FII 2025: Riyadh hosts global tech leaders as innovation takes centre stage

RIYADH — The ninth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) has kicked off in the Saudi capital, marking what organisers describe as a “turning point” in global innovation, with technology leaders making up more than half of the speakers at the high-profile event.

Speaking to CNBC, Richard Attias, chairman of the FII Institute’s executive committee, said this year’s conference reflects a major shift as industries worldwide grapple with the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

“FII9 is a turning point,” Attias said. “This year, 52 percent of our speakers are coming from the tech industry. It shows the importance of AI and innovation in general, because all sectors are now impacted by technology.”

Launched in 2017, the Future Investment Initiative—often dubbed “Davos in the Desert”—has become a flagship platform for Saudi Arabia to showcase its economic diversification efforts under Vision 2030. The 2025 edition, which runs from October 27 to 30, brings together global policymakers, investors, and corporate executives to discuss economic trends and forge partnerships across emerging sectors.

Attias highlighted three key features of this year’s gathering: the dominance of technology, the presence of over 20 world leaders and 50 ministers from 90 countries, and the event’s growing reputation as a hub for inclusive international collaboration.

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“This will be a fantastic platform for public-private partnership,” he said, adding that such cooperation is vital to addressing global economic challenges.

He described FII as “probably the most inclusive platform in the world,” citing the participation of delegates from rival nations such as Russia and Ukraine, alongside representatives from the United States, China, the Global South, and a strong contingent of young entrepreneurs.

“Riyadh is becoming the economic capital of the world, at least for the week,” Attias remarked, noting that the conference has expanded into a full week of activities, with delegates arriving early to explore opportunities within the Kingdom.

He said the scale of engagement is a “good problem to have,” but acknowledged the need for strategic coordination to manage the numerous meetings and sectors represented.

Attias also pointed to the progress of Vision 2030, describing it as a plan “in motion” that now encompasses sectors such as sports, entertainment, food security, tourism, energy, and infrastructure.

He stressed that FII has evolved beyond ceremonial agreements, stating: “Real deals are happening. Very concrete deals are signed.”

The spirit of optimism, he said, is rooted in the institute’s resilience, recalling that FII was among the few global conferences held during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This, he noted, reflects the institute’s mission to create “impact on humanity.”

This year’s event has drawn 9,000 delegates from nearly 100 countries, including representatives from all Gulf Cooperation Council sovereign wealth funds. Attias said the convergence of these funds with private equity firms, banks, and global CEOs creates the “perfect equation” for driving investment and collaboration on a global scale.

FII 2025: Riyadh hosts global tech leaders as innovation takes centre stage