Saudi officials weigh delaying flagship Riyadh investment summit amid security worries

Senior executives from major banks and private-equity firms have raised safety alarms about attending the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, communicating their worries to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, head of the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund. Al-Rumayyan passed the concerns on to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is expected to make a final call as early as Monday. Signs that the conference might be delayed include the recent public availability of rooms at the Ritz-Carlton, traditionally reserved for the event, and the suspension of other scheduled activities such as a tennis exhibition, a charity function linked to the crown prince, and Riyadh Fashion Week following heightened Houthi attacks.

While Saudi officials have promoted the summit as evidence that regional conflict does not hinder business, Western governments continue to advise against non-essential travel to the country, affecting insurance and security assessments. Organizers have also explored virtual participation options, and some executives are already canceling meetings. The outcome will signal how Saudi Arabia balances its economic ambitions with perceived security risks.