Saudi Arabia postpones future investment initiative until 2027 following Houthi attacks

Saudi Arabia has postponed its flagship Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference until next year following a series of deadly attacks and the suspension of operations at Riyadh’s international airport, organizers announced Monday, Anadolu reports.

The annual investment forum, organized by the Future Investment Initiative Institute, had been scheduled to take place in Riyadh from 26^th-29^th October, attracting international political leaders, investors and senior business executives.

According to Reuters, organisers confirmed the postponement amid heightened security concerns following attacks on the Kingdom in recent weeks, as regional hostilities continue to escalate.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that the decision represents a setback for Saudi Arabia’s efforts to attract foreign investment, diversify its oil-dependent economy and advance its economic reform agenda.

A consultant working with Saudi companies told AFP that security concerns were affecting international executives’ willingness to travel to the Kingdom.

“The executives I’ve spoken with are extremely hesitant about traveling to Riyadh to attend conferences this month,” the consultant said.

The postponement follows the suspension of operations at Riyadh’s international airport after Houthi attacks earlier in October.

One of the strikes, carried out on 10^th October, killed 13 people, according to the report.

Saudi authorities have not announced a timetable for the resumption of airport operations.

The disruption to air travel and growing security concerns have complicated preparations for major international events in the Kingdom, including the Future Investment Initiative, which serves as a central platform for promoting Saudi Arabia’s investment and economic diversification plans.