The Saudi delegation participating in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 outlined a broad set of initiatives to address global economic, environmental, and technological challenges, underscoring the Kingdom’s expanding international engagement.

On the environmental front, Her Royal Highness Ambassador Reema Bandar Al-Saud, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the United States, announced that the Kingdom will host the first Global Coral Reef Summit in 2026.

The summit is expected to bring together global leaders, scientists, and investors to advance solutions for coral reef protection and restoration, address policy and regulatory gaps, promote science-based approaches, and mobilize sustainable financing and investment.

Environmental action was further highlighted through the launch of the Business4Land Champions’ Council by the UNCCD COP16 Presidency. The high-level coalition brings together business leaders, investors, and policymakers to accelerate land restoration, combat land degradation, and strengthen resilience to drought.

Alongside sustainability efforts, Saudi officials highlighted the Kingdom’s economic and technological ambitions. Abdullah A. Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, highlighted Vision 2030 achievements in economic diversification and talent development, noting that the non-oil sector now accounts for 56% of GDP and that the technology workforce has expanded significantly as Saudi Arabia advances toward its goal of becoming a global AI hub.

Supporting these ambitions, HUMAIN and the National Infrastructure Fund earlier announced a strategic financing framework of up to $1.2bn to expand AI and digital infrastructure in the Kingdom, including the development of up to 250 megawatts of hyperscale AI data-center capacity.

In the industrial sector, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM), in collaboration with WEF, unveiled the Lighthouse Operating System, a national framework designed to accelerate manufacturing transformation, strengthen non-oil industries, and support economic diversification.

MIM and WEF also announced a cooperation agreement running until September 2027 to strengthen partnerships around critical minerals essential for energy and emerging technologies, supporting resilient and sustainable mineral supply chains.

Separately, addressing the role of tourism in an increasingly fragmented global landscape, Ahmed A. Alkhateeb, Minister of Tourism, highlighted tourism’s contribution to peace and social cohesion, citing its positive impact on people, youth, and women.