NPR

Saudi Economic Summit Suffers Exodus Of Guests After Journalist's Disappearance

Dubbed "Davos in the Desert," the Future Investment Initiative is set to host dozens of the world's business leaders. But many are pulling out to protest Jamal Khashoggi's suspected murder.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, seen at last year's Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh. This year, several major business figures and organizations have already dropped out of the conference in protest of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi's disappearance.

At this time last year Riyadh was gearing up to host a raft of leading figures from the world of business and banking at its inaugural Future Investment Initiative. Dubbed "Davos in the Desert" — in a nod to the yearly global economic forum and the kingdom's own lofty ambitions — the conference in the Saudi capital suggested a new era of openness and innovation under the young crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman.

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