In a significant move, Saudi Arabia has been selected to host the highly anticipated World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Collaboration and Growth Meeting in 2026. The two-day event, scheduled for 22-23 April, will bring together influential figures from the world of finance, business, and policymaking to discuss strategies for building common ground and reviving global economic growth.
The announcement was made on the closing day of the 56th Annual Meeting of the WEF in Davos, Switzerland, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s growing prominence on the international economic stage. The decision to hold the event in the Kingdom’s coastal city of Jeddah reflects the country’s ambition to position itself as a hub for high-level discussions on the future of the global economy.
“This is a significant opportunity for Saudi Arabia to showcase its commitment to international cooperation and economic development,” said Dr. Fahad Al-Rasheed, the Kingdom’s Minister of Economy and Planning. “We look forward to welcoming the world’s top business and political leaders to Jeddah, where we will engage in constructive dialogue and work towards tangible solutions to the challenges facing the global economy.”
The Global Collaboration and Growth Meeting is expected to attract a diverse array of participants, including chief executive officers, government officials, and leading economists. The agenda will cover a wide range of topics, from the post-pandemic recovery and the future of global trade to the role of technology and sustainability in driving economic growth.
“This event represents a crucial platform for global leaders to come together and chart a course towards a more prosperous and equitable future,” said Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum. “We are confident that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the meeting will facilitate meaningful exchanges and foster the collaborative spirit needed to tackle the pressing economic issues of our time.”
The decision to hold the Global Collaboration and Growth Meeting in Saudi Arabia is a testament to the Kingdom’s growing influence and its efforts to diversify its economy beyond its traditional reliance on oil. In recent years, the country has implemented a series of ambitious reforms under its Vision 2030 program, aimed at reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, attracting foreign investment, and developing new industries such as tourism, renewable energy, and technology.
As the world grapples with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, the upcoming WEF meeting in Jeddah is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the global recovery and charting a path towards a more sustainable and inclusive economic future.