World Petroleum Congress opens with more than 70 ministers and 300 senior executives, Riyadh Economic Forum to discuss five development studies tomorrow, and Future Minerals Forum prepares for January 2027

Riyadh | October 11, 2026 | BETH

The Saudi capital, Riyadh, is hosting a series of major economic conferences and forums bringing together energy leaders, policymakers, investors, and experts at a time when global markets face challenges related to energy supply security, investment, and technological development, while the Kingdom continues its economic programs despite regional circumstances and disruptions to air traffic.

World Petroleum Congress Opens

The Saudi Ministry of Energy confirmed the opening of the 25th World Petroleum Congress on Sunday, with proceedings continuing until October 15 under the theme “Pathways to an Energy Future for All.”

More than 70 ministers and 300 company presidents and senior executives are participating in the congress, alongside leaders from more than 25 international organizations involved in energy.

Sunday also marks the 17th Ministerial Meeting of the International Energy Forum, which will discuss energy security, market stability, and cooperation between producing and consuming countries.

Riyadh is simultaneously hosting the 17th Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting and the 11th Mission Innovation Ministerial Meeting, in addition to the 16th session of the Arab Ministerial Council for Electricity.

The meetings address energy investment, supply security, modern technologies, artificial intelligence, and the development of clean energy solutions.

Organizers confirmed that the program would continue despite disruptions affecting air traffic, with arrangements made to assist affected participants.

Riyadh Economic Forum Opens Tomorrow

Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and on his behalf, Riyadh Governor Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz will inaugurate the 12th Riyadh Economic Forum on Monday, with proceedings continuing until October 14.

The forum will discuss five studies addressing smart agriculture and food and water security, the localization of knowledge and expertise among national professionals, solutions to traffic congestion in major cities, and measuring the impact of legislation and public policies on sustainable development.

It will also examine how to maximize the economic and social returns from hosting Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, transforming both global events into opportunities for investment, economic diversification, and stronger local content.

Since its launch in 2003, the forum has continued its role in presenting studies and recommendations to support economic decision-making and strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors.

Future Minerals Forum in January

Riyadh is preparing to host the sixth edition of the Future Minerals Forum from January 12 to 14, 2027, with the participation of ministers, officials, investors, and international mining companies.

The forum will focus on strategic minerals, securing supply chains, attracting investment, financing, and modern technologies, amid growing global demand for minerals used in advanced industries and clean energy.

The previous edition witnessed the signing of 132 agreements and memoranda of understanding valued at more than SAR 100 billion.

BETH Analysis | Economic Dimensions

The three conferences bring together complementary areas of the Saudi economy: energy as a major source of global supplies, mining as a growing industrial and investment sector, and the economic forum as a platform for examining policies and improving development efficiency.

The convergence of these events gives Riyadh a prominent role in discussions on global economic issues, ranging from energy and mineral security to innovation, investment, and improving the economic environment.

The continued organization of these events, despite regional security challenges, also reflects the commitment to sustaining economic activity and international engagement, while participant safety and reliable transportation remain organizational priorities.

The greatest value of these conferences lies in their ability to transform discussions and studies into actionable decisions, investments, and partnerships that strengthen the competitiveness of the Saudi economy and its position in global markets.