Saudi Arabia’s capital welcomes world leaders, experts, and industry titans to chart a path for sustainable investment at the future investment initiative

World leaders, renowned economists, and industry experts from across the globe are arriving in Riyadh for the eagerly anticipated eighth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII). Known as FII8, this year’s conference is themed “Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow,” and promises to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the global financial landscape, focusing on investment’s power to foster sustainable growth.

The three-day event, running from October 29 to 31, is more than just a gathering; it’s a collaborative effort to redefine global investment. With over 7,100 registered participants—surpassing last year’s attendance by 1,000—the conference has grown to become a hallmark for investors, policymakers, and visionaries looking to shape the future of finance and development.

Richard Attias, CEO of the FII Institute, is optimistic about the scale of deals that will emerge from this year’s event. He expects that partnerships and agreements signed during the gathering could reach a substantial $28 billion in value. Speaking at a recent press briefing, Attias said, “We’ve seen remarkable interest this year, not only from the finance sector but from fields like artificial intelligence, sustainability, and even space exploration. It’s proof that FII has become a critical platform for meaningful collaboration.”

A Future-Focused Agenda with a Global Perspective

The Future Investment Initiative Riyadh (FII8) program features a remarkable line-up with over 500 speakers and 200+ sessions, from impactful keynote presentations to dynamic breakout discussions. Sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including economic stability, geopolitical issues, equitable development, and technological innovation. Organizers highlight the timeliness of FII8, as global leaders have just returned from the 79th UN General Assembly, and the upcoming US presidential elections add further uncertainty to the global landscape.

A press release for the event highlights that the discussions at FII8 will contribute crucial insights to this evolving global dialogue. “The aim is to provide actionable strategies for leaders to navigate a world that is more interconnected yet more complex than ever before,” the release stated.

Pioneering a New Mindset for Investment

This year’s FII aims to encourage investors and business leaders to move beyond traditional approaches. Instead, the organisers urge a shift towards “nonlinear thinking”—a term used by FII to describe innovative strategies that challenge conventional boundaries in order to unlock human potential and drive economic growth.

“We need to see investment not merely as capital exchange but as a tool for problem-solving,” said one senior FII representative. Attendees are expected to engage in discussions exploring investment as a bridge between today’s urgent challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the primary sponsor of the Future Investment Initiative Riyadh (FII8), has been pivotal in making this event a reality. Central to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, PIF has strategically positioned the Kingdom as a major player in the global financial and business sectors, driving investments aimed at creating lasting positive impact.

A Gathering of Minds from Diverse Sectors

Beyond finance, FII8 will welcome leaders from various forward-looking sectors, including artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, and space exploration. This breadth of participation highlights the conference’s commitment to addressing complex challenges that span multiple disciplines. By convening experts from these varied fields, FII8 organisers hope to inspire cross-sectoral collaborations that will lead to transformative outcomes.

This year’s conference also marks a significant milestone for the Kingdom, as it cements its place as a leading hub for progressive investment strategies. Saudi Arabia’s transformation, driven by the PIF and Vision 2030, is creating an environment where international investors feel increasingly confident to pursue bold new projects in the region.