Saudi Arabia postpones in-person Future Investment Initiative after Houthi attacks

Summary

Saudi Arabia has decided to postpone the in-person segment of its Future Investment Initiative, known as 'Davos in the Desert', which was due to start next week in Riyadh, according to the Financial Times. The Globe and Mail reported the event was planned for October 26 to 29. Organisers are reportedly considering holding it virtually or postponing it entirely, amid the ongoing war with the Houthis, and the Financial Times reports the flagship event will now take place next year. The New York Times describes the Future Investment Initiative as a centerpiece of Saudi efforts to diversify its economy away from energy.

Timeline

1. Middle East Eye

   19 Oct 2026, 15:29 UTCSource ↗

   Citing the Financial Times, reports that Saudi Arabia has decided to postpone the in-person segment of the Future Investment Initiative, 'Davos in the Desert', due to start next week, and that organisers are considering holding it virtually or postponing it fully amid the ongoing war with the Houthis.

2. Financial Times

   19 Oct 2026, 15:40 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that Saudi Arabia is postponing the in-person Future Investment Initiative, known as 'Davos in the desert', which was scheduled to begin next week in Riyadh, after Houthi attacks, and that the flagship event will now take place next year.

3. The New York Times

   19 Oct 2026, 15:56 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that Saudi Arabia has postponed its Future Investment Initiative, a centerpiece of Saudi efforts to diversify its economy from energy, which was set to begin next week, after Houthi attacks.

4. The Globe and Mail

   19 Oct 2026, 17:11 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that Saudi Arabia has postponed the 'Davos in the Desert' conference after Houthi attacks, and that the Future Investment Initiative, planned for October 26 to 29, will now take place in 2027.