Saudi Arabia Postpones ‘Davos in the Desert’ Investment Conference

Source reports published 20 Oct 2026, 4:09 am – 11:57 am AEST

Due to ongoing Houthi attacks and escalating conflict in Yemen, Saudi Arabia has postponed its ‘Davos in the Desert’ investment conference from October 26-29 to a date in 2027. The event, a key initiative for economic diversification, was intended to showcase Saudi Arabia’s investment plans.

What happened

• Saudi Arabia’s Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference, known informally as ‘Davos in the Desert’, has been postponed until 2027.
• The decision, announced by FII Institute CEO Dr Maha Bint Mishari Al Saud, stems from continued attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis against the kingdom.
• These attacks, including strikes on Riyadh’s international airport and government buildings, prompted a shift to remote work for government agencies.
• The conference, originally scheduled for October 26-29, was intended to showcase Saudi Arabia’s ambitious investment plans aimed at diversifying its economy away from hydrocarbons.
• Organisers had initially planned to include speakers such as Ruth Porat of Alphabet & Google, David Solomon of Goldman Sachs, and Laurence Fink of BlackRock.
• The conflict between a Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis has intensified in recent weeks, disrupting business and prompting security measures across the country.

Original reporting

• Washington Examiner: Saudi Arabia postpones 'Davos in the Desert' investment conference
  2026-10-19T18:09:08+00:00
• Al Jazeera: Saudi Arabia cancels 2026 ‘Davos in the Desert’ amid Houthi attacks
  2026-10-20T00:00:00+00:00
• South China Morning Post: Saudi Arabia postpones ‘Davos in the Desert’ summit to 2027 after deadly attacks
  2026-10-20T01:57:11+00:00