RIYADH, October 15, 2026: Organisers of Saudi Arabia’s Future Investment Initiative are exploring alternative travel arrangements and remote participation for international delegates as attacks on the kingdom disrupt preparations for its flagship investment conference.
Diplomatic sources told AFP that organisers had contacted embassies and foreign companies about options for attending the gathering, including travelling through neighbouring Gulf countries before continuing to Riyadh by road. The discussions come amid disruption to flights serving the Saudi capital.
Routes Through Bahrain and Qatar Discussed
Among the options discussed are arrivals in Manama, Bahrain, or Doha, Qatar, followed by overland journeys to Riyadh, according to diplomatic sources cited by AFP.
Another proposal involves delegates travelling by private aircraft to Dhahran in eastern Saudi Arabia before completing their journey by road. These arrangements have been reported as options under discussion rather than a publicly confirmed transport programme for all participants.
Remote Attendance Under Consideration
Reuters separately reported that organisers were planning a hybrid format, citing two people familiar with the matter. This would allow executives to participate remotely while others attend in person.
When approached by Reuters, an FII representative referred to an earlier leadership statement identifying delegate safety as the organisers’ priority. The Saudi government’s media office did not immediately respond to the agency’s request for comment.
The conference’s official website continued to describe the event as an in-person gathering when checked on October 15.
Conference Remains Scheduled for October 26–29
According to the FII Institute, the tenth edition remains scheduled for October 26–29 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh.
Held under the theme “The Power of Legacy,” the conference is intended to bring together government leaders, institutional investors, corporate executives and entrepreneurs. Its programme covers investment, technology, social development and leadership, with discussions examining the lasting economic effects of decisions made today.
Security Concerns Affect Participation Plans
The proposed changes follow attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities that have complicated travel arrangements during the kingdom’s conference season.
AFP reported that some prospective participants were reconsidering attendance because of security concerns. One Western diplomat said an executive from their country who had been expected to attend had cancelled.
Launched in 2017, FII has become a prominent platform for presenting Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification ambitions and connecting international investors with opportunities in the kingdom.
Investment Meetings Remain on the Programme
The published schedule begins with networking and special programming on October 26, followed by the opening ceremony on October 27.
An Investment Day on October 29 is set to include startup pitches, investment roadshows, workshops and investor matchmaking. These activities remain part of the advertised programme as organisers assess how delegates can participate amid the travel disruption.
