Saudi Arabia's participation in the World Economic Forum's annual meetings in Davos marked a turning point in its international presence, transcending mere participation to become a driving and influential force in shaping the global agenda. The Kingdom did not limit itself to diplomatic presence; rather, it solidified its position as a key player in addressing economic, developmental, technological, and environmental issues, leveraging its political and economic weight as an active member of the G20.
Historical context and pivotal role in the global economy
Saudi Arabia’s participation in Davos is particularly significant given the fundamental transformations underway in the global economy. The Kingdom, which leads the largest economy in the Middle East, is working through its Vision 2030 to present a development model that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability. This participation comes at a time when the world is seeking solutions to energy crises and supply chain challenges, and the Kingdom has positioned itself as a stabilizing force in global energy markets, not only as an oil supplier but also as a leader in the transition to clean energy and green hydrogen technologies.
Enhancing the balance of the energy sector and industrial beacons
The Kingdom's role in stabilizing the region and global markets was strongly present in these forums, particularly in the energy sector, and it contributed to strengthening the balance between the interests of producers and consumers. The Kingdom has adopted the "circular carbon economy" approach, a comprehensive framework for managing emissions, reflecting its commitment to addressing climate change realistically and responsibly.
In the realm of industrial excellence, the Kingdom has achieved significant milestones. In 2019, Saudi Aramco's Uthmaniyah Gas Plant was included in the World Economic Forum's Global Lighthouses list, becoming the first facility in the oil and gas sector to join this prestigious ranking, which is based on the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. This was followed by the inclusion of the Khurais facility and the Yanbu refinery, further solidifying the Kingdom's leadership in employing artificial intelligence and digitalization in the industrial sector.
Leading environmental and technological initiatives
Saudi Arabia's presence wasn't limited to traditional energy; it extended to environmental sustainability. In 2020, SABIC launched the TRUCIRCLE™ initiative for plastic recycling, aligning with the principles of the circular economy. The Kingdom also strengthened its partnership with the Forum by establishing the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Riyadh, which has become a national platform for shaping future policies and training Saudi talent, thus supporting the Kingdom's readiness for the era of innovation.
Riyadh hosting the global dialogue
As a culmination of these efforts, Saudi Arabia's global influence was further solidified in 2024 when Riyadh hosted the World Economic Forum's special meeting, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. This event brought together over a thousand global leaders to discuss "International Cooperation, Growth, and Energy for Development." The meeting served as a unique platform for reshaping development trajectories, witnessing the signing of landmark agreements focused on space, artificial intelligence, and humanitarian work, reflecting Riyadh's transformation into a global hub for economic decision-making.
A forward-looking perspective: Sustainable leadership
Continuing this leadership approach, the Kingdom announced its hosting of a regular, high-level global meeting of the Forum in the first half of 2026, in addition to launching impactful initiatives such as the "Cyber Economies Center" in Riyadh. This growing and sustained presence confirms that Saudi Arabia not only participates in the global dialogue but actively contributes to shaping its course, guiding international cooperation towards a more stable and prosperous future for all.
