Saudi Arabia has postponed its flagship Future Investment Initiative conference to 2027 following recent deadly attacks amid a widening Middle East conflict.

Saudi Arabia has decided to postpone its flagship investment conference, widely known as 'Davos in the Desert,' until next year following deadly attacks that rocked the kingdom. Organizers confirmed the delay in a statement on Monday, moving the event from its planned October dates to 2027.

Postponement of the Investment Conference

The Future Investment Initiative, set for its 10th edition, was originally scheduled to take place from October 26 to 29. Organizers stated that a new date for the event will be announced very soon, citing a desire to ensure the gathering delivers its expected scale and impact. The state-backed annual event attracts top financiers and showcases the kingdom's investment plans aimed at economic transformation away from hydrocarbons. Draft programming for this year's event had listed expected speakers including Goldman Sachs CEO and Chairman David Solomon, Standard Chartered CEO Bill Winters, and Citi CEO Jane Fraser. Ahead of the postponement, major banks and private-equity firms had privately communicated safety concerns regarding attendance to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan.

Attacks and Regional Conflict Context

The delay follows recent deadly attacks across the kingdom as the Middle East conflict widens. In recent weeks, Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group has struck military, energy, and civilian infrastructure, including state oil company Aramco's headquarters and Riyadh's international airport, where strikes killed at least 18 people and wounded hundreds this month. The broader regional conflict, including the US-Israeli war with Iran, has disrupted business and event calendars across the Gulf.