The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia concluded its exceptional participation in the 2026 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, held in Davos, Switzerland, from January 19 to 23, achieving a remarkable presence that reflects its growing economic and political influence on the international stage. This participation culminated in a significant strategic announcement: Jeddah will host the World Economic Forum's international meeting under the theme "Building Common Ground and Boosting Growth" on April 22 and 23.
Record success for the Kingdom's pavilion
The Saudi House pavilion witnessed unprecedented popularity, attracting over 10,000 visitors throughout the forum, double the number from the previous edition. This surge in interest reflects the Kingdom's success in highlighting its ambitious economic and social transformation journey, spearheaded by Vision 2030. Visitors were able to gain firsthand insight into promising investment opportunities, the rapid advancements in non-oil sectors, and explore the Kingdom's rich tourism and cultural offerings.
Significance of participation and its strategic dimensions
The Kingdom's participation in Davos is of particular importance given the geopolitical and economic shifts the world is witnessing. The Kingdom is no longer merely a traditional participant, but has become an active partner in shaping solutions to global challenges. This extensive participation underscores Saudi Arabia's role as a leading investment powerhouse and a hub connecting three continents, leveraging its geographic location and diverse resources to strengthen global supply chains and energy security.
The Kingdom's high-level delegation was headed by His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs. The delegation participated in shaping impactful dialogues and launching major initiatives aimed at strengthening international cooperation. During the meetings, the delegation emphasized the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to constructive dialogue and collective action as fundamental pillars for achieving stability and sustainable prosperity.
Dialogue sessions that shape the future
Saudi Arabia's participation was highly effective in the main dialogue sessions, with delegation members discussing vital topics including "Global Economic Outlook," "An Overview of the Saudi Economy," and the future of cities in the "Quality of Life 2030 and Beyond" session. Discussions also touched upon "Future Economies" and accelerating the transition towards 2050, highlighting the Kingdom's commitment to embracing innovation and modern technologies as part of its development strategy.
Jeddah's hosting: A confirmation of its leading role
The announcement that Jeddah will host the next World Economic Forum meeting is a strategic step that reinforces the Kingdom's position as a global hub for major conferences and economic events. This event is expected to provide a vital platform bringing together economic and political leaders to discuss ways to boost global growth and build bridges of cooperation, reflecting international confidence in the Kingdom's ability to organize and manage major global events and lead the global economic dialogue.
