The eighth Future Investment Initiative, set for October 29-31 in Riyadh, will focus on AI and emerging technologies. Under Richard Attias’s leadership, the conference aims to connect traditional economic leaders with tech innovators and promote sustainable investment. With previous dealings totaling $128 billion, the FII is positioned as a critical platform for global dialogue and actionable solutions amidst economic and environmental challenges.
The eighth Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference, scheduled to take place in Riyadh from October 29 to 31, will prominently feature themes surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. Richard Attias, the Chief Executive Officer of the FII Institute, emphasized that this year marks a pivotal transition from traditional financial industries towards a greater emphasis on technology-driven sectors. Once primarily attracting participants from finance—such as sovereign wealth funds and private equity—the FII is now witnessing a substantial increase in the representation of tech professionals, particularly those engaged in AI. Attias noted that AI’s pervasive influence is reshaping various industries, prompting the FII to foster collaboration between established global leaders and innovators within the tech realm. Since its inception in 2017, the FII has significantly shaped global business discourse, culminating in deals worth an impressive $128 billion. Attias expressed that the ongoing return of global executives year after year underscores the value and effectiveness of the conference: “People are coming back because they find great content, they are inspired… It’s not just about networking. It’s really making deals.” Despite initial skepticism regarding the FII’s necessity and feasibility, the forum has not only survived; it has thrived, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s strategic position as a global hub for economic and geopolitical dialogue. Attias remarked, “Saudi Arabia is definitely a global hub today, and it is, I would say, a catalyst…” As the FII expands its global reach with satellite events in key cities worldwide, it remains committed to addressing urgent global challenges, focusing on investments promoting sustainability and innovation. The initiative serves as a platform for collaboration among thinkers and leaders across various sectors, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an optimistic dialogue in addressing crises such as inflation and climate change. Attendees are expected to engage in meaningful exchanges that foster actionable solutions, with the belief that direct investment in knowledge-sharing will equate to broader societal benefits. “Humanity is extremely resilient… I am convinced of that.” Attias concluded, affirming the role of the FII in advancing sustainable global development through robust participation and cooperation.
The Future Investment Initiative (FII), often referred to as ‘Davos in the Desert,’ is an influential platform that convenes global leaders from business, politics, and entrepreneurship to discuss major economic trends and future developments. Launched in 2017 against a backdrop of skepticism, the conference has proven to be a critical venue for networking, deal-making, and exploring transformative ideas. With a shifting focus on technology and sustainability, the FII aims to foster collaboration across diverse sectors, seeking to drive investments that yield lasting global impact, particularly in the face of challenges like economic uncertainty and climate change.
In summary, the eighth Future Investment Initiative is set to underscore the growing significance of AI and innovation in shaping future economic landscapes. The FII has evolved to become a crucial meeting point for global leaders, facilitating substantial investments and promoting sustainable development. Attias’s vision for the FII is to cultivate an inclusive dialogue that bridges traditional and emerging industries, ultimately aiming to inspire optimism amid global uncertainties and contribute positively to humanity as a whole.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
