Richard Attias, CEO of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute, said the upcoming 8th edition of the Future Investment Conference, which will be held in Riyadh at the end of October, will serve as an international platform to set economic trends amid the current geopolitical tensions.
He emphasized that the event contributes to achieving sustainable development goals and enhances Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional and global economic hub, reflecting its commitment to attracting foreign investments and fostering global cooperation.
Attias’ comments came during a pre-conference press event organized by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) to unveil details of the 8th edition of the Future Investment Initiative, taking place from Oct. 29-31 under the theme, “Infinite Horizon: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow.”
He revealed that this year’s conference will feature international trade and investment deals valued at $28 billion, while the total value of deals across the previous seven editions reached approximately $128 billion. These agreements will positively impact job creation and the growth of vital sectors.
The conference will include 180 panel discussions featuring 600 speakers, who will address topics such as food security, global energy, cybersecurity, entertainment, and other significant issues.
This year’s event will see a 20% increase in attendance from business leaders and investors from around the world compared to the previous edition, reflecting the importance of the topics being discussed and the opportunity to exchange expertise and knowledge, Attias said.
Significant steps were taken during the previous conference regarding investment in artificial intelligence (AI) for the benefit of society, he went on to say. Several initiatives were introduced aimed at regulating the use of these technologies and steering them toward positive outcomes.
The conference’s objectives include accelerating the adoption of AI, with new initiatives expected to be launched to promote the use of AI in various sectors, particularly healthcare, he continued. The event will also focus on building global partnerships, bringing together world leaders and decision-makers to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and to form partnerships that enhance international cooperation, he underlined.
Investing in AI significantly contributes to reshaping the economic landscape. This platform fosters dialogue and knowledge exchange between governments and private companies, helping to address shared challenges and boost economic cooperation, Attias remarked.
He also emphasized that the FII Institute is driving change, providing a platform for sharing ideas and taking action. The institute operates on a membership basis and is open to all, including entrepreneurs and talented youth, to promote inclusivity.
Regarding membership and attendance, Attias explained that the current edition has registered 7,000 participants, including 1,200 pre-selected members. Additionally, 3,000 seats have been allocated for strategic partners, including global companies that support the institute’s vision and play a crucial role in backing initiatives aimed at driving positive global change.
