Saudi Arabia Delays ‘Davos in the Desert’ Until 2027 as Houthi Attacks Raise Security Fears

According to a report by Times Of Israel on Monday October 19, 2026, Saudi Arabia has postponed its flagship Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference until 2027 following a series of deadly attacks linked to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, raising security concerns ahead of the major international business gathering.

The annual event, widely known as “Davos in the Desert”, had been scheduled to take place in Riyadh from October 26 to 29. Organisers confirmed on Monday that the 10th edition would instead be held next year, with revised dates expected to be announced soon.

In a statement, the FII Institute said the decision was intended to ensure the milestone edition delivered the scale and quality expected by its partners, members, speakers and delegates. The announcement did not directly cite the attacks as the reason for the postponement.

The postponement follows repeated missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory, including strikes targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The attacks have disrupted air travel and heightened concerns among international executives and investors over travelling to the kingdom.

The conference was expected to attract prominent business leaders and financial executives, including BlackRock chief executive Larry Fink and JPMorgan Chase chief executive Jamie Dimon, alongside senior government officials and global investors.

Since its launch in 2017, the FII has become a major platform for Saudi Arabia to promote investment opportunities and advance Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 economic transformation programme. The initiative seeks to diversify the kingdom’s economy beyond oil and attract international capital into sectors including tourism, technology and other industries.

The decision to postpone the summit adds to disruptions affecting business and international events across the region as the wider Middle East conflict intensifies. Organisers have yet to announce the new dates for the conference.

Apexdailynews feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com