Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference

A panel held during the inaugural AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies. (AlUlaeme/File Photo)
Short Url
Updated 03 February 2026
Follow

Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference

  • Event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together ministers, governors of central banks, policymakers, economic experts and international financial institutions
  • Emerging-market economies a ‘pivotal element’ in global economic system due to effect they have on growth and stability, says Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan

RIYADH: The second annual AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, which Saudi Arabia will host next week, offers a platform to exchange views on global developments and discuss policies and reforms that support inclusive growth and strengthen economic resilience, the Kingdom’s finance minister said.

The event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together finance ministers, governors of central banks and policymakers, alongside economic experts and representatives of international financial institutions.

Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance in partnership with the International Monetary Fund, it takes place as emerging-market economies face mounting challenges amid rapid global economic change.

Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the decision to host the conference reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to efforts that support global financial and economic stability, and highlights the growing influence of emerging economies on worldwide growth.

Emerging-market economies represent a “pivotal element” in the global economic system due to the direct impact they have on economic growth and stability, he added.

“The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies provides a unique platform for exchanging views on global economic developments, and discussing policies and reforms that will support inclusive growth and enhance economic resilience, in light of broader international cooperation that contributes to confronting common challenges,” Al-Jadaan said.

Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, said the event would help emerging economies deal with growing uncertainty driven by technological change, demographic shifts and geopolitical tensions.

“The AlUla conference provides a vital platform for emerging economies to discuss how they can navigate the risks and embrace the opportunities ahead,” she said.

“In these times of sweeping transformations in the global economy, policymakers face a more challenging and uncertain environment. Countries should work together to strengthen resilience through sound macroeconomic and financial policies.”


Ramadan volunteering initiatives encourage participation of community

Updated 5 sec ago
Follow

Ramadan volunteering initiatives encourage participation of community

  • Opportunities include assisting pilgrims by guiding visitors; organizational support such as site management, crowd control, and event assistance
  • Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ branch in Makkah has provided several volunteering opportunities to prepare the city’s mosques for Ramadan

MAKKAH: The General Directorate of Education in the Makkah region is providing more than 200 volunteering opportunities across 13 fields to promote volunteerism during Ramadan, support pilgrim services, and foster values of giving and social responsibility.

The initiative enables volunteers to contribute to community service during the holy month, highlighting education’s role in promoting national and humanitarian values, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Opportunities include assisting pilgrims by guiding visitors; organizational support such as site management, crowd control, and event assistance; social initiatives through humanitarian projects and community service; and general volunteering work supporting various programs.

Other roles involve translation services for visitors; assisting people with disabilities; cultural programs; technical support and digital documentation; and environmental initiatives promoting sustainability.

Volunteers can also participate in training for capacity building, take on security and safety roles, and engage in health-related activities to raise preventive awareness.

Additionally, volunteers may support government agencies, strengthening field operations and coordination in serving pilgrims and the wider community.

The initiative reflects the commitment of Makkah’s education sector to promoting volunteerism and mobilizing community resources, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched several Ramadan volunteering opportunities in Madinah to enhance community participation, develop volunteer work, and promote its culture in society.

Opportunities include assisting with religious guidance; organizing worshippers’ rows; monitoring screens and electronic devices; and providing translation and field awareness services for visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque.

Interested participants can register through the National Volunteer Portal by selecting the “religious” field and searching for the Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Prophet’s Mosque to view available opportunities, the SPA added.

Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah has also announced 21 volunteering opportunities during Ramadan to promote volunteerism, empower community participation, and support services for pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque.

Opportunities are in various fields, including simultaneous interpretation, first aid, meal distribution for fasting observers, medical services, guidance and counseling, and welcoming pilgrims.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ branch in Makkah has provided several volunteering opportunities to prepare the city’s mosques for Ramadan.

The ministry has reported some 60 openings, engaging 405 male and female volunteers. Activities include organizational and service tasks to ready mosques for worshippers during the holy month.

These efforts reflect the ministry’s commitment to promoting volunteerism and fostering community participation in serving mosques, ensuring a suitable environment for worship and performing rituals with ease and tranquility.