United Kingdom: The governments of Saudi Arabia and the UK are organising a significant expo named ‘GREAT FUTURES.’ The expo will focus on business, tourism, and cultural exchange. The UK government’s GREAT Britain and Northern Ireland campaign is partnering with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s government to hold the expo in Riyadh on the 14th and 15th of May 2024.
This flagship event will be held for two days in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) and will host about 750 representatives. Oliver Dowden, the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, will lead over 300-strong British delegations that will showcase the best of UK innovation and excellence.
The GREAT FUTURES flagship event marks the opening of a 12-month drive that aims to showcase UK expertise and credentials in sectors that sustain Saudi Arabia’s ‘Vision 2030.’ This approach is intended to diversify the economy, raise productivity, and improve competitiveness in Saudi Arabia.
Three trillion dollars will be invested by 2030 in the five leading ‘giga projects’ of this flagship program. As well as promoting the nation’s geography, ancestry, hospitality, business dynamism, and commitment to social inclusion and environmental stewardship, this initiative will also emphasize the nation’s geographical richness and cultural diversity.
The UK council includes senior business executives from key sectors such as tourism, education, clean tech, trade, insurance, fashion, architecture, sport, and culture, showcasing the country’s progressive expertise in these initiatives.
Oliver Dowden commented that, “GREAT FUTURES will be an important opportunity to forge partnerships for the future between the UK’s most creative and innovative companies and their Saudi business and Government counterparts. I’m delighted to be leading such a talented delegation to this landmark event. From emerging technologies to academia, the UK has an exceptional skill base to share with the world. Our two nations work closely on security and energy. We look forward to strengthening those connections in new areas that feed the Vision 2030 agenda.”
The UK and Saudi Arabia share a deep and longstanding diplomatic association, as well as strong monetary and commercial ties. The event will mainly concentrate on two dimensions of partnership between the two countries; innovation through research collaboration, disruptive technologies, emerging clean tech, finance and sustainable construction, and quality of life sectors, which include art, fashion, media, education, sport, architecture and tourism.
Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasabi, Minister of Commerce for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, stated that, “Saudi Arabia is very proud to be hosting this major event and bringing together leading minds in business, academia and entertainment from both of our nations. This event heralds the beginning of an extended and productive partnership focused on innovation, technology and our flourishing cultural sectors. We look forward to collaborating with the UK Government and the private sector to realise the ambitions of Vision 2030.”
Minister for Investment at the Department for Business and Trade, Lord Dominic Johnson, said that, “The UK has a thriving trade and investment relationship with Saudi Arabia, and this campaign will strengthen those ties further. There are huge opportunities for businesses in both countries as we look to work closer together in important sectors such as innovation and creative industries. I look forward to showcasing the best of British innovation and creativity on a global stage.”