Riyadh Gears Up for the GREAT Futures Initiative Conference
The highly anticipated GREAT Futures Initiative Conference is set to kick off on Tuesday in the bustling King Abdullah Financial District with the ambitious goal of strengthening economic ties between Saudi Arabia and the UK.
British Delegation Descends on Riyadh
In a historic moment, the largest UK business delegation in over a decade has landed in Riyadh for GREAT FUTURES, with more than 400 delegates from the UK making the journey to Saudi Arabia, 70 percent of whom are first-time visitors to the Kingdom, according to British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Neil Crompton.
Forging Partnerships and Building Bonds
Over the next two days, top leaders from both nations will come together to establish partnerships that span a wide range of sectors, from cultural institutions to cutting-edge technologies, building on existing ties in security and energy. The UK is fully committed to supporting Saudi Arabia’s transformative Vision 2030.
A Joint Effort for Success
The GREAT Futures Initiative Conference is a collaborative effort organized by the UK government’s GREAT Britain and Northern Ireland campaign in cooperation with the Saudi government. The conference is part of the Saudi-British Strategic Partnership Council, co-chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Exciting Lineup and Opportunities
British Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden will be representing the UK at the conference, emphasizing the importance of building partnerships between the business sectors of both countries to drive innovation and creativity. The conference will bring together 800 participants from the public and private sectors of both nations.
Looking Ahead to a Bright Future
With 47 sessions and workshops featuring 127 speakers from various sectors, the conference aims to enhance cooperation and economic partnerships in sectors such as tourism, culture, education, health, sports, investment, trade, and financial services. Agreement signings are expected in key areas like education, training, tourism, and real estate development.
Setting the Stage for Collaboration
The conference is being hosted in KAFD’s centrally located business district, providing a fitting backdrop for the event. Gautam Sashittal, CEO of King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Co., highlighted the significance of hosting such a monumental event in KAFD, underscoring the lasting collaboration it aims to foster between the two nations.
Promoting Economic Growth and Innovation
In 2023, bilateral trade between Saudi Arabia and the UK saw a significant 68 percent increase, reaching $17 billion, showcasing the effectiveness of the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts. The Saudi Ministry of Commerce will play a key role in facilitating meetings and promoting economic reforms to enhance the business environment for both countries.
A Platform for Growth and Learning
As part of the conference, accompanying events will be held over the next year to further strengthen partnerships in emerging fields. The ministry aims to share insights on economic reforms and create a platform for exchanging experiences and learning about the latest practices across sectors.