World Economic Forum Postpones Saudi Meeting 

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has postponed its Global Collaboration and Growth Meeting, which had been scheduled for April 22–23 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, citing ongoing regional instability tied to the Iran conflict.

The decision was made in consultation with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Economy and Planning. 

The meeting was expected to bring together more than 1,000 participants, including government and international-organization stakeholders, business leaders from WEF partner companies, experts, and innovators. 

This postponement fits a broad pattern of high-profile Middle East events being delayed or moved as the conflict continues.

Another recent postponement is The World Forum for Energy Transformation's WPC Energy Congress, scheduled for April 26-30. New dates will be announced shortly, according to congress organizers. Approximately 25,000 were expected, including 100 ministers and 500 CEOs.

Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in becoming a hub for meetings and exhibitions. In December, for instance, the second annual MICE Summit, hosted by the Saudi Conventions & Exhibitions General Authority, brought together about 3,000 event professionals in Riyadh. The impact of the war on the Middle East as a travel and event destination is yet unknown, with the overall perception of the region at stake. 

High-Profile Events Postponed

Among the many events impacted is the Arabian Travel Mart, a travel industry conference held at the World Trade Center in Dubai, which has been moved from May to August. 

Abu Dhabi Business Week, set for April 6-9, has been postponed, with a new date yet to be announced. 

Informa pushed Middle East Energy, originally scheduled for April 7-9 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, to September 1-3. The show is expected to draw more than 50,000 attendees from 178 countries. 

Informa also had to postpone its flagship Saudi tech event, LEAP, pushing the 2026 edition from April to August 31-September 3 at Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre, Malham. 

While it remains unclear how long the disruption will last, the impact is already extending into the 2026 planning cycle, a sign that instability is influencing not just events in the short-term.