Al-Falih Starts US Visit to Reinforce Saudi-US Commercial, Investment Partnership

Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih speaks at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih speaks at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Asharq Al-Awsat
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Al-Falih Starts US Visit to Reinforce Saudi-US Commercial, Investment Partnership

Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih speaks at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih speaks at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Investment Minister Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih began Wednesday a visit to the US. His visit aims at highlighting Saudi Arabia as a major global investment destination.

The trip comes in the wake of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, launching Saudi Arabia’s National Investment Strategy.

During the visit, the minister will meet with a group of US officials to enhance the ongoing strategic trade and investment partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

The visit also aims to encourage American investors to seize the opportunities offered by the great economic transformation that the Kingdom is experiencing, as well as the unprecedented avenues of investment that have become available in many economic sectors as a result of the launch of Saudi Vision 2030.

As part of his US itinerary, Al-Falih spoke on Wednesday at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles about the role of the National Investment Strategy in attracting foreign investors and companies.

Al-Falih will meet in Washington, DC, with several influencers, decision-makers, and chief executives of a group of companies based in the US.

In a statement on his visit, Al-Falih said the National Investment Strategy would lead to a significant change in the investment landscape in the Kingdom, which will provide unprecedented opportunities and advantages for investors.

“We consider US investors to be our partners, and we hope that they will seize the tremendous opportunities presented as part of our transformation. American innovation and expertise have a long and rich history in the Kingdom,” he added.

“In addition, we seek that American investments continue its fundamental role in the economy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is moving towards a new promising stage in its development,” noted the minister.

The National Investment Strategy aims to make Saudi Arabia one of the 15 largest economies globally and increase the investment share to 30% of GDP by 2030.



Saudi Arabia to Host Regular World Economic Forum Global Meeting

A view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Getty Images)
A view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Getty Images)
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Saudi Arabia to Host Regular World Economic Forum Global Meeting

A view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Getty Images)
A view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Getty Images)

Saudi Arabia will host a regular high-level World Economic Forum (WEF) global meeting in Riyadh, with the first slated for the Spring of 2026.

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim and WEF President Børge Brende, made the announcement on Friday - the final day of the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The global WEF meeting in Riyadh will serve as a vital platform for global leaders, experts, policy- and decision-makers from diverse fields including the public and private sectors, academia, international organizations, and civil society to convene and address the challenges defining the world.

“Hosting a regular global World Economic Forum meeting in the Kingdom is a testament to the global platform for dialogue, collaboration and innovation that Saudi Arabia has become, and that the World Economic Forum continues to be. This meeting represents a significant opportunity to further unite the world in capturing the immense potential that lies ahead,” said Alibrahim.

“In this critical juncture for the global economy, we are not only inspired by the opportunities before us, but also deeply confident that our collective efforts will forge a brighter, more inclusive and more prosperous future for all. We look forward to welcoming the global community again in Saudi Arabia in the spring of 2026,” he added.

For his part, Brende said: “The World Economic Forum is looking forward to coming back to the Kingdom in 2026. To close the 55th World Economic Forum with this announcement puts us on a strong course for the years ahead. Years that will have immense consequences. Because the progress we make over the coming months will not only deliver results in the near term, but will shape our course for years to come.”

Building on the success of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting held in Riyadh in April 2024, this new development solidifies Saudi Arabia’s position as a central player in shaping the global agenda. The Kingdom’s bold leadership and determination to foster global dialogues between developed and developing economies and drive inclusive global growth make it an ideal host to address complex global challenges with the WEF community.

The World Economic Forum Global Meeting in Riyadh is set to become a cornerstone event in the global calendar, reflecting the Kingdom’s position as a key bridge between the north and south, east and west, and a beacon for constructive dialogue and action.