Riyadh Conference Stresses Solid Foundations in Building Digital Economy

Prince Turki Al-Faisal addresses the Global Asset Allocation Conference in Riyadh on Tuesday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Prince Turki Al-Faisal addresses the Global Asset Allocation Conference in Riyadh on Tuesday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Riyadh Conference Stresses Solid Foundations in Building Digital Economy

Prince Turki Al-Faisal addresses the Global Asset Allocation Conference in Riyadh on Tuesday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Prince Turki Al-Faisal addresses the Global Asset Allocation Conference in Riyadh on Tuesday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Global Asset Allocation Conference underlined on Tuesday the importance of new rules and patterns to strengthen the digital economy.

The conference was organized by the Family Office and held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

Prince Turki Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz, President of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, stressed that in light of globalization, any political, financial or social crisis can turn into a global matter.

He noted the repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian war crisis on food security, energy and supply chains, which have cast their effects on the global economy.

Prince Turki stressed the need for Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States to build strong economies on firm foundations.

On the role of women in Saudi society, he said: “Our society will not realize its aspirations unless equality is achieved between men and women.”

The government and people of Saudi Arabia were determined to work in this direction for the sake of society, he added.

Abdul Rahman Al-Rashed, Chairman of the Editorial Advisory Board of Al-Arabiya TV news channel, discussed during the conference the trade partnership between Saudi Arabia and China and its impact on the relationship with the United States.

He pointed to the importance of the agreement to restore relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which was mediated by Beijing, explaining that China has become an important country in the international map and the region, at a time when ties are still strong with Europe and America.

Jonathan Berger, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of AS Birch Grove, underlined the opportunities in the liquid credit market in North America, while Edward Siskind, Founder and CEO of Cale Street, touched on low occupancy levels in commercial real estate in major American cities, with the new work-from-home policy and the rise of sustainability movements.



Lebanon’s Struggling Economy Slides Toward Full Recession

The Jousieh crossing between Lebanon and Syria following an Israeli strike on October 25. (AFP)
The Jousieh crossing between Lebanon and Syria following an Israeli strike on October 25. (AFP)
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Lebanon’s Struggling Economy Slides Toward Full Recession

The Jousieh crossing between Lebanon and Syria following an Israeli strike on October 25. (AFP)
The Jousieh crossing between Lebanon and Syria following an Israeli strike on October 25. (AFP)

The ongoing Israeli war on Lebanon has led to significant economic losses estimated between $10 billion and $20 billion.

This range reflects the difficulty in accurately assessing the damage amid Israel’s ongoing military operations, including airstrikes and ground attacks.

The destruction of homes, infrastructure, and farmland has contributed to a state of uncertainty, along with an unprecedented wave of displacement affecting many families.

Experts agree that reliable economic data is hard to obtain while the conflict continues.

Reports from the Ministry of Health and international organizations said nearly 3,000 people have been killed and around 15,000 injured, mostly civilians.

Additionally, about 1.4 million people have been displaced from their homes, representing roughly a quarter of Lebanon’s population.

Growing economic crisis ahead

The war came at a time when Lebanon’s economy was already struggling after five years of crisis.

According to Mohammad Choucair, head of the Economic Bodies Association, the situation is worsening rapidly, threatening serious economic and social consequences.

Current estimates suggest that direct losses from the conflict could reach between $10 billion and $12 billion, impacting various sectors.

As the war continues, key sectors like tourism, agriculture, and trade are experiencing a sharp decline in business activity.

Many small and medium-sized enterprises are being forced to close or suspend operations due to direct damage from attacks, reduced consumer demand, and disruptions in trade and supply chains caused by the influx of displaced people.

International financial institutions are warning that the ongoing Israeli attacks could continue for several more months, possibly lasting until mid-2025.

The Institute of International Finance (IIF) forecasts a 7% contraction in Lebanon’s GDP by the end of this year, followed by a 10% decline next year.

This would bring the total economic decline to nearly 60% from the peak GDP of around $53 billion recorded at the end of 2018.