The eagerly anticipated GREAT Futures Initiative Conference is poised to commence on Tuesday in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District, with a mission to bolster economic relations between Saudi Arabia and the UK. British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Neil Crompton highlighted the significance of the event, noting the substantial UK business delegation comprising over 400 delegates, with 70 percent visiting the Kingdom for the first time. The conference, a joint endeavor by the UK government’s GREAT Britain and Northern Ireland campaign and the Saudi government, is a key component of the Saudi-British Strategic Partnership Council, reflecting the commitment of both nations towards enhancing bilateral cooperation.
The two-day conference, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, will witness the participation of 800 representatives from the public and private sectors of both countries. British Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden expressed the importance of forging partnerships between the business sectors of both nations, highlighting the opportunity for British companies to familiarize themselves with Saudi Arabia’s business regulations and incentives. With 47 sessions and workshops featuring 127 speakers, the conference aims to foster collaboration across various sectors such as tourism, education, health, and investment. As the event unfolds, anticipation mounts for agreement signings in sectors like education, tourism, and real estate development, marking significant strides in the economic landscape of both nations.