‘Davos in the Desert’ Tackles Int’l Economic Challenges, Future Aspirations

The Future Investment Initiative kicks off on Tuesday. (SPA)
The Future Investment Initiative kicks off on Tuesday. (SPA)
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‘Davos in the Desert’ Tackles Int’l Economic Challenges, Future Aspirations

The Future Investment Initiative kicks off on Tuesday. (SPA)
The Future Investment Initiative kicks off on Tuesday. (SPA)

The three-day Future Investment Initiative (FII), nicknamed "Davos in the desert", will kick off in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, tackling strategic and vital questions about the regional and global economic and investment environment.

The event brings together global policymakers and tycoons from across the globe at 47 seminars and workshops and three summits. Dozens of global companies, including 25 American firms and investment banks, have confirmed their participation.

FII will seek to answer numerous questions, including how the current ambitious economy can shape the economy of the next decade.

Asharq Al-Awsat obtained a copy of the FII agenda. It addresses female economy and whether current developments will help further incorporate women in global economics. It will highlight Japan and China as examples.

Financial challenges will also be addressed, with attention directed at the situation in Europe. European governments will be asked how they are seeking to push innovation in the financial markets. On the international level, executives will tackle ways to meet the United States’ sustainable development goals.

FII will also shine the spotlight on the role India, Brazil and Africa can play in the global economy.

Energy files will take center stage at the event. Discussions will address new energy innovations.



Moody's Upgrades Saudi Arabia's Credit Rating

Moody's indicated that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification. Reuters
Moody's indicated that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification. Reuters
TT

Moody's Upgrades Saudi Arabia's Credit Rating

Moody's indicated that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification. Reuters
Moody's indicated that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification. Reuters

The credit rating agency “Moody’s Ratings” upgraded Saudi Arabia’s credit rating to “Aa3” in local and foreign currency, with a “stable” outlook.
The agency indicated in its report that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification and the robust growth of its non-oil sector. Over time, the advancements are expected to reduce Saudi Arabia’s exposure to oil market developments and long-term carbon transition on its economy and public finances.
The agency commended the Kingdom's financial planning within the fiscal space, emphasizing its commitment to prioritizing expenditure and enhancing the spending efficiency. Additionally, the government’s ongoing efforts to utilize available fiscal resources to diversify the economic base through transformative spending were highlighted as instrumental in supporting the sustainable development of the Kingdom's non-oil economy and maintaining a strong fiscal position.
In its report, the agency noted that the planning and commitment underpin its projection of a relatively stable fiscal deficit, which could range between 2%-3% of gross domestic product (GDP).
Moody's expected that the non-oil private-sector GDP of Saudi Arabia will expand by 4-5% in the coming years, positioning it among the highest in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, an indication of continued progress in the diversification efforts reducing the Kingdom’s exposure to oil market developments.
In recent years, the Kingdom achieved multiple credit rating upgrades from global rating agencies. These advancements reflect the Kingdom's ongoing efforts toward economic transformation, supported by structural reforms and the adoption of fiscal policies that promote financial sustainability, enhance financial planning efficiency, and reinforce the Kingdom's strong and resilient fiscal position.