Saudi Arabia Leads Global Initiatives at WEF 2026

Davos, Switzerland – 22 January 2026:

The Saudi delegation at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 showcased a series of landmark initiatives addressing pressing global challenges, highlighting the Kingdom’s leadership in sustainability, innovation, and economic diversification.

Her Royal Highness Ambassador Reema Bandar Al-Saud, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States, announced that the Kingdom will host the first-ever Global Coral Reef Summit in 2026. The summit aims to unite global leaders, scientists, and investors to advance the protection and restoration of coral reef ecosystems. Key objectives include bridging policy and regulatory gaps, developing science-based solutions, and scaling sustainable financing mechanisms for coral reef conservation.

Emphasizing the unifying power of tourism, His Excellency Ahmed A. Alkhateeb, Minister of Tourism, stated: “Tourism brings peace at a time when it’s needed most – connecting people, fostering dialogue, and driving opportunities for youth and women.”

On Saudi Arabia’s strides in technology, His Excellency Abdullah A. Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, remarked: “Saudi Vision 2030 has successfully driven economic diversification and youth empowerment. Today, 56% of our GDP comes from non-oil sectors, and our tech workforce has grown significantly, positioning the Kingdom as a regional hub for AI and innovation.”

In a major development, HUMAIN and the National Infrastructure Fund (Infra) announced a Strategic Financing Framework Agreement of up to $1.2 billion to support AI and digital infrastructure expansion. The agreement outlines non-binding financing terms for HUMAIN’s development of up to 250 MW of hyperscale AI data center capacity, advancing Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation agenda.

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16 Presidency also launched the Business4Land (B4L) Champions’ Council, a high-level coalition of CEOs, sustainability leaders, investors, and policymakers. The council will accelerate land restoration, combat degradation, and strengthen drought resilience globally.

The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM), in collaboration with WEF, unveiled the Lighthouse Operating System, a country-level framework to accelerate manufacturing transformation, diversify the economy, and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and logistics.

Additionally, MIM and WEF signed a cooperation agreement at the Future Minerals Forum, running until September 2027. This initiative seeks to unify efforts around critical minerals for energy and technology applications, ensuring resilient, sustainable, and responsible mineral supplies, with oversight by a joint executive committee comprising ministry and WEF representatives.

These announcements reinforce Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable development, innovation, and global leadership across environmental, technological, and industrial sectors.