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High-Ranking Saudi Delegation to Attend World Economic Forum Meeting in Davos

FILED - 23 January 2020, Switzerland, Davos: The World Economic Forum logo is displayed on a board during a plenary session. Photo: Ciaran McCrickard/World Economic Forum/dpa
FILED - 23 January 2020, Switzerland, Davos: The World Economic Forum logo is displayed on a board during a plenary session. Photo: Ciaran McCrickard/World Economic Forum/dpa
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High-Ranking Saudi Delegation to Attend World Economic Forum Meeting in Davos

FILED - 23 January 2020, Switzerland, Davos: The World Economic Forum logo is displayed on a board during a plenary session. Photo: Ciaran McCrickard/World Economic Forum/dpa
FILED - 23 January 2020, Switzerland, Davos: The World Economic Forum logo is displayed on a board during a plenary session. Photo: Ciaran McCrickard/World Economic Forum/dpa

A high-ranking Saudi delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah will participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, from January 19 to 23.

Alongside Prince Saisal, the delegation includes Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Kassabi, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Finance Mohammed Aljadaan, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef, and Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim.

Prince Faisal affirmed that the Kingdom’s participation in the World Economic Forum 2026, themed "A Spirit of Dialogue," demonstrates its commitment to international cooperation in addressing economic challenges.

He stressed the importance of maintaining regional peace, supporting sustainable development, and enhancing global economic partnerships.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Prince Faisal also highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration to achieve prosperity and security.

He noted that the Kingdom is broadening cooperation with international partners to better confront economic and environmental challenges while focusing on building institutional and human capacities to adapt to rapid transformations.

Prince Faisal stated that the Kingdom views the Davos 2026 forum as a vital opportunity to strengthen cooperation in building institutional and human capacities, essential pillars for adapting to rapid global economic shifts.

Saudi Arabia is focused on developing innovative solutions in technology and scientific research, he said.

As for Aljadaan, he affirmed that Saudi Arabia's participation in the 56th World Economic Forum stems from its commitment to strengthening international cooperation and addressing global economic challenges.

In a statement to SPA, Aljadaan pointed to the Kingdom's growing influence in shaping global economic trends, driven by its robust economy and regional and international standing.

He emphasized that the Kingdom will use this platform, which brings together government, business, and academic leaders, to explore ways to promote global stability and growth.

The minister stated that this year's forum focuses on five key global challenges: building trust and cooperation, identifying new drivers for sustainable growth, investing in human capital, ensuring the responsible use of technology and innovation, and integrating environmental sustainability into economic models. Discussions will also cover the impacts of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and cybersecurity on global industries.

Alibrahim said the Kingdom's participation reinforces Saudi Arabia's position as an active partner in advancing comprehensive development and innovative solutions to global challenges, ensuring sustainable growth and prosperity at the local, regional, and international levels.

He told SPA that the forum will spotlight key themes aimed at institutionalizing international cooperation through participatory economic models that sustain transformative growth. He highlighted the Kingdom's success in creating new growth engines and building a robust, productive base driven by investment in strategic sectors and activities with high-quality economic returns.

Alibrahim noted that over the past five years, 74 out of 81 non-oil economic activities recorded annual growth exceeding 5%, with 38 achieving growth of more than 10%, reflecting a genuine expansion of the Kingdom's productive base.

The minister emphasized that the Kingdom's participation goes beyond mere representation, involving active contribution to advancing cooperation and strengthening the resilience of the global economy, particularly by balancing development expansion with responsible innovation policies.

Al-Khateeb also affirmed that Saudi Arabia's participation in the 2026 World Economic Forum aligns with its leadership in strengthening international cooperation and building partnerships that translate dialogue into tangible results.

Al-Khateeb told SPA that this participation extends the Kingdom's approach to opening joint investment opportunities in vital sectors, particularly tourism. He noted that Saudi Arabia has become a new global tourism powerhouse and a rapidly developing model for creating competitive destinations, reflecting its growing prominence on the international map.

Participation in Davos will highlight the importance of developing tourism experiences and service quality to ensure sustainable growth that balances high demand with added value, while preserving cultural identity and natural resources, the minister added.

As for Alswaha, he said the Kingdom’s participation is supported and enabled by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and embodies the Kingdom's leadership in fostering shared solutions and strengthening global dialogue on technological innovation and sustainable growth, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

In a statement to SPA, the minister explained that the Kingdom's participation aims to convey its national experience in transitioning to the smart era and showcase its notable achievements in building a competitive, technology- and AI-driven economy. It also seeks to broaden international cooperation and open new pathways for partnerships and investments with leading global technology companies and private-sector leaders.

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IEA Agrees to Record Release of Emergency Oil Reserves in an Effort to Calm Surging Prices

FILE PHOTO: A pump jack operates outside of Midland, Texas, US June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Eli Hartman/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A pump jack operates outside of Midland, Texas, US June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Eli Hartman/File Photo
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IEA Agrees to Record Release of Emergency Oil Reserves in an Effort to Calm Surging Prices

FILE PHOTO: A pump jack operates outside of Midland, Texas, US June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Eli Hartman/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A pump jack operates outside of Midland, Texas, US June 11, 2025. REUTERS/Eli Hartman/File Photo

The International Energy Agency agreed Wednesday to release the largest volume of emergency oil reserves in its history, in a bid to counter the effects on energy markets of the war in the Middle East.

The Paris-based organization said it will make 400 million barrels of oil available from its members’ emergency reserves. It’s a larger stock than the 182.7 million barrels that were released in 2022 by the IEA's 32 member countries in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

“Without sufficient routes to market and with no more available storage, Middle East oil producers have started to reduce production," IEA executive director Fatih Birol said. "And we have seen further attacks and damage to energy and energy-related infrastructure. Refinery operations have also been disrupted, with major implications for jet fuel and diesel supplies in particular.”

IEA member countries currently hold over 1.2 billion barrels of public emergency oil stocks, with a further 600 million barrels of industry stocks held under government obligation.

In response to US and Israeli strikes, Iran has attacked commercial ships across the Persian Gulf, escalating a campaign of squeezing the oil-rich region as global energy concerns mount.

Iran has effectively stopped cargo traffic in the narrow Strait of Hormuz through which about a fifth of all oil is shipped from the Persian Gulf toward the Indian Ocean. It has also targeted oil fields and refineries in Gulf Arab nations, aiming at generating enough global economic pain to pressure the United States and Israel to end their strikes.

Germany and Austria said earlier Wednesday they would release parts of their oil reserves following an IEA request for members to release the record 400 million barrels to help temper energy price spikes due to the Iran war. Japan also said it will release some of its reserves starting Monday.

Group of Seven energy ministers met Tuesday at IEA headquarters in Paris to look at ways to bring down prices. Birol said afterward that they discussed all available options, including making IEA emergency oil stocks available to the market.

The IEA reserves were established in 1974 following the Arab oil embargo.

“This is a major action aiming to alleviate the immediate impacts of the disruption in markets,” Birol added. "But, to be clear, the most important thing for a return to stable flows of oil and gas is the resumption of transit through the Strait of Hormuz.”

The G7 is comprised of the leading industrialized nations of Canada, the United States, France, Italy, Japan, Germany and Britain. Austria is not a member. The group's leaders were set to hold a meeting via videoconference later Wednesday to discuss energy issues.

The German economy ministry, Katherina Reiche, said the IEA asked Germany to release 2.64 million tons of its oil reserves. It was not immediately clear how much Austria was releasing.

She said it would take a couple of days before the delivery of the first quantities.

“Germany stands behind the IEA’s most important principle of mutual solidarity," Reiche said.

The G7 energy ministers announced Tuesday that they supported in principle “the implementation of proactive measures to address the situation, including the use of strategic reserves.”

According to the IEA, export volumes of crude and refined products are currently at less than 10% of prewar levels.

Austrian Economy Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer said his country was releasing part of the emergency oil reserve and extending the national strategic gas reserve, adding: “One thing is clear: in a crisis, there must be no crisis winners at the expense of commuters and businesses.”

The German government also said it will introduce a measure to allow gas stations in Germany to raise fuel prices no more than once a day. The federal government wants to introduce this as quickly as possible, Reiche said.

In Austria, starting Monday, price increases at gas stations will be allowed only three times a week, the country’s economy minister said.

Business

Iran Tells World to Get Ready for $200 a Barrel

This general view shows the Humber Refinery, operated by Phillips 66, near South Killingholme, north-east England on March 11, 2026. World oil prices surged more than five percent on March 11 as the Middle East war disrupted crude exports. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)
This general view shows the Humber Refinery, operated by Phillips 66, near South Killingholme, north-east England on March 11, 2026. World oil prices surged more than five percent on March 11 as the Middle East war disrupted crude exports. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)
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Iran Tells World to Get Ready for $200 a Barrel

This general view shows the Humber Refinery, operated by Phillips 66, near South Killingholme, north-east England on March 11, 2026. World oil prices surged more than five percent on March 11 as the Middle East war disrupted crude exports. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)
This general view shows the Humber Refinery, operated by Phillips 66, near South Killingholme, north-east England on March 11, 2026. World oil prices surged more than five percent on March 11 as the Middle East war disrupted crude exports. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)

Iran's military command said on Wednesday the world should be prepared for oil to hit $200 a barrel, as three more ships came under attack in the blockaded Gulf.

Iran fired at Israel and targets across the Middle East on Wednesday, demonstrating it can still fight back and disrupt energy supplies despite what the Pentagon has described as the most intense US-Israeli strikes yet.

Oil prices that shot up earlier this week have eased and stock markets have rebounded, with investors betting for now that US President Donald Trump will find a quick way to end the war he began alongside Israel nearly two weeks ago.

But so far there has been no let-up on the ground, or any sign that ships can safely sail through the Strait of Hormuz, where a fifth of the world's oil has been blockaded behind a narrow channel along the Iranian coast in the worst disruption to energy supplies since the oil shocks of the 1970s.

"Get ready for oil to be $200 a barrel, because the oil price depends on regional security which you have destabilised," Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran's military command, said in comments addressed to the United States.

After offices of a bank in Tehran were hit overnight, Zolfaqari also said Iran would respond with attacks on banks that do business with the United States or Israel. People across the Middle East should stay 1,000 metres from banks, he added.

Bahrain's Civil Aviation Affairs said on Wednesday that several Gulf Air aircraft without passengers, and some cargo airplanes, were relocated to alternative airports to "ensure the continuity and efficiency of air operations" during the crisis.

Three more merchant ships were struck in the Gulf by unknown projectiles, according to agencies that monitor maritime security, raising the number of ships reportedly hit since the war began to 14.

Crew were evacuated from a Thai-flagged bulk freighter after an explosion caused a fire. A Japanese-flagged container ship and a Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier also sustained damage.

Oil prices, which shot up briefly to nearly $120 a barrel on Monday, have since settled around $90, suggesting investors are betting Trump will be able to halt the war and reopen the strait soon.

But governments are still discussing drastic action. The International Energy Agency was expected to recommend releasing 400 million barrels from global strategic reserves, a record.

That would take months and amount to just three weeks' flow through the strait.

Business

Gold Eases as Firmer Dollar, Lingering Inflation Concerns Weigh

A saleswoman adjusts gold jewellery for sale at a shop in Lianyungang in China eastern Jiangsu province - AFP
A saleswoman adjusts gold jewellery for sale at a shop in Lianyungang in China eastern Jiangsu province - AFP
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Gold Eases as Firmer Dollar, Lingering Inflation Concerns Weigh

A saleswoman adjusts gold jewellery for sale at a shop in Lianyungang in China eastern Jiangsu province - AFP
A saleswoman adjusts gold jewellery for sale at a shop in Lianyungang in China eastern Jiangsu province - AFP

Gold prices edged lower on Wednesday, weighed down by an uptick in the US dollar and looming inflation concerns that boosted the likelihood of higher interest rates.

Spot gold was down 0.3% at $5,177.50 per ounce, as of 9:18 a.m. ET (1318 GMT). US gold futures for April delivery fell 1.1% to $5,185.20.

The US dollar index inched up 0.3%. A stronger US currency makes dollar-priced commodities more expensive for holders of other currencies, Reuters reported.

"The gold market seems to be in a push-and-pull between safe-haven demand driven by the war and concerns over higher-for-longer interest rates," said Peter Grant, vice president and senior metals strategist at Zaner Metals.

Gold is often seen as a hedge against uncertainty and inflation, but it does not yield interest, making it less attractive when rates are high.

On the geopolitical front, Iran fired at Israel and targets across the Middle East, while at least three ships were hit in the Gulf, demonstrating Tehran can still fight back and disrupt energy supplies despite the most intense US-Israeli strikes yet.

Meanwhile, oil prices rebounded as markets doubted whether the International Energy Agency's plan for a record release of oil reserves could offset potential supply shocks from the conflict. Higher oil prices risk stoking inflation by raising energy and transport costs across the economy.

Data showed the US consumer price index rose 0.3% in February, in line with forecasts and above January's 0.2% increase. CPI rose 2.4% in the year to February, also matching expectations.

Analysts at Standard Chartered noted it is not unusual for gold to experience downside pressure for several weeks amid a need for cash.

"We maintain our positive longer-term view and expect gold to resume its uptrend beyond near-term profit-taking," they added.

Among other metals, spot silver fell 3.1% to $85.67 per ounce, spot platinum lost 0.5% to $2,189.35, and palladium slipped 1.3% to $1,633.30.