The 12th edition will examine economic transformation, private-sector empowerment, and actionable recommendations, building on 57 studies that have contributed to developing Saudi Arabia’s economic and regulatory environment

Riyadh | BETH

The Riyadh Economic Forum has completed preparations for the launch of its 12th edition, scheduled for October 12–14, 2026, under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, at a time when Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation and the implementation of Vision 2030 targets are accelerating.

Organized by the Riyadh Chamber every two years, the forum focuses on presenting studies, initiatives and practical solutions that support decision-makers, help address economic challenges, expand investment opportunities, and strengthen private-sector participation.

A Changing Economy

Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Anqari, Chairman of the Forum’s Board of Trustees, said the new edition comes at a time when Saudi Arabia’s investment environment is undergoing significant transformation, with rising non-oil exports and a growing private-sector contribution to diversifying national income sources.

The forum aims to turn economic discussion into actionable recommendations and policies, particularly in areas related to competitiveness, investment, and the role of the business sector in development.

57 Studies

Across its previous editions, the Riyadh Economic Forum has produced 57 specialized studies, prepared with the participation of experts, academics and researchers, addressing challenges facing the national economy, private-sector empowerment, and the development of the investment and regulatory environment.

The forum follows a research-based methodology that examines economic issues in depth before developing recommendations capable of moving from the discussion platform into decision-making circles.

The previous edition brought together around 66 speakers, experts and decision-makers.

BETH Analysis

The importance of the Riyadh Economic Forum does not lie in the number of its sessions or speakers, but in the distance between research and decision-making.

The Saudi economy has entered a stage in which it no longer needs only to identify growth opportunities, but also to measure the results of transformation and address the challenges emerging alongside it, particularly in the business environment, competitiveness, non-oil exports and the role of the private sector.

This makes the central question for the 12th edition:

What does the Saudi economy need to change now, after a significant part of Vision 2030 has moved from the planning stage into implementation?