Saudi Arabia Connector Economy at WEF 2026

Saudi Arabia connector economy is taking center stage as the Kingdom positions itself as a strategic bridge linking global markets. At the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, Saudi ministers outlined the nation’s vision to become a pivotal logistics and innovation hub connecting Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Saudi Arabia Connector Economy: Strategic Vision Unveiled

His Excellency Majid A. Alkassabi, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Commerce, emphasized the Kingdom’s strategic positioning during the ‘Many Shapes of Trade’ session. He highlighted how global supply chains are evolving and how Saudi Arabia stands ready to capitalize on these shifts.

“Trade today is definitely shifting from fair trade to a managed and rule-driven trade model. For us in Saudi Arabia, we have a strategic location, we have a lot of resources, we could become a bridge economy. We could become a connector economy where we can connect with Africa, with Europe, with Asia, becoming a logistic hub.”
HE Majid A. Alkassabi, Minister of Commerce

Tourism Sector Poised for Exponential Growth

The tourism sector represents another pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation. His Excellency Ahmed A. Alkhateeb, Minister of Tourism, shared optimistic projections during ‘The New Geography of Travel’ session, noting that UN Tourism forecasts 2 billion tourists globally by 2030, adding 500 million to current numbers.

“This is a lot, and this is very encouraging for Saudi Arabia – for its hotel operators, investors, technology providers. This is an industry of amazing potential.”
HE Ahmed A. Alkhateeb, Minister of Tourism

Innovation Partnerships Drive AI and Technology Leadership

The Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a Saudi Arabia connector economy extends to technology and innovation. His Excellency Abdullah A. Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, addressed the nation’s approach to artificial intelligence challenges.

“In AI, the Kingdom is tackling the energy wall and the memory wall. We’re issuing a call to our partners, that in the Intelligence Age, you need a partner that can accelerate AI, but more critically adopt AI; and the Kingdom stands as your partner of choice.”
HE Abdullah A. Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology

A major announcement came with the launch of the Saudi–U.S. Innovation Partnership through the Global Innovation Platform, a strategic collaboration between Saudi HoldCo and GoldenPoint Global. This nationally anchored platform will accelerate bilateral cooperation in life sciences, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing, anchored by Riyadh and Austin.

Economic Resilience and Mineral Resources

His Excellency Mohammed A. Aljadaan, Minister of Finance, emphasized the government’s role in creating a predictable business environment, while His Excellency Bandar I. Alkhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, highlighted the Kingdom’s multilateral approach to international cooperation through platforms like the Future Minerals Forum.

His Excellency Faisal F. Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning, captured the moment’s significance, stating there has never been a wider opportunity to design the future. Additionally, Amplifai Health was announced as a winner of the second cohort of WEF’s MINDS – AI Global Alliance initiative, further cementing Saudi Arabia’s position in global innovation.