‘Investing in humanity’: Riyadh Future Investment Initiative unpacks challenges of tomorrow

The theme of this year’s forum, “Investing in humanity: Enabling a new global order”. (Supplied)
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Updated 26 October 2022
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‘Investing in humanity’: Riyadh Future Investment Initiative unpacks challenges of tomorrow

  • Theme of this year’s forum is “Investing in humanity: Enabling a new global order”
  • Solutions in education, AI and robotics, health and sustainability discussed on first day

RIYADH: For the sixth year in a row, Riyadh is hosting the Future Investment Initiative, a forum that brings together participants from more than 50 nations to discuss, listen and connect, through a diverse series of sessions on business, tech and shared challenges facing humanity.

About 6,000 of the world’s business leaders, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs and tech experts have gathered in the Saudi capital to explore a fundamental question: What will the new global order look like?

The theme of this year’s forum, “Investing in humanity: Enabling a new global order,” invited participants to delve into topics as diverse as education, artificial intelligence and robotics, health, and sustainability.

During Tuesday’s sessions, delegates explored issues such as supply-chain disruption, the growing demand for travel since the lifting of pandemic restrictions, e-commerce, cybercrime, and the widespread problem of rising inflation.

Much of the discussions revolved around ways in which investors, businesses and governments can work together to recover and restructure vital sectors of the global economy in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are in a mess; in fact, we’re in a great mess and, depending on who you’re listening to, a mess that’s going to get even greater,” CNN’s Richard Quest, who hosted several of the day’s sessions, told delegates.

The event, hosted by the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, gives Saudi and international businesses with a presence in the Kingdom a chance to showcase what they believe the future will look like, from extravagant travel experiences provided by the newly renamed Red Sea Global to major projects developed by the Public Investment Fund.

Panels on the main stage dominated the conversation on Tuesday, while an open stage area and the palm grove pavilions hosted sessions on a wide range of topics, including equality, data, aerospace, and NEOM — the new smart-city development taking shape along the Kingdom’s Red Sea coast.

Just as the global economy was starting to emerge from the shock of the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and resulting Western sanctions on Russia set back the recovery, causing disruption to supply chains and food security, and rising fuel prices. The results include rising inflation worldwide that is running at a 40-year high, growing levels of poverty, and the threat of a looming global recession.

In a panel titled “The new global order: View from the stateroom,” Khalid Al-Falih, the Saudi minister of investment, said the accelerated frequency of disruptions to political and security transitions, the energy transition, and trade and supply-chain transition is worrying.

“Putting it in the context of globalization and deglobalization that is happening, and continues to happen, each of these (trends) is subjecting countries, companies and individuals to an insurance premium,” said Al-Falih.

“These three underpinned the fourth transition, which is the economic transition; higher inflation, higher interest rates, the higher premiums that we’re paying for all this is setting the stage for prolonged slower growth and slower income.”

In keeping with the topic of transitions, participants in a panel titled “Leading the meta-industrial revolution,” pointed out that the world is moving away from manufacturing and services, and instead embracing data, knowledge and information. This transformation from the physical to the virtual was accelerated by the pandemic, they said.

“Today, there is a centralized world that we’re all already operating in that brings physical and augmented virtual reality together,” said Hani Kablawi, chairman of investments company BNY Mellon International.

“We’ve been having ‘virtual’ meetings for a very long time with augmented reality. We’ve been taking tours at innovation centers or cyber centers in virtual reality settings and we’ve been training and developing our staff for a while in that same way.

“But all those things so far have been on what we call ‘centralized platforms’ and the revolution, if you want to call it that, or going to 3.0, might take us into an environment that is a little bit different because it might bring decentralization to the underlying platform and might bring different worlds and platforms together.”

This transition has left institutions vulnerable, however. The number of cyberattacks on leading industries worldwide has grown since the start of the pandemic, mainly in the area of data exfiltration and leakage (55 percent), phishing emails (51 percent), and account takeover (44 percent).

In a panel titled “Safeguarding against future cybercrime,” experts pointed out that no sector is safe from cyberattacks and the threat is often constant, putting massive pressure on systems.

Experts agreed that much more needs to be done to prepare governments and firms to withstand the constant threat of data breaches and malware in an increasingly interconnected world. Panelists were also in agreement that further technological advances are needed to close digital loopholes that could put companies and government entities at risk, and investment in cybersecurity is needed to combat cybercriminals.

Education and new ways of working also featured prominently on the agenda. For many of the speakers participating in a panel called “Clash of priorities,” education was widely viewed as a key element in their move to start their own companies or become partners in global firms.

In many workplaces, different generations can have vastly different work styles. However, through enhanced communication, management of workplace expectations, tailor-made multi-generational office initiatives, proper guidelines, and diversification of expectations, panelists said the challenges can be overcome.

“Six years ago, people over 50 years old and people under 30 years old, 60 percent were watching the same thing. Two years ago, it was 7 percent,” Guillaume Lacroix, the CEO of Brut, a media company that specializes in short-form video content, told the panel.

“For the generation gap in information, you need education to try to make the two come together. Education on some basic tools to understand the world for Gen Z, and education on leaders and how to talk to them, as there is absolutely no communication.”


More than 94K individuals worked in organizing this year’s Hajj

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More than 94K individuals worked in organizing this year’s Hajj

  • People were involved in serving pilgrims in various fields and organizational locations in Makkah and Madinah
  • The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah conducted over 70,000 field inspections during Hajj, examining pilgrims’ accommodation

RIYADH: Over 94,000 people participated in organizing the Hajj season in Saudi Arabia, where 1.4 million Muslims performed the pilgrimage in early June.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported on Tuesday that individuals served pilgrims in various fields and organizational locations in Makkah and Madinah as part of the ministry’s efforts in running the Hajj.

The ministry said its Compliance Center conducted over 70,000 field inspections during Hajj, examining pilgrim accommodation, camps, central kitchens, and operational facilities.

The Nusuk Care initiative offered over 845,000 direct services, including health, psychological, and language support, it added. Over 3,000 volunteers supported government efforts during the Hajj season, serving pilgrims at over 107 contact points and distributed across six tracks.

The ministry said these field indicators demonstrate the level of planning, precision, and investment in human resources and technology, which is aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


2 journeys, 1 destination: Hajj through the eyes of the young, elderly

Updated 10 June 2025
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2 journeys, 1 destination: Hajj through the eyes of the young, elderly

  • Generations decades apart walk same sacred path

MINA: Mina was alive in recent days with the footsteps of millions, yet every pilgrim’s pace told a different story, from those who waited decades for the moment to those capturing it in real time.

In the tent city of Mina, two pilgrims rested side by side: one catching his breath, the other capturing a selfie. One scrolled through prayer times on his smartphone; the other adjusted the strap of his orthopedic sandal. One leaned on a walking stick; the other scrolled through digital navigation. But both wore the same white ihram and followed the same steps.

This was the paradox of Hajj 2025, where generations decades apart walked the same sacred path in remarkably different ways. They shared no common language except the unspoken one of faith.

For 73-year-old Moinuddin from Pakistan, the pilgrimage was a long-awaited dream, one that had been etched over decades of supplication.

He said: “I have the desire and I ask help from God to give me courage and power to perform this Hajj for the Isaal-e-Sawaab (gifting of spiritual rewards) for my mother.”

He paused often, not just for rest, but to reflect — at Arafat, in Muzdalifah, and between the pillars of Jamarat.

Just a few rows behind him, Mustafa, 22, from Denmark, documented his Hajj in quick snaps and video clips. He brought a camera with him to capture the moments for his friends and family back home. He said: “Coming here as a young person, I am grateful. I see a lot of older people and it’s difficult; you have to work a lot.”

While Mustafa relied on digital navigation to track his group, Moinuddin leaned gently on a young companion’s shoulder. Both pilgrims endured the same sun, the same crowds, and the same powerful rituals, but the lens through which they experienced Hajj was shaped by their stage in life.

As the majority of pilgrims were elderly, many arrived with wheelchairs, walkers, or full family support. Their presence was treated with reverence — volunteers readily offered water, fans, and silent prayers as they passed.

In contrast, the younger generation brought a different rhythm — one of documentation, discovery, digital devotion, QR codes at checkpoints, real-time language translation apps, and virtual guides to make this year’s Hajj more accessible than ever.

But tech aside, the younger pilgrims still found themselves drawn into moments of stillness.

What binds both ends of the age spectrum was the raw, shared surrender to something greater. In a space where nationality, status, and language dissolve, so too does age. You could be 18 or 81 — you still bow to the same qibla.

At Mina, where pebbles were cast in symbolic defiance of ego, one young man gently steadied an old man’s arm before throwing his own stones. A quiet exchange, but one that said everything.

As pilgrims circled the Kaaba one final time before departure, the generational divide faded further. Some walked swiftly, others were pushed gently in wheelchairs, but all completed the same Tawaf Al-Wadaa (farewell tawaf).

The journey in the end was not measured in steps or speed, but in surrender. And that, in the valley of Makkah, was a language every pilgrim spoke fluently.


Exploring the hidden gems of Saudi Arabia’s sacred heritage

Beyond the holy cities, other sacred destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. (Supplied/File
Updated 09 June 2025
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Exploring the hidden gems of Saudi Arabia’s sacred heritage

  • In the holy city of Makkah, pilgrims visit Jabal Al-Nour, whose name means “Mountain of Light”

JEDDAH: As pilgrims complete the sacred rites of Hajj, many embark on a deeper spiritual journey by exploring historic Islamic sites across Saudi Arabia to connect with the roots of their faith.

In the holy city of Makkah, pilgrims visit Jabal Al-Nour, whose name means “Mountain of Light.” At its peak lies the Cave of Hira, where the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed through the Angel Jibreel.

The mountain’s distinctive camel-hump shape makes it a striking landmark, especially with the nearby Hira Cultural District, where the Revelation Gallery offers pilgrims to learn the story of divine revelation and history.

Beyond the holy cities, other sacred destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. (Supplied/File photo)

Ahmed Khan, a private tour guide said: “There’s something unexplainable about standing where it all began. When I take pilgrims to Jabal al-Nour, many of them are moved to tears it’s not just a climb, but it’s a spiritual awakening.”

To the south lies Jabal Thawr, the mountain that cradled the Prophet and his companion Abu Bakr as-Siddiq in its cave during their migration to Madinah. The story of divine protection, where a spider’s web and a dove’s nest concealed their presence from their pursuers, resonates deeply with pilgrims.

Another frequently visited site is Jabal Abu Qubays, believed in some traditions to be the first mountain placed on Earth. As the closest peak to the Grand Mosque, it resonates with the early public da’wah and the great spiritual responsibility.

FASTFACTS

• Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where revelation changed the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah, remains a must-visit site for pilgrims. 

• Programs like ‘Hala,’ launched by Al-Bait Guests Co., are curating journeys for pilgrims to explore with knowledgeable guides. 

Nearby, the modest yet historically significant Al-Bay’ah Mosque marks the location of the Pledge of Aqabah, where the Ansar of Madinah pledged allegiance to the Prophet Muhammad.

Built during the Abbasid era, it symbolizes early Muslim unity and commitment to the new faith. A short distance away in Al-Hajun district is Jabal Al-Sayyidah, at the base of which lies the revered Al-Ma’la Cemetery, resting place of Khadijah, the Prophet’s beloved wife. Her grave remains a focal point of deep reverence.

“Pilgrims love visiting these places and it helps them to understand the sacrifices of the people who shaped Islam,” Khan added.

Madinah has its own timeless legacy. Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where revelation changed the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah and marked a defining shift in Muslim identity and remains a must-visit site for pilgrims.

Hussain Rauff, regional director of Madinah Hotels at Elaf Al-Taqwa, said: “We’re planning to organize guided tours across Madinah to help pilgrims explore the city’s rich Islamic heritage. It’s a meaningful way to extend their spiritual journey beyond the rituals of Hajj.”

Further west of the Prophet’s Mosque lies the cluster known as the Seven Mosques, each linked to events from the Battle of the Trench. Among them are Al-Fath Mosque and those named after figures such as Fatimah, Ali ibn Abi Talib, and Salman Al-Farsi. These mosques are rich in historical memory and serve as reminders of hardship during one of Islam’s critical battles.

Mount Uhud rises just north of Madinah city, its slopes reminds of the Battle of Uhud and the place where the Prophet’s uncle, Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib, and 70 companions were martyred. Today, pilgrims pause at the Uhud Martyrs Cemetery indicating the modesty found in victory and the strength drawn from loss.

Equally powerful is a visit to Baqi’ Al-Gharqad Cemetery, the resting place of many of the Prophet’s family members and companions. Located near the Prophet’s Mosque, the cemetery has long served as a site for prayer and remembrance, offering pilgrims a moment of intimate connection with those who stood beside the Prophet during Islam’s formative years.

Beyond the holy cities, other destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. Northwest of Madinah lies Khaybar, the site of a pivotal military campaign that showcases both the strategic and ethical dimensions of the Prophet’s leadership. Its volcanic terrain and ancient fortifications tell stories etched in stone.

Fatima Al-Mutairi, a pilgrim from Kuwait: “I am planning to visit these places in Jeddah and Taif after my Hajj. I am planning to visit the Tomb of Hawa in Jeddah and in Taif, I look forward to visiting Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas, to pay tribute to one of the great scholars whose work in Qur’anic interpretation and Hadith continues to inspire many seekers of knowledge.”

Recognizing the growing desire for such experiences, programs like “Hala,” launched by Al-Bait Guests Co., are curating immersive journeys for pilgrims to explore these sacred sites with knowledgeable guides and spiritual context.

Mohammed Al-Shahrani, experience officer in Hajj and Umrah sector said: “Our aim is to enrich the post-Hajj experience. We want pilgrims to understand that the journey of faith continues, and Saudi Arabia is opening its heritage for those who wish to walk in the footsteps of the Prophet.”

 


MWL, GCC chiefs praise Saudi Arabia’s Hajj success

Updated 09 June 2025
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MWL, GCC chiefs praise Saudi Arabia’s Hajj success

  • Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa also extended his congratulations on behalf of all MWL agencies

RIYADH: The secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassem Al-Budaiwi, has congratulated King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on a successful Hajj season.

“This success reflects the Saudi government’s great efforts and capabilities in serving pilgrims and ensuring they perform rituals with ease, safety and security,” he said.

Al-Budaiwi praised the Kingdom’s advanced infrastructure, precise organization, use of modern technologies — including artificial intelligence — and skilled workforce.

“These efforts delivered an exceptional Hajj experience and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s leadership in serving Islam and Muslims,” he added. The secretary-general also lauded the Kingdom’s continuous development of the Hajj system.

Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa also extended his congratulations on behalf of all MWL agencies.

He praised the generous care provided to pilgrims, highlighting the smooth movement between holy sites and the commitment to ensuring their comfort and spiritual focus.

 


Maldivian president leaves Saudi Arabia after official visit

Updated 09 June 2025
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Maldivian president leaves Saudi Arabia after official visit

  • Deputy Mayor of Jeddah Ali Mohammed Al-Qarni and Ahmed bin Dhafer, director of the Royal Protocol Office in the Makkah region, were among the officials present

JEDDAH: Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu departed Saudi Arabia on Monday.

Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi and several other officials accompanied Muizzu to King Abdulaziz International Airport to wish him farewell, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Deputy Mayor of Jeddah Ali Mohammed Al-Qarni and Ahmed bin Dhafer, director of the Royal Protocol Office in the Makkah region, were among the officials present.