Forum Aims to Position Asir Region as Premier Investment Destination
Today marked the launch of the second edition of the Asir Investment Forum, held at King Khalid University in Abha. The event was opened under the auspices of His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Emir of the Asir Region and Chairman of the Regional Development Authority. This year’s gathering saw participation from several esteemed ministers, high-ranking officials, investors, and experts both locally and internationally, advancing the forum’s goal of positioning Asir as a leading investment hub.
The forum is a key component of the Asir Development Authority’s efforts to enhance the region’s stature as a premier investment destination. With approximately 1,500 guests in attendance, including leaders from various developmental sectors, investors, and decision-makers, the forum seeks to explore strategies for improving the investment landscape in the region. Furthermore, it aims to facilitate cooperation between public and private sectors, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
The event commenced with a ministerial session titled "Asir Shines: An Investment Destination on the World Map." This session featured esteemed speakers, including Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al Suwaikh, and Qatari Minister of Municipal Affairs Abdullah Al Attiyah. The discussions highlighted the importance of infrastructure, digital transformation, and major events—such as Abha’s nomination to host the FIFA World Cup 2034—as critical drivers for economic development in the region.
Dr. Majid Al Qasabi, the Minister of Commerce, also contributed to the forum by delivering a keynote speech that evaluated the commercial sector’s performance in Asir. He discussed the ministry’s initiatives to facilitate investor journeys and foster a supportive business environment, underscoring the essential role that chambers of commerce play in stimulating growth across various regions.
Another prominent speaker included Mohammed Al Qwaiz, Chairman of the Capital Market Authority, who addressed how emerging regions can leverage financial markets and funding mechanisms available to investors. He also discussed the evolution of legislation and regulations aimed at invigorating the national economy.
The forum features five main sessions that delve into vital aspects of the investment environment in Asir. Topics covered include opportunities within sectors such as tourism, technology, infrastructure, and the creative economy. Additionally, the role of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) in fostering development through quality projects was highlighted, showcasing how affiliated companies contribute to accelerating growth and enhancing sustainability.
A variety of specialized workshops will be held throughout the forum, covering topics like tourism funding, empowering investors, improving legislation, and identifying investment opportunities. Accompanying the main events, an exhibition will display diverse projects and a dedicated area for supporting entities. It is anticipated that several agreements and partnerships between public and private sectors will be signed during this time.
This second edition of the forum reinforces the Asir Region’s commitment to achieving comprehensive developmental progress, emphasizing equitable distribution of investment opportunities across various municipalities. It aims to enrich the area’s environmental and cultural characteristics while ensuring collaborative governmental and community efforts toward establishing a robust and sustainable investment model.
Positioned as a strategic platform, the forum intends to solidify both national and international partnerships, encourage qualitative investments, and enhance the region’s readiness to embrace major projects. This aligns with a national vision that aspires to cultivate a thriving economy, a vibrant society, and a prominent global standing for all regions of the Kingdom.
The Asir Investment Forum not only serves an immediate purpose of fostering discussions among stakeholders but also sets the stage for long-term economic strategies that promise lasting benefits for the region and its communities.
