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I was in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, last week for the ninth Future Investment Initiative Forum. The event brought together around 600 speakers who participated in 250 sessions, a testament to the city’s dynamism and the distinguished caliber of its guests, who were not confined to one place. They were not only present in the halls of the forum, but also in the restaurants, cafes, public spaces, and shopping centers. Despite most of the participants’ busy schedules, the fast changes taking place in Riyadh compelled them to explore the current events and observe the details of daily life, services, and Saudi social culture. These are not mere side details; they are vital for anyone seeking to invest in Saudi Arabia, to build a broader, more comprehensive picture.
I was invited to dinner with a group of friends and Saudi figures with expertise and knowledge of economic and political affairs. Among us were several guests from the forum, including a senior official in the International Monetary Fund, who spoke about the pivotal role Saudi Arabia plays in the Middle East today, and how it has become a hub for growth and development seekers.
With extensive connections and vast experience, the guest did not speak from an emotional standpoint or seek to flatter his Saudi audience. Instead, he articulated his vision based on observation and political analysis, citing clear examples of the Syrian Arab Republic, which, in its efforts to recover, return to the Arab fold, and resolve its issues with the US, chose Saudi Arabia, recognizing Riyadh’s capacity to exert a positive influence on regional politics. And indeed, according to the guest, that is what transpired.
