Saudi Invites Kuwaitis to Seize Giant Qualitative Investment Opportunities

Saudi Investment Minister Khaled Al-Falih (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Investment Minister Khaled Al-Falih (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Invites Kuwaitis to Seize Giant Qualitative Investment Opportunities

Saudi Investment Minister Khaled Al-Falih (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Investment Minister Khaled Al-Falih (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Encouraging Kuwaiti investors to take advantage of investment opportunities and major qualitative projects in Saudi Arabia, Investment Minister Khaled Al-Falih affirmed that investment policies in the Kingdom require treating all Gulf investors as Saudis.

Al-Falih pointed to Kuwait being one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent trade partners.

Witnessing a growth of 22%, the volume of trade exchange between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia amounted to about SAR 11 billion ($2.9 billion) in 2022.

The balance of Kuwaiti investments in Saudi Arabia stands at about SAR 35 billion ($9.3 billion) in various sectors such as retail, communications, hospitality, and restaurants.

Al-Falih’s remarks came during a forum attended by Saudi officials and Kuwaiti businessmen. More than 90 Kuwaiti companies from various investment sectors also partook in the forum.

At the forum, Al-Falih highlighted the historical investment relationship that binds Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

There are increasing expectations of the possibility of growing investment cooperation opportunities and increasing the presence of the Kuwaiti business community in the Saudi market.

Al-Falih added that the Kingdom’s economic reforms, carried out within the framework of Vision 2030, have succeeded in advancing growth and diversification, making the Saudi economy one of fastest growing in the world in 2022.

According to the International Monetary Fund, the Saudi economy’s size reached SAR 4 trillion ($1.1 trillion), making it the 16th largest economy in the world.

Al-Falih explained that Kuwait has a long record in trade.

Since the nineteenth century, Kuwaiti merchants have reached India and Europe to connect the Arabian Peninsula with the world.

Besides Kuwaiti leadership in trade, the Gulf country established the Kuwait Stock Exchange in 1962 to be the first market in the Arabian Gulf region.

Moreover, Kuwait has the second largest sovereign fund in the world with assets exceeding $ 750 billion.



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.