Asia House is bringing its Middle East Trade Dialogue to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in February 2020, with a major conference exploring the future of trade in the region.

The Asia House Middle East Trade Dialogue: Saudi Arabia 2020 will be held in Riyadh on 25 February. The dialogue takes place at a pivotal time for the Gulf, and Saudi Arabia in particular, as the Kingdom prepares to host the G20 at the end of the year.

The conference will convene leading decision makers from business and government to explore the shifts taking place in world trade - from the disruption of the US-China trade war to the rise of smart cities.

With sustainability, renewable energies and the role of women in the economy likely to be among Saudi Arabia’s G20 priorities, the conference will take a particular focus on these issues, as well as the broader forces reshaping global trade, through a range of speeches, panel discussions and Q&As.

The conference is held in partnership with the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA).

Key themes

Global Trade

Saudi Arabia’s chairing of the G20 comes amid increasing uncertainty in world trade. Tensions between the US and China continue to disrupt global commerce and investment against a backdrop of slowing economic growth. In the Middle East, diversification away from energy exports continue to drive the agenda, while geopolitical developments risk heralding instability that could negatively affect investment. Meanwhile, the Middle East’s growing relationship with Asian markets is offering major opportunities, with the Belt and Road Initiative key among them. 

Smart Cities: The Future of the Gulf

Urbanisation rates in the Middle East are among the fastest in the world, with urban populations increasing from 35 per cent in 1960 to 65 per cent today. With markets such as Saudi Arabia placing considerable focus on developing new cities, the conference will reflect on the opportunities arising as urbanisation increases. The development of new Smart Cities and how Saudi Arabia specifically is working to create sustainable city solutions through new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and FinTech will be explored. 

Renewables: The Imminent Rise of Clean Energies

In a bid to combat climate change, the world is increasingly focusing on reducing carbon emissions and developing more sustainable ways of dealing with an ever- increasing need for energy. The conference will look at changing global energy demands and the rise of renewables, focusing closely on the recent billion-dollar investments into Saudi renewable projects.

Women Leading Change

Global research shows that increased gender diversity in management creates a stronger base for innovation, creative thinking and increased productivity within a work environment. Covering both global trends and Saudi Arabia’s recent policy changes, the forum will look at how organisations and society more widely are benefiting and developing from the increased inclusion of women in the economy.

One-to-one meetings with SAGIA sector heads can be organised in the afternoon for conference delegates.

Asia House will also be leading a bespoke business mission for interested companies on 25-27 February. To request a meeting or to take part in the business mission, please email cordelia.begbie@asiahouse.co.uk