Saudi Arabia Seeks New Role in Global Economy, More Foreign Investment

DAVOS, Switzerland — Saudi Arabia’s business and political elite have come to the World Economic Forum on a mission to drum up investor interest, as the kingdom feels the strain from falling oil prices and the global financial crisis.

They also hope to gain a greater understanding of the impact the downturn will have at home — and of what role Saudi Arabia can play in any possible solution.


“We’re the Middle East’s biggest economy so we have to be part of this” and take a role in helping the global economy, said Hamad Al Sayyari, governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, as he arrived in Davos. Mr. Al Sayyari, the Gulf region’s most senior central banker, said it is important for the kingdom’s policy makers to understand the crisis.

WSJ