Saudi Arabia’s Future Investment Initiative (FII) has generated $250 billion worth of deals since its launch nine years ago, Public Investment Fund (PIF) Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan said on Tuesday at the opening of the 2025 edition in Riyadh.
“It’s incredible to see all of these visionary leaders who have truly changed the world in the same room,” Al-Rumayyan told delegates. “This is the greatest gathering in the world.”
The FII, sometimes dubbed “Davos in the Desert,” convenes global policymakers, executives and investors as Saudi Arabia seeks to attract capital into its Vision 2030 economic diversification programme.
Al-Rumayyan said foreign direct investment into the kingdom reached $31.7 billion in 2024, marking a 24 per cent increase from the previous year despite a 2 per cent global decline, citing data from the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
“We have taken Saudi Arabia to the world, and now the world is coming to Saudi Arabia,” he said, referring to the kingdom’s successful bids to host mega-events like the Expo 2030 and 2034 FIFA World Cup.
He called on attendees to use their “capital power” responsibly. “At this year’s FII, we must take our impact to the next level. The capital power represented by the decision-makers in this room comes with great responsibility,” he said.
“The old models that brought us to this point are no longer fit for purpose. Governments cannot correct this course alone.”
Al-Rumayyan cited findings from the FII Priority Compass 2025 report, released this week by the FII Institute in partnership with Ipsos. The global survey, which covered more than 61,000 respondents across 32 countries representing two-thirds of the world’s population, found that 76 per cent of people believe their personal lives are heading in the right direction, the highest level in four years, even as 50 per cent cited the cost of living as their main concern.
The report highlighted a widening optimism gap between the Global North and Global South, with citizens in the South showing higher confidence in innovation, economic opportunity and national progress.
“Global GDP is more than $111 trillion and is expected to grow 2.8 per cent this year,” Al-Rumayyan said. “But this year’s annual FII Priority Compass report shows a world of contrast.”
“I am an optimist,” he added. “I strongly believe that with every challenge we also have an opportunity to benefit all of humankind.”
Al-Rumayyan said Saudi Arabia’s wealth “is not measured in numbers but the prosperity of its people,” calling for collaboration to “unlock new opportunities that can change the world for the benefit of humanity.”
The 2025 FII, themed The Key to Prosperity, runs through Thursday and brings together global investors, government officials and thought leaders to discuss capital flows, innovation, and sustainable growth.
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