LONDON — The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) recently played host to the 18th BMG Economic Forum, a major gathering that convened international business leaders, institutional investors, and key policymakers to explore cross-border collaboration, market opportunities, and the realization of Saudi Vision 2030.
Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the BMG Foundation, the event officially commenced with a ceremonial signing of the LSEG Book of Honor. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Ms. Zahara Sadiq, Founder of Impact Gate and Advisor at BMG Financial Group, setting the stage for a day centered on economic growth, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
The forum’s opening discussions centered on the intersection of culture, real estate, and economic diversification:
Investing in Culture & Heritage: Moderated by Hasan Al Jabri (Dar Altamleek Co), panelist Dr. Badr Al Badr (CEO, Misk Foundation) emphasized that strategic investments in heritage serve as a primary engine for long-term transformation, driven largely by youth empowerment. Jerry Inzerillo (Group CEO, Diriyah Company) detailed progress on the US$63 billion Diriyah giga-project, which aims to boost tourism’s contribution to Saudi GDP from 3% to 10%. He noted strong residential demand nearing SAR 17 billion alongside AI-enabled infrastructure designed around authentic preservation.
Fireside: What Does Diriyah Offer to the World?: Guided by Tamer Attar (BMG Financial Group), Talal Kensara (Chief of Strategic Management Office, Diriyah Company) discussed the integration of traditional Najdi architecture with modern smart infrastructure at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, positioning Riyadh as a prime destination ahead of Expo 2030.
Subsequent sessions addressed the operational realities of massive capital deployment, medical breakthroughs, and macro risks:
The Private Sector’s Role in Giga Projects: Moderated by Nick Sloane (BMG Financial Group), Eng. Hassan Allam (Chairman & CEO, Hassan Allam Holding) and Eng. Fakher Al Shawaf (Chairman & Group CEO, Albawani Holding) detailed how private sector agility, state-of-the-art tech adoption, and long-term public-private partnerships are vital to delivering world-class infrastructure under Vision 2030.
Healthcare Innovations & Landmark $500M Deal: Moderated by Steve Moore (BMG Financial Group), global experts—including Prof. Sir Magdi Yacoub and Francis White (Heart Biotech Holdings), Dr. Ibrahim Alnajashi (Seha Invest), and Dr. Megan Y. (Y Innovations)—discussed biotech investments and health systems transformation. The session concluded with a landmark $500 million (SAR 1.88 billion) agreement signed between Al-Najashi Holding and Y Innovations to accelerate biotechnology localization in Saudi Arabia.
Navigating Geopolitical Risk: Led by Joseph Chakra (UK Export Finance), speakers Dr. Carole Nakhle (Crystol Energy), Sohail Ali (DLA Piper), and Ms. Zahara Sadiq (Impact Gate) analyzed how shifting geopolitics, supply chain realignments, and energy security dictate global capital flows, underscoring the need for legal certainty and adaptive strategies.
Following a VIP networking lunch, the afternoon program turned its focus toward specialized regional opportunities:
Holy Cities Transformation:Mr. Majed Garoub (Chairman & CEO, Law Firm of Majed M Garoub), in a session moderated by Riyadh Alshehri (BMG Financial Group), highlighted infrastructure, hospitality, and private-sector opportunities expanding in Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah while preserving their spiritual heritage.
Syrian Investment Landscape: Moderated by Dr. Alia Brahimi (Atlantic Council), Mr. M. Saeed Al Zaim (Chairman, Al Zaim Holding) introduced the vision behind Barada—a platform aimed at encouraging responsible private investment, restoring investor confidence, and fostering long-term economic recovery in Syria.
The 18th BMG Economic Forum concluded by reaffirming its role as a key cross-border platform, connecting global institutional capital with transformative initiatives across the Middle East.
Wednesday, 03 July 2024The London-Based BMG Economic Forum is a Great Place to Find Exciting Saudi InvestmentsThe BMG Financial Group’s 17th Economic Forum took place at the London Stock Exchange, under the slogan “Why Saudi Arabia?” Why now?The forum covered the attractive investment prospects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which attract investors from around the globe.Why London?This significant event earned a spot to take place in London due to:A Place in Global Finance: It is a major hub for worldwide finance, home to the London Stock Exchange, one of the largest and most reputable stock exchanges in the world.A Global Platform for Exhibiting Investment Possibilities: London offers a perfect setting for showcasing Saudi Arabia’s attractive investment potential to global investors.Close Historical Ties: Due to the close historical ties between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, London is an appropriate location for a meeting intended to boost bilateral collaboration in several disciplines.The BMG Financial Group’s 17th Economic Forum took place at the London Stock Exchange, under the slogan “Why Saudi Arabia?” Why now?The forum covered the attractive investment prospects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which attract investors from around the globe.Finding Intriguing Investment Opportunities in Saudi Arabia Can Be Found at the BMG Economic Forum in London.Why London?This significant event earned a spot to take place in London due to:A Place in Global Finance: It is a major hub for worldwide finance, home to the London Stock Exchange, one of the largest and most reputable stock exchanges in the world.A Global Platform for Exhibiting Investment Possibilities: London offers a perfect setting for showcasing Saudi Arabia’s attractive investment potential to global investors.Close Historical Ties: Due to the close historical ties between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, London is an appropriate location for a meeting intended to boost bilateral collaboration in several disciplines.The forum covered the attractive investment prospects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which attract investors from around the globe.Speakers and AttendeesA select group of professionals and speakers, including Mr. Basil Al-Ghalayini, Chairman of BMG, and Mr. Tom Attenborough from the London Stock Exchange, as well as speakers from a variety of industries, including healthcare, artificial intelligence, and geopolitical developments, participated in the forum.In addition to the attendance of investors, the chiefs of investment funds, and CEOs from both kingdoms and other nations.Topics Forum Mostly AddressesThe forum addressed several significant subjects, such as:Sustainability: Saudi Arabia’s dedication to global sustainability objectives draws capital to green technology and renewable energy initiatives.Mega Projects: Outlining the most recent advancements in the major initiatives carried out by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including the NEOM, Red Sea, and Diriyah Gate projects.Healthcare and Artificial Intelligence: Highlighting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s cutting-edge advancements in the healthcare industry and the contribution of AI to raising the standard of medical treatment.The Private Sector: Stressing the private sector’s critical role in driving economic development in Saudi Arabia and drawing in foreign direct investment.Geopolitical Developments: Discuss the effects of global and regional geopolitical changes on the Saudi economy.Dual Listings: Examining Saudi corporations’ options for dual listing on international stock platforms like the London Stock Exchange.Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) of Hajj and Umrah Companies: an analysis of investment prospects and the function of IPOs in the growth of the Hajj and Umrah industry.BMG Economic Forum ObjectivesThe main goals of the forum were to emphasise economic changes and potential investment possibilities in the Kingdom, particularly in the areas of technology, health care, and the Hajj and Umrah. As well as to increase economic cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Britain.Chairman of BMG’s Board of Directors, Mr. Basil Al-Ghalayini, emphasised that the forum’s goal is for the organisation to serve as a strategic partner for the government, particularly the Ministry of Investment, in promoting alluring investment prospects in the Kingdom.Al-Ghalayini continued, stating that the event featured major industries and undertakings in Saudi Arabia, such as the Diriyah project, which has commenced operations and residential unit sales.He noted that the institutional transformation of Hajj and Umrah companies was one of the major themes covered by the conference. This would have a big influence on raising the added value of the national economy and boosting the quality of services offered.Additionally, he mentioned that around ten of the forum’s member companies seek to list on a stock exchange.Signed AgreementsThe BMG Financial Group has concluded several strategic partnerships, such as memorandums of understanding and agreements designating the group as an advisor and regulator of listing activities in the market, resulting in notable accomplishments.These partnerships demonstrate BMG’s unwavering dedication to fostering investments and advancing businesses’ institutional change.A key project in the sector of logistics services, the construction of an airport specifically for air cargo, was one of the most notable investment possibilities recently inked.The objective of this airport is to offer supplementary services to one of the busiest airports globally, Heathrow Airport.Conclusively, this forum signifies a significant turning point in the advancement of economic ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, and it gives many opportunities for collaboration and reciprocal investment between the two nations.With the help of this forum, we hope to improve the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s standing as a top location for foreign direct investments and draw in more of them, which will help the Saudi economy grow and diversify.Furthermore, the event offers an excellent chance to expand collaboration in some areas between the two nations, enhancing the flow of information and experiences and assisting in the realisation of sustainable development.Regarding the intended outcomes, we anticipate that this event will support economic expansion and increase job prospects for young Saudis, so promoting greater advancement and prosperity for both nations.