The Al-Ula Conference on Emerging Market Economies kicks off in partnership with the IMF
The second edition of the “AlUla Emerging Markets Economies Conference 2026” kicks off tomorrow in a prominent economic event hosted by the historic AlUla Governorate. The conference is a joint strategic initiative of the Saudi Ministry of Finance and the International Monetary Fund. It will feature a high-level international presence, including leading economic decision-makers, finance ministers, central bank governors, and heads of global financial institutions, along with a distinguished group of experts and academics from around the world.
A crucial time amidst major economic shifts
This conference is being held at a critical juncture, as the global economy undergoes historic turning points and fundamental transformations that are reshaping the landscape of international trade and financial systems. Emerging markets today face unprecedented challenges, including slowing global growth rates, escalating geopolitical uncertainty, and inflationary pressures and exchange rate volatility that directly impact the stability of these economies. Therefore, the conference is of paramount importance as a vital platform for fostering international dialogue and coordinating cross-border economic policies.
Conference Agenda: Resetting Financial Systems
Under the theme “Policies in the Context of Resetting International Trade and Financial Systems,” this year’s conference sessions will focus on discussing the mechanisms needed to support the resilience of emerging markets. The event aims to formulate a comprehensive economic policy agenda that supports sustainable growth and prosperity, with a focus on how to adapt to structural shifts in the macroeconomy. Participants will address pivotal issues such as the reshaping of global supply and trade chains, the dynamics of the new international monetary system, and the challenges of monetary policy in an uncertain environment.
Al-Ula: From a meeting place for caravans to a center for global dialogue
Choosing AlUla to host this event is not merely a logistical decision; it carries profound symbolic significance. Just as AlUla has historically been a crossroads of ancient trade routes and a link between civilizations, it is now resuming its pivotal role as a global hub for economic and cultural dialogue. This reflects the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global center that brings together East and West to discuss shared challenges.
The Kingdom's leading role in the global economy
The ongoing partnership between Saudi Arabia and the International Monetary Fund underscores Riyadh's economic weight as an active member of the G20 and a key player in stabilizing global energy and financial markets. The conference, through its anticipated outcomes, aims to provide practical and innovative solutions that will enable emerging economies to overcome current challenges, thereby strengthening global economic stability and opening new avenues for fruitful international cooperation.
