Riyadh: For more than two decades, the Riyadh Economic Forum has played a pivotal role in supporting Saudi Arabia's economic development through specialized studies and strategic recommendations. Over time, these recommendations have contributed to decisions, legislation, and initiatives with a direct and tangible impact on the national economy.
According to Saudi Press Agency, since its first edition in 2003, the forum has addressed key issues affecting the structure of the economy and society, foremost among them women's economic empowerment. It recommended expanding employment opportunities for women and involving them in committees and bodies.
In 2007, the forum recommended establishing a fund to finance infrastructure, thereby supporting the sustainability of major development projects. It also recommended adopting knowledge economy and digital transformation concepts and called for establishing institutional entities dedicated to developing the sector.
The recommendations of the forum's 2015 edition reinforced the shift toward a knowledge-based economy and renewable energy, while the 2017 edition focused on developing promising sectors, particularly mining, as well as updating the contractor classification system and developing the companies law.
The forum's 10th edition in 2022 addressed future-related issues, the digital economy, advanced technologies, and the development of transport infrastructure, including railways. It also recommended establishing specialized mechanisms for addressing Zakat and tax disputes and adopting modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things.
The recommendations of the forum's 11th edition, held in 2024, reflected a clear strategic direction toward strengthening the competitiveness of the national economy, developing the business environment, and maximizing returns from natural resources.
The 12th edition of the Riyadh Economic Forum is scheduled to be held under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud from October 12 to 14, with the participation of several ministers and senior officials, as well as experts and decision-makers from Saudi Arabia and around the world.