WEF26: Saudi Arabia Unveils Coral Reef Summit, AI And Industry Initiatives

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- The Saudi delegation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at addressing global challenges spanning sustainability, tourism, artificial intelligence (AI) and industrial development.

Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States, Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, announced that Saudi Arabia will host the first Global Coral Reef Summit in 2026, bringing together global leaders, scientists and investors to advance solutions for coral reef protection and recovery.

According to a statement, the summit will focus on addressing policy and regulatory gaps, developing science-based solutions and advancing sustainable financing mechanisms to scale coral reef conservation efforts.

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Ahmed A. Alkhateeb said tourism plays a role in fostering dialogue and peace, noting that tourism growth benefits communities, youth and women while encouraging cross-cultural engagement.

Additionally, Communications and Information Technology Minister Abdullah A. Alswaha highlighted the Kingdom’s progress under Saudi Vision 2030, stating that non-oil activities now account for 56 per cent of gross domestic product, alongside significant growth in the national technology workforce.

Separately, HUMAIN and the National Infrastructure Fund announced a Strategic Financing Framework Agreement of up to US$1.2 billion to support the expansion of AI and digital infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including the development of hyperscale AI data centre capacity. (US$1=RM4.03)

In the industrial sector, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM), in collaboration with WEF, launched the Lighthouse Operating System, a country-level framework aimed at accelerating manufacturing transformation, diversifying the economy and strengthening non-oil industries.

MIM and WEF also announced a cooperation agreement running until September 2027 to strengthen partnerships around critical minerals needed for energy and advanced technologies, supporting resilient and sustainable supply chains.

-- BERNAMA