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Politics · October 19, 2026

Saudis Scrap In-Person Attendance for Flagship Investment Event

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Saudi Arabia has canceled the in-person gathering of its flagship Future Investment Initiative (FII) for 2026, postponing the conference until 2027. The event, often called 'Davos in the Desert,' was originally scheduled to host prominent Wall Street executives. While official organizers cited the need to ensure the quality and impact of the 10th anniversary edition, reports indicate the decision followed intense private lobbying from global business leaders concerned about safety. The postponement coincides with an escalation in Houthi rebel attacks on Saudi civilian infrastructure, including a fatal strike on Riyadh’s international airport, leading to a broader wave of event cancellations and travel warnings from Western governments.

Read the original coverage

Reported across the spectrum

  • The 2026 Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh has been postponed until 2027.
  • The event was originally scheduled for late October 2026.
  • Other major events in Saudi Arabia, including a tennis tournament and trade forums, have also been delayed or postponed.
  • The U.S. State Department has issued warnings to citizens in the region due to the security environment and Houthi attacks on infrastructure.
  • High-profile attendees previously expected included CEOs from JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and BlackRock.

Reported by only some outlets

  • Wall Street executives privately relayed safety concerns to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, head of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund.
  • The main business district in Riyadh instructed tenants to work from home and schools shifted to remote learning.
  • Rooms at the Ritz Carlton in Riyadh became available for public booking despite usually being blocked for FII.
  • An October 10 strike on King Khalid International Airport killed 13 people.
  • Saudi Arabia bombed Sanaa airport in July to prevent a Houthi delegation from landing, reigniting the conflict.

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