FII 2026 postponed: Saudi Arabia moves 'Davos in the Desert' to 2027 after Houthi attacks

Saudi Arabia has postponed the 10th Future Investment Initiative (FII10), the Riyadh investment summit often called "Davos in the Desert", to 2027. It was due to run from 26 to 29 October 2026. New dates will be announced "very soon", the organisers said, The National reported. CNBC also reported the move.

Why it was moved

The postponement follows a surge in missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia by Yemen's Houthi group, which is aligned with Iran. Strikes have targeted Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport, which was hit on 7 October, and have disrupted air travel, raising security worries among foreign executives.

FII chief executive Princess Maha bint Mishari Al Saud said in a statement that the decision reflected the institute's commitment to its partners, speakers and delegates, and that a "landmark" tenth edition deserved "nothing less than our absolute best". The statement did not mention the attacks directly.

Other events moved

• Intersec Saudi Arabia, a security trade show, moved from 16 to 18 November 2026 to October 2027.
• Saudi Retail Forum moved from 19 November 2026 to March 2027.
• A planned Saudi Arabia and EU summit has also been postponed, according to Reuters.

BlackRock chief Larry Fink and JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon were among those expected in Riyadh this month.

What it means for Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is home to one of the largest Pakistani communities abroad. The postponement of a conference does not by itself change flights or work rules, but the airport attacks have caused delays and diversions. If you are flying to Riyadh or Abha:

1. Check your flight status with the airline on the day you travel, not only at booking.
2. Keep your Iqama and visa documents on you if your flight is diverted to another Saudi airport.
3. Follow the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah for any advisory for the community.

Pakistan's Field Marshal Asim Munir met Saudi Arabia's new ambassador on Monday, and both sides expressed satisfaction with progress under their mutual defence agreement, ISPR said, as reported by Dawn.

To see what the Saudi riyal is worth in rupees today, check our SAR to PKR page.