AlUla Conference: Saudi Arabia leads a global dialogue to support the stability of emerging markets

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the second session of "AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies"On February 8 and 9, 2026, in Al-Ula Governorate.

The conference will be held in partnership between The Ministry of Finance of Saudi Arabia and the International Monetary Fund, with the participation of finance ministers, central bank governors and policy makers, in addition to the leaders of international financial institutions and economists from around the world.

The holding of this conference comes at a time when emerging market countries are increasingly interested in managing risks in general, and economic and financial risks in particular, as they are among the most important tools they rely on to maintain economic stability, achieve growth, protect resources, and ensure the sustainability of economic and social development.

Risk management in emerging economies focuses on dealing with With multiple challenges that vary from one country to another or from one region to another, including political instability, weak infrastructure, currency fluctuations, limited development of regulatory frameworks, and weak governance, which requires the implementation of comprehensive strategies that include diversifying the economy, strengthening governance, building private sector capabilities, investing in infrastructure, and applying sustainable debt management mechanisms, in addition to focusing on macroeconomic stability, and enhancing disclosure and transparency in dealing with international investors and financiers, and local and global banks.

The most important risks in economies.

The most important risks in economies. Emerging

Adapting to rapid changes, and shifting towards sustainable and comprehensive growth through sound policies and strategic investments, are among the basic pillars of reducing risks in emerging economies, provided that this process is continuous and based on realism, as most of these countries face multiple market risks, including low levels of liquidity in stock markets, the dominance of state ownership in some sectors, immaturity of financial markets, lack of competencies, and cyber threats, in addition to high levels of debt, and the difficulty of dealing with shocks and crises. Global.

In the context of discussing these challenges at the international level, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in cooperation with the International Monetary Fund, adopted the organization of the Al-Ula Conference for Emerging Market Economies to be an annual event. This year comes at a time when emerging economies are moving to give greater priority to managing risks and protecting economic stability.

Risk challenges remain the focus of interest and discussion among the conference participants, especially since accumulated debt is one of the most prominent risks of concern to financiers and international and private lending institutions, as it constitutes a major challenge for some emerging market economies. Because of its complex and multidimensional impacts on economic development and social stability.

Many countries have realized Emerging economies The size of the debt crisis, and the real risks it may cause if it is not dealt with effectively, as its aggravation leads to increased pressure on public budgets and the erosion of financial resources available to finance social programs, in addition to pressure on the exchange rates of local currencies, which weakens their value against other international currencies.

On the other hand, a degree of optimism prevails, supported by the steps taken by some emerging economies, and by the results of international efforts in which the Kingdom participates heavily in international forums, such as Conference AlUla, and it is noted that a number of these economies are interested in developing regulatory and governance frameworks, and benefiting from the growth of domestic demand. However, the general landscape is still fraught with risks, with positive expectations often accompanied by warnings of possible disruptions in supply chains, renewed trade disputes, and fluctuations in geopolitics.

Risk Management and Reducing Their Impact

The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies works to establish the principle that the benefit of case studies is not limited to analyzing past successes or failures, but rather extends to how to employ lessons learned in facing current challenges, as successful experiences in risk management can To provide a practical framework for developing new strategies that take advantage of digital technologies and modern innovations, in a way that enhances the ability to predict risks and deal with them more effectively.

Observers and analysts are discussing a number of strategies that some countries have succeeded in applying, or have begun to adopt, to reduce risks, most notably diversifying the economy and reducing dependence on one sector, and shifting towards new sectors to enhance flexibility, enhance governance and institutions, improve levels of transparency, apply strict accounting standards, empower the private sector, invest in education and health care, and expand financing opportunities. As well as employing modern technologies to raise productivity and improve risk management.

With the rapid progress in digital technology, new challenges have emerged in the field of risk management, including cybersecurity, protecting data privacy, and the impact of emerging technologies on markets and consumer behavior. These challenges are not limited to emerging economies, but also include some developed countries, and require developing and implementing flexible and dynamic strategies for managing technical risks, investing in building digital competencies, and promoting an organizational culture that supports innovation and continuous adaptation to changes.

Protecting economic stability

The conference seeks Al-Ula seeks to come up with practical recommendations and ideas to address the economic issues that affect the global scene in general, and in emerging economies in particular, and by discussing the challenges and ways to deal with them, the most prominent risks facing these markets are identified, and working to improve their economic conditions, in a way that contributes to enhancing economic stability and protecting it in the long term.

Many specialists agree that a number of emerging economies need to develop the tools and procedures they adopt in risk management, to reach more reassuring levels of economic growth, and to enhance the convening of the conference. These efforts are being held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which hosts it annually, in light of the Kingdom’s growing role on the international scene, its presence in the G20, and its leadership of initiatives aimed at supporting emerging economies in facing global challenges.

In this context, the countries concerned must adopt strong defenses against economic fluctuations and crises, improve the decision-making process by providing deeper insights that help make more informed financial decisions, and enhance confidence in financial institutions and the economy as a whole, ensuring the achievement of sustainability and supporting long-term growth goals.

• For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter