Davos in the Desert’s ‘old fox’ Richard Attias faces his latest test

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1. 55m ago

   Davos in the Desert Faces Severe Tests Amid Regional Security Pressures

   Richard Attias, known as the old fox of Davos in the Desert, faces mounting challenges as Houthi attacks target Saudi Arabia, threatening the kingdom's economic ambitions and security. The situation coincides with broader pressures confronting the Saudi crown prince, including delayed events like the UN data forum and statistical gatherings pushed to 2027. Observers point to escalating regional vulnerabilities as shrapnel and drone strikes challenge the kingdom's economic development plans. Meanwhile, the Future Investment Initiative Institute previously announced its 9th edition featuring prominent global speakers in Riyadh.

   Why it matters

   The convergence of regional security threats and strategic event postponements highlights the growing friction against Saudi Arabia's long-term economic diversification roadmap. Eleven years after Riyadh intervened in Yemen, ongoing Houthi strikes continue to test the connectivity and stability of the kingdom. These operational and security headwinds arrive amid heightened scrutiny over the limits of the crown prince's authority and ambitions.

   What is confirmed

   • Saudi Arabia has postponed a UN data forum and a Saudi statistical event to 2027.
   • Richard Attias serves as the Future Investment Initiative Institute Acting CEO and Executive Committee Chairman.
   • The 9th edition of the Future Investment Initiative was scheduled for October 28 to 30, 2025, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Houthi attacks are threatening the kingdom's security, connectivity, and economic ambitions eleven years after Riyadh intervened in Yemen.
   • Recent regional security incidents and military pressures have left the Saudi economic dream in shreds.

   What to watch next

   • Official announcements regarding upcoming high-profile investment conferences in Riyadh
   • Further schedule adjustments for international summits and UN events in Saudi Arabia
   Sources used for this update (11)

   1. Semafor — View / Saudi crown prince grapples with the limits of his power
   2. Financial Times — Davos in the Desert’s ‘old fox’ Richard Attias hit by Houthis’ Saudi attacks
   3. Reuters — Saudi Arabia postpones UN data forum, Saudi statistical event to 2027
   4. The Economist — Saudi Arabia’s terrible year gets worse
   5. Irish Independent — Everything is going wrong for Muhammad bin Salman
   6. Asia Times — Is time running out for Mohammed bin Salman?
   7. The Times — Have shrapnel and drones left the Saudi economic dream in shreds?
   8. www.thedailystar.net — Davos in the Desert cancellation, a sign that all is not well ...
   9. www.spa.gov.sa — FII Institute Announces World-Class Speakers and Program ...
   10. thebostonreport.com — Oil at 6-Month High, Starlink Back in Ukraine | The Boston Report
   11. markets.ft.com — FTSE Global All Cap Net Total Return (US RIC) Index NZD End ...
   confidence 85%