The Future of Riyadh
Prince Turki bin Abdullah, Acting Governor of the Riyadh Region, painted a brilliant picture of the future of the capital, Riyadh, during his address at the ceremony for the public transportation authority, noting that it will place the city among the leading capitals of the world, He emphasized that the metro system will be completed within the next five years, thereby eliminating the «traffic congestion» that the capital has suffered from for decades, This requires citizens and residents to comply with applicable traffic laws, in addition to the construction of new airports.
He said: Riyadh is currently studying plans to build new airports, which will yield significant economic returns, with the participation of financiers and business leaders, in addition to creating aesthetic and cultural landmarks to beautify the capital. He noted the efforts of Prince Khalid bin Bandar, Governor of Riyadh, in realizing these aspirations.
Prince Abdullah affirmed that the conditions are ripe in the Kingdom for a massive economic boom, given the security and stability it enjoys under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. He called on business leaders to continue playing their positive role in construction and development as partners in the Kingdom’s renaissance.
The Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center hosted the largest gathering of business leaders during the ceremony organized by the Chamber, attended by a large crowd of financiers, businesspeople, and economists, as well as senior officials from the public and private sectors and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Kingdom. 
Strengthening Ties
In this regard, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Zamil, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Riyadh Chamber, said: «The Chamber has consistently organized this gathering annually at the start of each new business season, following the end of the summer vacation and the blessed Eid al-Fitr holiday, as businesspeople resume their activities. He explained that this annual tradition aims to strengthen communication and dialogue between businesspeople on the one hand, and senior government officials and community leaders on the other, and to exchange views and perspectives on the most pressing issues facing the business sector regarding the national economy and its connection to global economic developments.
He expressed his hope that the meeting would contribute to renewing ties and strengthening bonds among businesspeople, and senior government officials responsible for economic and investment affairs, and that it would increase mutual understanding among them, thereby supporting the national interest, strengthening the national economy, and creating a fertile environment for the business sector to advance its economic and developmental role.

For his part, the Chamber’s Secretary-General, Dr. Muhammad Al-Katiri, stated that the Chamber welcomes the large gathering of members of the Gulf, Arab, and foreign diplomatic corps and businesspeople in Riyadh, noting that the event is being held in their honor, and to strengthen the bonds of communication and camaraderie among them, emphasizing that the gathering is an opportunity to exchange ideas and proposals.
An Atmosphere of Optimism
An atmosphere of optimism prevailed among the attendees as they discussed the promising future of the Saudi economy and the waning effects of the global financial crisis. The conversations also touched on political issues, including the Syrian crisis and the repercussions of the Arab Spring, as well as efforts to rectify labor conditions ahead of the expiration of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques» deadline, and the role of companies and institutions in regulating the status of expatriate workers. Discussions also covered the latest economic developments and new regulations expected to bolster the economy, such as the mortgage system and other regulations eagerly awaited by business leaders.
Abdulrahman bin Ali Al-Juraisi, former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted that the event aimed to foster communication among businesspeople and provide an opportunity to meet with community leaders and senior government officials in an atmosphere filled with warmth and joy, emphasizing that the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry traditionally organizes this event annually when businesspeople resume their activities after the summer break each year.
Side Discussions
During the ceremony, business leaders and diplomats exchanged views on a number of economic and international issues, in addition to discussing various investment topics. An atmosphere of optimism prevailed throughout the ceremony, marked by feelings of friendship and mutual understanding among all participants.