Driving Global Investment and Vision 2030: Highlights from the 18th BMG Economic Forum

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.

Cultural Heritage as an Economic Catalyst

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.

Infrastructure, Healthcare, and Geopolitics

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.

Regional Development and Rebuilding Capital

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.