cannot hide from the immensity of these challenges” and must work proactively to strengthen structural economic resilience.
Another significant milestone was the recent launch of Saudi Arabia’s pre-IPO fund, announced by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Richard Kapoor, Vice Chairman of Investcorp, described the initiative as “one of the most exciting investment moves in recent years,”with the fund primarily targeting mid-sized, high-growth potential enterprises in the Kingdom.
“We’re looking at sectors closely aligned with the Kingdom’s economic goals, such as transportation, logistics, healthcare, and social infrastructure,” Kapoor explained, noting that Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification plan has fueled “explosive growth in domestic consumption, driven by a young and tech-savvy population.” The PIF’s decision to allocate capital back to the Kingdom and partner with private firms is expected to accelerate investment flows and fuel further economic expansion.
// Building Sustainable Future //
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to renewable energy was underscored by Faisal F. Alibrahim, who revealed that this year the Kingdom set world records for the lowest-cost wind and solar energy production. “Our unmatched expertise gives us the knowledge needed to transform the global energy system,” he said, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s goal to lead the way in pioneering renewable energy and carbon capture solutions.
These achievements are integral to the Kingdom’s broader objectives within its Vision 2030, which includes environmental sustainability and supply chain resilience as core priorities.
Beyond energy, the Kingdom has also redefined its role in global investment through regulatory reforms aimed at enhancing clarity and bolstering investor confidence. Mamoud Al-Kommad, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Capital Markets Authority, spoke on the CMA’s efforts to create a robust investment ecosystem by offering a favorable environment for both public and private markets. “
In Saudi Arabia, we are seeing unprecedented growth rates in private equity, real estate, and venture capital,” Al-Kommad shared, adding that Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 projects will require approximately $3 trillion in investments over the coming years. “Our capital markets are among the fastest-growing globally, driven by one of the world’s most rapid financialization rates,” he emphasized.
As Saudi Arabia continues to lay the foundation for economic transformation, FII showcased a Kingdom that is prepared to shape the future of global finance and sustainable growth.
“Together, we can turn rhetoric into results,” Abraham proclaimed, inviting global partners to join Saudi Arabia on its ambitious journey. In a world facing complex economic and environmental challenges, Saudi Arabia’s commitment to forward-looking investment and sustainable solutions offers a powerful model for economic resilience and transformation.
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