Saudi Arabia to host World Economic Forum Global Collaboration and Growth Meeting in April 2026

DAVOS — Saudi Arabia will host the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Collaboration and Growth Meeting: Building Common Ground and Reviving Growth in Jeddah on April 22–23, 2026, it was announced on Friday at the close of the Forum’s 56th Annual Meeting in Davos. The high-level meeting was confirmed by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal F. Alibrahim, following its initial announcement during the 2025 WEF Annual Meeting. The gathering will bring together global leaders to advance dialogue on economic cooperation, stability, and growth amid mounting geopolitical and structural challenges. Speaking in Davos, Alibrahim stressed that stability remains central to reviving global growth, warning against the illusion of quick fixes.“Stability can’t be quickly built, and it can’t be bought,” he said. “Stability needs to be founded, nurtured, protected, reinforced, and guided. Stability is non-negotiable.” He emphasized the importance of sustained engagement and pragmatic collaboration, noting that no single forum can resolve global challenges in isolation. However, he said each convening offers an opportunity to strengthen the culture of cooperation required for progress. “No single convening, no matter how well intentioned, will resolve every global challenge,” Alibrahim said. “But each time, there is an opportunity for us to be resolute, deeply invested, and to build the culture that allows cooperation to function in the first place.” Inviting global leaders to attend the Jeddah meeting, Alibrahim said it would build on the momentum of the WEF Special Meeting held in Riyadh, describing Saudi Arabia as “a global capital of pragmatism and of consequence.” “At a time when the global economy is confronting long-standing structural challenges, this effort helps move cooperation from intent to outcome,” he added, highlighting the focus on accountability and results-driven dialogue. WEF President Børge Brende welcomed the announcement, underscoring the Forum’s expanding engagement with the Kingdom.“We are pleased to return to Saudi Arabia in 2026 to carry forward the conversations started at our Annual Meeting,” Brende said, adding that the forum aims to ensure dialogue translates into meaningful collaboration and action.