RIYADH: The 5th edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII), Saudi Arabia’s flagship financial forum, will take place from Oct. 25th to 28th, Richard Attias, CEO of organizing body the FII Institute, confirmed.
“Yes, FII fifth edition will happen, in Inshallah, in October, it will be a full week 25,26,27,28 of October so save the date,” Attias said in a press conference in Riyadh ahead of the event, which starts today.
“We hope that the global health situation in the world will allow us to go back to thousands of delegates and friends who will come in person in Riyadh,” he added.
While the January 2021 event took place as a hybrid between live speakers in Riyadh and those attending virtually from hubs in New York, Paris, Beijing, and Mumbai, Attias stressed the importance of people gathering in person for the October conference, if conditions allow.
This year the fourth edition of FII is taking place in January after being postponed due to the pandemic. Adhering to strict health measures, hundreds of attendees and tens of speakers are physically attending the conference while hundreds of others are joining virtually.
The FII, which has become a fixture in the global investment calendar in the short time since its launch in 2017, has evolved from just an annual gathering to become a hub for building relationships.
In 2017, the participants were mainly from the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. Today they come from Japan, China, India, and Russia and are all united in a spirit of collaboration.
The FII in its third session in 2019 brought together more than 250 ministers, CEOs, and industry experts to address issues ranging from sustainable development to the challenges in building an inclusive workplace.
FII Fifth edition to take place in October 2021
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FII Fifth edition to take place in October 2021
- This year the fourth edition of FII is taking place in January after being postponed due to the pandemic
- “Yes, FII fifth edition will happen, in Inshallah, in October, it will be a full week 25,26,27,28 of October so save the date,” Attias said in a press conference
Mawani, Qatar Ports ink cooperation deal to boost regional maritime trade
RIYADH: The Saudi Ports Authority, or Mawani, and Qatar Ports Management Co. signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at boosting maritime and logistics cooperation, contributing to the development of the ports sector, raising operational efficiency, and supporting regional and international trade flows.
The MoU was signed by Mawani President Suliman Al-Mazroua and Qatar Ports Management Co. CEO Abdullah Mohammed Al-Khanji, in the presence of Qatari Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Bandar bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah.
The step reflects both sides’ commitment to building effective partnerships, exchanging expertise, establishing an organized framework for cooperation management, and developing joint investment opportunities in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030.
The MoU outlines eight key areas of cooperation, including the exchange of best practices in port management and operations, and studying opportunities for direct maritime and land connectivity between the two countries’ ports to enhance trade efficiency.
It also includes collaboration in logistics services, exploring the establishment of joint maritime corridors serving bilateral and regional trade, and assessing the feasibility of creating shared regional distribution centers.
Both parties agreed to enhance cooperation in digital transformation and artificial intelligence, focusing on smart systems, data governance, and a unified maritime window to improve operational efficiency and remain at the forefront of technological progress in the maritime sector.
The MoU emphasizes maritime safety and environmental protection, including the exchange of expertise on marine pollution control and emergency response, the development of joint maritime emergency plans, and the establishment of a bilateral emergency communication line.
It also promotes collaboration to ensure compliance with international conventions, conduct joint exercises, and implement risk-monitoring systems.
Cooperation further extends to human capital development through joint training programs and on-the-ground expertise exchanges, as well as academic and research partnerships in maritime transport and logistics.
Regarding joint investment, both parties will explore local and international opportunities in ports and related services, coordinating with the private sector to support these initiatives.
The MoU also includes cooperation in cruise tourism through enhanced maritime connectivity and joint promotion of Gulf cruise routes, as well as coordination of positions in international maritime organizations and support for joint initiatives, notably “Green Ports” and “Safe Sea Corridors.”
This memorandum reflects the commitment of Mawani and Qatar Ports Management Co. to advancing the ports sector and boosting its role as a key driver of trade and economic growth, contributing to Gulf integration, and enhancing regional competitiveness in maritime services.
