Saudi Arabia will host a regular high-level World Economic Forum (WEF) global meeting in Riyadh starting in the spring of 2026, providing a platform for global leaders and experts to address pressing global challenges.
Davos, January 25, 2025 – In a significant development for global economic dialogue, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host a regular high-level World Economic Forum (WEF) global meeting in Riyadh, with the first gathering set for the spring of 2026. The announcement, made today on the final day of the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, marks a historic milestone in the Kingdom's growing role as a leading hub for global collaboration and innovation. The news was unveiled by Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim and WEF President Børge Brende, who highlighted the importance of this new chapter in the longstanding partnership between Saudi Arabia and the WEF.
The global WEF meeting in Riyadh will serve as a critical platform for world leaders, experts, policymakers, business executives, academics, international organizations, and representatives of civil society to come together to address the complex and pressing challenges facing the world. This annual meeting will be a focal point for dialogue on economic, social, environmental, and geopolitical issues, providing an opportunity for participants to collaborate on actionable solutions and explore the immense opportunities that lie ahead in a rapidly changing global landscape.
In his remarks, Minister Alibrahim underscored the significance of hosting such a prestigious event, noting that it reflects Saudi Arabia's emergence as a leading force in fostering global dialogue, collaboration, and innovation. "Hosting a regular global World Economic Forum meeting in the Kingdom is a testament to the global platform for dialogue that Saudi Arabia has become," Alibrahim said. "This meeting represents a significant opportunity to further unite the world in capturing the immense potential that lies ahead." Alibrahim also emphasized the Kingdom's commitment to addressing the critical juncture facing the global economy, expressing confidence in the power of collective action to create a brighter, more inclusive, and prosperous future for all.
Børge Brende echoed Alibrahim's sentiments, highlighting the importance of the upcoming event in Riyadh. "The World Economic Forum is looking forward to coming back to the Kingdom in 2026," Brende stated. "To close the 55th World Economic Forum with this announcement puts us on a strong course for the years ahead. The progress we make in the coming months will not only deliver near-term results but will shape the course of our future for years to come.
The decision to hold the WEF global meeting in Riyadh builds on the success of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting, which took place in the Kingdom in April 2024. That event marked a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia’s deepening engagement with the global community, reaffirming its growing influence as a key player in shaping the future of the world economy. The Kingdom's bold leadership and unwavering determination to foster dialogue between developed and developing economies, coupled with its vision to drive inclusive global growth, make it an ideal host for the WEF’s flagship global gathering.
The WEF global meeting in Riyadh will become a cornerstone event in the international calendar, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to position itself as a bridge between the Global North and South, and East and West. The event is poised to become a beacon for constructive dialogue, where decision-makers from diverse sectors can collaborate on transformative solutions that address the world’s most critical challenges. Saudi Arabia’s central location, dynamic economic growth, and growing influence on the global stage make it a fitting venue for this important gathering.
By hosting the WEF global meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia further solidifies its role as a key driver of international collaboration and a leading force in the global dialogue on economic and social progress. The event will provide an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of the global economy, enhance partnerships across regions, and develop innovative strategies for tackling the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to technological disruption and beyond.
As the world looks ahead to the spring of 2026, the WEF’s return to Riyadh promises to be a defining moment in the Kingdom’s ongoing transformation into a global hub for dialogue, innovation, and progress.