FII 6th Edition Kicks off on Oct. 25, to Discuss ‘Enabling a New Global Order’

Richard Attias, CEO of the FII Institute, speaks during a press conference organized on Monday by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) at the Convention Center in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Richard Attias, CEO of the FII Institute, speaks during a press conference organized on Monday by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) at the Convention Center in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

FII 6th Edition Kicks off on Oct. 25, to Discuss ‘Enabling a New Global Order’

Richard Attias, CEO of the FII Institute, speaks during a press conference organized on Monday by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) at the Convention Center in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Richard Attias, CEO of the FII Institute, speaks during a press conference organized on Monday by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) at the Convention Center in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The sixth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference will be held in Riyadh on Oct. 25-27, under the slogan “Investing in Humanity - Enabling a New World Order”.

Over 6,000 CEOs, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, Nobel Prize laureates and young leaders from across the globe are expected to attend the international event, with the aim to develop sustainable solutions to the economic and humanitarian challenges facing the world.

In a press conference organized on Monday by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) at the Convention Center in Riyadh, Richard Attias, CEO of the FII Institute, said that the three-day conference would bring together around 500 speakers, who will participate in 180 sessions, 30 workshops and four mini-summits.

He added that major topics would be discussed, including the balance between and sustainability, the rise of geo-economics and equality in the world, efforts to address the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the intractable and unexpected challenges.

Economic system

Attias said the first day of the conference would feature discussions by a group of Nobel laureates, who will try to find sustainable solutions to meet the basic needs of the world’s population.

He noted that talks would revolve around the challenges posed by the new world order, as well as the opportunities, such as creating an economic system that improves the quality of life for citizens around the world.

The first summit will be held on Oct. 25, under the theme, “The Conflict of Generations”.

He indicated that the second day would include the “New Energy Economy” summit, with the participation of senior speakers, who will present their vision on the current state of the finance sector and the global economy, and the role of some countries, such as Japan, in financing sustainable energy.

Crypto currency

Attias told the press conference that the third day would witness mini-summits on the rise of digital currencies and the future of Africa, with the participation of a number of speakers from China and Hong Kong.

Discussions will focus on the importance of partnership between China and the Middle East.

Another session will review the future of environmental and social governance.

Private sector participation

Attias stressed the importance of the participation of the public and private sectors in the international event.

He highlighted in this regard the approach adopted by the Saudi government in its large projects, which have brought about a great change through cooperation between the two sectors.

Moreover, he noted that speakers would address during one of the sessions the energy sector, the rising prices and the global health economy, with the participation of Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Minister of Energy, and a number of international stakeholders.

Sustainable environment

According to Attias, Saudi Arabia focuses on the well-being of the people and the creation of a sustainable environment. He said that this was clearly reflected in the NEOM project, which was launched by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with the aim to achieve a qualitative leap for the country’s future.

He added that the Kingdom is constantly launching new projects that take into account the quality of life.

Attias went on to say that the Future Investment Initiative was based on four main pillars, including education, artificial intelligence, health care, and solutions that guarantee sustainability.

He noted that the conference would be the first of its kind in the world to identify and address priorities in the new world order.

Activate advanced technologies

According to Attias, the sixth edition of the conference would address the most important risks and challenges and examine the opportunities and the new horizons, through a number of dialogue sessions and various workshops.

The Future Investment Initiative is a leading international investment platform and annual forum, bringing together investors, innovators and leaders from around the world, who have the power to shape the future of global investment.

The initiative aims to benefit from investment opportunities to drive economic growth, enable innovation and activate advanced technologies, in addition to exploring and addressing global challenges.

Since its launch in 2017, the Future Investment Initiative has been seeking to build an effective network of the most important stakeholders in the global arena, in addition to shedding light on emerging sectors that will shape the international investment landscape and the future of global economy.



Saudi Arabia, Syria Sign Joint Airline and Telecoms Deals

Officials pose after signing a framework agreement for developmental cooperation and the launch of 45 development initiatives between the Syrian Development Fund and Saudi Arabia's Development Committee at the People's Palace in Damascus, Syria, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. (AP)
Officials pose after signing a framework agreement for developmental cooperation and the launch of 45 development initiatives between the Syrian Development Fund and Saudi Arabia's Development Committee at the People's Palace in Damascus, Syria, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. (AP)
TT

Saudi Arabia, Syria Sign Joint Airline and Telecoms Deals

Officials pose after signing a framework agreement for developmental cooperation and the launch of 45 development initiatives between the Syrian Development Fund and Saudi Arabia's Development Committee at the People's Palace in Damascus, Syria, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. (AP)
Officials pose after signing a framework agreement for developmental cooperation and the launch of 45 development initiatives between the Syrian Development Fund and Saudi Arabia's Development Committee at the People's Palace in Damascus, Syria, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. (AP)

Syria and Saudi Arabia signed deals Saturday that include a joint airline and a $1-billion project to develop telecommunications, officials said, as Syria seeks to rebuild after years of war.

The new authorities in Damascus have worked to attract investment and have signed major agreements with several companies and governments.

Syrian Investment Authority chief Talal al-Hilali announced a series of deals including "a low-cost Syrian-Saudi airline aimed at strengthening regional and international air links".

The agreement also includes the development of a new international airport in the northern city of Aleppo, and redeveloping the existing facility.

Hilali also announced an agreement for a project called SilkLink to develop Syria's "telecommunications infrastructure and digital connectivity".

Syrian Telecommunications Minister Abdulsalam Haykal told the signing ceremony that the project would be implemented "with an investment of around $1 billion".

For decades, Syria was unable to secure significant investments because of Assad-era sanctions.

But the United States fully removed its remaining sanctions on Damascus late last year, paving the way for the full return of investments.

Syria and Saudi Arabia also inked an agreement on water desalination and development cooperation on Saturday.

At the ceremony, Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih announced the launch of an investment fund for "major projects in Syria with the participation of the (Saudi) private sector".

The deals are part of "building a strategic partnership" between the two countries, he said.

Syria's Hilali said the agreements targeted "vital sectors that impact people's lives and form essential pillars for rebuilding the Syrian economy".

Syria has begun the mammoth task of trying to rebuild its shattered infrastructure and economy.

In July last year, Riyadh signed investment and partnership deals with Damascus valued at $6.4 billion to help rebuild the country's infrastructure, telecommunications and other major sectors.

A month later, Syria signed agreements worth more than $14 billion, including investments in Damascus airport and other transport and real estate projects.

This week, Syria signed a preliminary deal with US energy giant Chevron and Qatari firm Power International to explore for oil and gas offshore.


India’s Modi Lauds Interim Trade Pact After US Tariff Rollback

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the media before the budget session of Parliament at Parliament House in New Delhi, India, 29 January 2026. (EPA)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the media before the budget session of Parliament at Parliament House in New Delhi, India, 29 January 2026. (EPA)
TT

India’s Modi Lauds Interim Trade Pact After US Tariff Rollback

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the media before the budget session of Parliament at Parliament House in New Delhi, India, 29 January 2026. (EPA)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the media before the budget session of Parliament at Parliament House in New Delhi, India, 29 January 2026. (EPA)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed an interim trade agreement with the United States, saying it would bolster global growth and deepen economic ties between the two countries.

The pact cuts US "reciprocal" duties on Indian products to 18 percent from 25 percent, and commits India to large purchases of US energy and industrial goods.

US President Donald Trump, while announcing the deal Tuesday, had said Modi promised to stop buying Russian oil over the war in Ukraine.

The deal eases months of tensions over India's oil purchases -- which Washington says fund a conflict it is trying to end -- and restores the close ties between Trump and the man he describes as "one of my greatest friends."

"Great news for India and USA!" Modi said on X on Saturday, praising US President Donald Trump's "personal commitment" to strengthening bilateral ties.

The agreement, he said, reflected "the growing depth, trust and dynamism" of their partnership.

Modi's remarks came hours after Trump issued an executive order scrapping an additional 25 percent levy imposed over New Delhi's purchases of Russian oil, in a step to implement the trade deal announced this week.

Modi, who has faced criticism at home about opening access of Indian agricultural markets to the United States and terms on oil imports, did not mention Russian oil in his statement.

"This framework will also strengthen resilient and trusted supply chains and contribute to global growth," he said.

It would also create fresh opportunities for Indian farmers, entrepreneurs and fishermen under the "Make in India" initiative.

In a separate statement, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the pact would "open a $30 trillion market for Indian exporters".

Goyal also said the deal protects India's sensitive agricultural and dairy products, including maize, wheat, rice, soya, poultry and milk.

Other terms of the agreement include the removal of tariffs on certain aircraft and parts, according to a separate joint statement released Friday by the White House.

The statement added that India intends to purchase $500 billion of US energy products, aircraft and parts, precious metals, tech products and coking coal over the next five years.

The shift marks a significant reduction in US tariffs on Indian products, down from a rate of 50 percent late last year.

Washington and New Delhi are expected to sign a formal trade deal in March.


Gold Bounces Back on Softer Dollar, US-Iran Concerns; Silver Rebounds

Gold and silver bars are stacked in the safe deposit boxes room of the Pro Aurum gold house in Munich, Germany, January 10, 2025. REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth
Gold and silver bars are stacked in the safe deposit boxes room of the Pro Aurum gold house in Munich, Germany, January 10, 2025. REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth
TT

Gold Bounces Back on Softer Dollar, US-Iran Concerns; Silver Rebounds

Gold and silver bars are stacked in the safe deposit boxes room of the Pro Aurum gold house in Munich, Germany, January 10, 2025. REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth
Gold and silver bars are stacked in the safe deposit boxes room of the Pro Aurum gold house in Munich, Germany, January 10, 2025. REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth

Gold rebounded on Friday and was set for a weekly gain, helped by bargain hunting, a slightly weaker dollar and lingering concerns over US-Iran talks in Oman, while silver recovered from a 1-1/2-month low.

Spot gold rose 3.1% to $4,916.98 per ounce by 09:31 a.m. ET (1431 GMT), recouping losses posted during a volatile Asia session that followed a fall of 3.9% on Thursday. Bullion was headed for a weekly gain of about 1.3%.

US gold futures for April delivery gained 1% to $4,939.70 per ounce.

The US dollar index fell 0.3%, making greenback-priced bullion cheaper for the overseas buyers.

"The gold market is seeing perceived bargain hunting from bullish traders," said Jim Wyckoff, senior analyst at Kitco Metals.

Iran and the US started high-stakes negotiations via Omani mediation on Friday to try to overcome sharp differences over Tehran's nuclear program.

Wyckoff said gold's rebound lacks momentum and the metal is unlikely to break records without a major geopolitical trigger.

Gold, a traditional safe haven, does well in times of geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

Spot silver rose 5.3% to $74.98 an ounce after dipping below $65 earlier, but was still headed for its biggest weekly drop since 2011, down over 10.6%, following steep losses last week as well.

"What we're seeing in silver is huge speculation on the long side," said Wyckoff, adding that after years in a boom cycle, gold and silver now appear to be entering a typical commodity bust phase.

CME Group raised margin requirements for gold and silver futures for a third time in two weeks on Thursday to curb risks from heightened market volatility.

Spot platinum added 3.2% to $2,052 per ounce, while palladium gained 4.9% to $1,695.18. Both were down for the week.