Tokyo to Host Saudi Arabia’s ‘Davos in the Desert’ Investment Forum
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Saudi Arabia’s “Davos in the desert” to Debut in Tokyo,september 2025
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Published September 11,2025,at 07:30 JST
Event Overview
Saudi Arabia’s future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute will host its annual conference in tokyo in 2025,marking the first time the event,often dubbed “Davos in the Desert,” will be held in the Japanese capital. Nikkei Asia reported this growth on September 11, 2025.
The FII Institute, an organization linked to Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), hosts the annual FII conference in Riyadh. The event attracts global business leaders, investors, policymakers, and thinkers. Bringing the conference to Tokyo underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategic interest in strengthening economic partnerships with Japan.
Significance of the Tokyo Venue
Choosing Tokyo as the host city is a significant move for the FII Institute.Japan is a major economic power and a key investor in the Middle East. The event is expected to facilitate discussions on investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, a strategic framework aimed at reducing the Kingdom’s dependence on oil and diversifying its economy. Vision 2030 outlines enterprising goals for economic transformation, including the development of new industries and infrastructure.
The move also reflects Saudi Arabia’s efforts to position itself as a global investment hub and to attract foreign capital. Hosting the conference in Tokyo will provide a platform to engage with Japanese businesses and investors, fostering potential collaborations and partnerships.
The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute
The FII Institute was established in 2019 to foster global dialog on investment and innovation. It organizes the annual FII conference in Riyadh, as well as other events and initiatives throughout the year. The Institute focuses on identifying emerging trends and opportunities in various sectors, including technology, energy, healthcare, and finance.The FII Institute’s official website provides further details on its mission and activities.
The FII conference has faced scrutiny in the past,especially following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.Some companies and individuals have declined to participate in the event due to concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. However, the conference continues to attract significant international participation.
Japan-Saudi Arabia Economic Relations
Japan and Saudi Arabia have a long-standing economic relationship, with Saudi Arabia being a major supplier of crude oil to Japan. Japan is also a significant investor in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the energy sector. According to JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), bilateral trade between Japan and Saudi Arabia totaled approximately $67.8 billion in 2023.
The upcoming FII conference in tokyo is expected to further strengthen economic ties between the two countries. Discussions are likely to focus on new investment opportunities in areas such as renewable energy, hydrogen, and digital technologies.