The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia concluded its active and exceptional participation in the 2026 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, held in Davos, Switzerland, from January 19 to 23. This participation culminated in a significant strategic announcement: the Kingdom will host the World Economic Forum's international meeting on cooperation and growth in Jeddah, scheduled for April 22 and 23, under the theme "Building Common Ground and Boosting Growth.".
High-level diplomatic and economic presence
The Davos conference witnessed a notable Saudi presence through a high-level delegation headed by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. The participation was not limited to protocol; the delegation actively engaged in shaping the global economic landscape through impactful dialogues, public and private sessions, intensive bilateral meetings, and a series of international media interviews that clarified the Kingdom's position and vision regarding current challenges. The delegation, which included a select group of ministers and officials, emphasized the need for the international community to embrace constructive dialogue and collective action as fundamental pillars for achieving stability and sustainable prosperity.
Quality initiatives and global partnerships
As part of its efforts to enhance its international presence, the Ministry of Economy and Planning organized the SAUDI HOUSE for the second consecutive year, which transformed into a major interactive platform attracting over 10,000 visitors. The pavilion featured more than 20 dialogue sessions within the NextOn , with the participation of business leaders and international experts. The event also witnessed the launch of several vital initiatives, most notably the Pioneers Council of the Business for Earth and the Industrial Lighthouses Operating System, developed in collaboration with the Forum, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to adopting Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.
Strategic dimensions of Jeddah hosting
The selection of Jeddah to host the upcoming meeting carries profound implications that extend beyond mere organization. This event reflects the growing geopolitical and economic weight of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within the G20. This hosting is a continuation of the successes of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy, reduce dependence on oil, and transform the Kingdom into a global logistics and trade hub connecting three continents.
The Jeddah meeting in April is expected to be a turning point in international cooperation, moving discussions from the theoretical atmosphere of Davos to practical application in one of the region's fastest-growing economies. The meeting will focus on addressing development gaps, strengthening global supply chains, and discussing the outcomes of the Quality of Life Initiative, launched in partnership with UN-Habitat, thus underscoring the Kingdom's pivotal role in shaping a new roadmap for global cooperation and growth.
