FII9 a ‘turning point’ as tech and global leaders converge in Riyadh, says event chairman

RIYADH: The ninth Future Investment Initiative marks a “turning point” in global innovation focus with technology leaders set to make up over half of speakers at the event in the Saudi capital.

In an interview with CNBC, Richard Attias, chairman of the FII Institute’s executive committee, said this year’s conference represents a major shift as a range of sectors seek to get to grips with the impact of artificial intelligence.

Launched in 2017, the Future Investment Initiative — often referred to as “Davos in the Desert” — has become a key platform for Saudi Arabia to showcase its economic diversification strategy under Vision 2030.

This year’s event, running from Oct. 27 to 30, brings together global policymakers, investors, and corporate leaders to discuss trends shaping the world economy and explore partnerships across emerging industries.

“FII9 is a turning point,” Attias told CNBC, adding: “This year, 52 percent of our speakers are coming from the tech industry. It is showing you the importance, of course, of AI, but not only AI, innovation in general, because all sectors in all industries are impacted by technology now.”