The ninth Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference is underway in Riyadh, drawing over 8,000 global leaders, investors, and policymakers to the Saudi capital. The event, themed “The Key to Prosperity,” has quickly become a platform for major announcements, with a significant focus on technology, innovation, and large-scale infrastructure projects shaping the region's future.
Key Takeaways
- The FII conference in Riyadh has attracted over 8,000 participants and 650 speakers, with a heavy emphasis on technology and innovation.
- Technology leaders constitute 52% of the speakers, signaling a major shift in the event's focus toward artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
- Major announcements include a partnership between US-based SandboxAQ and Bahrain, and the unveiling of Saudi Arabia's first ultra-luxury train, 'Dream of the Desert'.
- MENA equity markets saw a 51% decline in issuance value to $10.4 billion in the first nine months of 2025, though the number of deals increased by 12%.
A Tech-Dominated Global Forum
This year's FII conference marks a clear pivot towards technology as the primary driver of global economic growth. More than half of the 650 distinguished speakers hail from the tech industry, a statistic that underscores the event's focus on artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and digital innovation across all sectors.
Richard Attias, chairman of the FII Institute’s executive committee, described the event as a “turning point.” He noted that the strong representation from the technology sector reflects how deeply innovation is impacting every industry. The presence of over 20 world leaders and 50 ministers from 90 countries further solidifies the conference's role as a platform for global collaboration.
"This year, 52 percent of our speakers are coming from the tech industry. It is showing you the importance, of course, of AI, but not only AI, innovation in general," Attias stated.
Discussions are centered on critical modern challenges, including the role of AI in productivity, strategies for wealth creation amid growing inequality, and balancing economic expansion with environmental sustainability.
High-Profile Deals and Project Unveilings
The conference has already yielded significant partnerships and project reveals. One of the standout announcements is a collaboration between SandboxAQ, a US-based AI and quantum technology firm, and Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat. The partnership aims to accelerate drug discovery and is projected to create $1 billion in biotech assets in the region.
SandboxAQ CEO Jack Hidary explained the strategic importance of the deal. "Traditionally, the majority of biotech IP is owned in a handful of countries. This enables Bahrain to develop its own assets, focused both on regional and global health priorities," he said.
Introducing Ultra-Luxury Rail Travel
In a move to bolster its high-end tourism offerings, Saudi Arabia officially unveiled the designs for its first ultra-luxury train service, the 'Dream of the Desert'. The project, a collaboration between Saudi Arabia Railways and Italy’s Arsenale Group, is slated to begin operations in late 2026.
'Dream of the Desert' at a Glance
- Capacity: 66 guests maximum
- Accommodations: 31 private suites and two presidential suites
- Route: 1,300 km journey starting from Riyadh
- Amenities: Two restaurant cars with Michelin-level cuisine and a central Majlis lounge
Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale Group, called the train a "moving masterpiece born from the dialogue between Italian craftsmanship and Saudi vision." The train's design is inspired by Saudi landscapes, featuring desert hues and intricate wood carvings. The initiative aligns with the Kingdom's National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which seeks to introduce modern, tourism-focused transport options.
Regional Economic and Real Estate Outlook
While the FII summit highlights future growth, recent market data provides a mixed picture of the current economic climate in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. According to data from LSEG, equity and equity-related issuances totaled $10.4 billion in the first nine months of 2025, a 51% decline compared to the same period last year.
Despite the drop in value, deal activity remained resilient, with the number of transactions increasing by 12%. The region saw 36 Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), the highest nine-month total since 2008, raising $4.8 billion. The largest was the $1.1 billion debut of Saudi low-cost carrier flynas.
Jeddah's Real Estate Boom
Jeddah's real estate sector is experiencing a significant expansion, reinforcing its importance to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. According to a report by JLL, the city is set to add 310,000 square meters of retail space this year. Additionally, the pipeline includes 1,000 new branded residential units and over 30,000 hotel keys by 2030, with development expected to be further accelerated by the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2034.
Rudy Saadi, a top executive at Citigroup, expressed optimism for the future. "This year has been exceptionally busy for us, and we still have at least one more deal expected to close before year-end," he commented. "Based on current momentum and pipeline discussions, 2026 is expected to be even busier."
International Collaboration on the Rise
The FII is also a key venue for strengthening international ties. UK Finance Minister Rachel Reeves attended the event, marking the first visit to the region by a British finance minister in six years. She expressed strong confidence that a trade deal between the UK and Gulf countries could be finalized "very soon."
Tokyo Gov. Koike Yuriko also participated, presenting Tokyo as a leading hub for finance and innovation in Asia. Her visit aims to foster shared prosperity and explore opportunities for collaboration with Arab nations. "This region is currently attracting global attention for its economic growth and investment opportunities," she noted, highlighting her goal to enhance Tokyo's presence as a leading global city.
