Hala Saghbini

Hala Saghbini
Business The Saudi energy minister participating in the Future Investment Initiative conference (Asharq Al-Awsat) 

IEA Steps Back as Saudi Vision Prevails on Oil Realities

After four years of debate, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has issued a pivotal retreat from its hardline projections on “peak oil,” effectively…

Hala Saghbini (Riyadh)
Business Public Investment Fund (PIF) Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan speaks during his opening address at the conference (Asharq Al-Awsat)

As FII Ends, Riyadh Emerges as Global Lab Steering the Economy

The 2025 Future Investment Initiative (FII) wrapped up in Riyadh with a global consensus taking shape: Saudi Arabia has moved beyond the role of host to become…

Hala Saghbini (Riyadh)
Business A view of the audience during one of the sessions at the eighth edition of the Future Investment Initiative conference (Asharq Al-Awsat). 

Future Investment Initiative: From ‘Davos in the Desert’ to a Platform for Untangling Global Crises

The annual Future Investment Initiative (FII) is evolving from an investment forum into a powerful geoeconomic and diplomatic platform. In the midst of…

Hala Saghbini (Riyadh)
Business Georgieva makes statements ahead of the annual IMF and World Bank Fall Meetings at the Milken Institute in Washington (Reuters). 

IMF–World Bank Meetings Convene Under the Shadow of the 'Dot-Com' Specter

In a dramatic reversal from the tense atmosphere that gripped their gatherings two years ago, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank are…

Hala Saghbini (Riyadh)
Business The Saudi capital, Riyadh (SPA)

How the Gulf Stands to Gain from US Rate Cuts

The US Federal Reserve’s recent decision to cut interest rates marks a strategic move with immediate implications for Gulf economies. Because most regional…

Hala Saghbini (Riyadh)
Business Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Reuters)

Vision 2030 Boosted Saudi Arabia’s Ability to Reassess Spending

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Finance said the kingdom is now better equipped to reassess its spending priorities during times of economic uncertainty, crediting…

Hala Saghbini (Riyadh)
Business IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan during a meeting of the IMF’s International Monetary and Financial Committee (AFP)

IMF Applauds Saudi Arabia’s Fiscal Policies, Economic Diversification Success

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended the strong performance of the Saudi economy and its resilience in the face of…

Hala Saghbini (Riyadh)
Business  A man walks carrying shopping bags in a local market in downtown Riyadh (AFP). 

World Bank Warns of Long-Term Fallout from Regional Conflict

Amid mounting geopolitical tensions and growing economic uncertainty, the World Bank has warned that any conflict in the Middle East, particularly between…

Hala Saghbini (Riyadh)