JEDDAH: Policymakers, economists, and industry leaders will gather in Saudi Arabia next week for the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, where discussions will focus on global economic shifts, challenges, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence in driving growth.
The event, set for Feb. 16-17, is a joint initiative between Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance and the International Monetary Fund. The annual conference aims to serve as a key platform for addressing structural changes in the global economy and their impact on emerging markets, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the forum would provide an opportunity for decision-makers to exchange insights on economic policies designed to navigate current challenges.
“The conference will also showcase the latest regional and global economic developments, focusing on enhancing prosperity and resilience,” Al-Jadaan said.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva highlighted the significance of the event, noting that it comes at a time of rapid transformation.
“It will provide a vital platform for policymakers, the private sector, and key stakeholders to discuss how emerging economies can take advantage of the opportunities offered by current economic shifts, strengthen their competitiveness, and achieve strong growth driven by the private sector,” Georgieva said.
A January report from Moody’s projected that oil production and large-scale investment projects would accelerate annual economic growth in the Middle East and North Africa by 0.8 percentage points in 2025.
Saudi Arabia, which is leading economic diversification efforts under Vision 2030, has increasingly positioned itself as a hub for global economic dialogue. The AlUla conference underscores the Kingdom’s efforts to foster international cooperation amid shifting economic dynamics.