Saudi authorities have postponed the 2026 edition of their flagship investment conference — widely known as "Davos in the Desert" — and moved the event to 2027, citing heightened security concerns linked to recent Houthi attacks.
In a separate measure, the government has instructed public-sector employees to work from home. The move is part of a broader set of precautions taken by Riyadh as tensions in the region have risen.
The investment forum has in past years drawn business and political leaders from around the world and been billed as a showcase for Saudi Arabia's economic ambitions. The decision to delay the 2026 meeting will disrupt those plans and is likely to affect participants and organisations that prepare months in advance for attendance and partnerships.
Analysts say the postponement highlights the wider economic and diplomatic fallout from continued cross-border hostilities. While officials have framed the steps as necessary for safety, the shift will also test the kingdom's ability to sustain investor confidence amid security challenges.
It was not immediately clear how the delay would affect speakers, sponsors or planned bilateral meetings, or whether a revised agenda for 2027 will be announced soon. Riyadh's temporary remote-work directive for government employees is expected to remain in effect until authorities determine it is safe to resume normal operations.