Wall Street executives had privately questioned Saudi Arabia's ability to
mobilize capital even before the outbreak of war in Iran. A Houthi assault now
risks further undermining Riyadh's effort to attract foreign investment at a
time it needs capital most. The Future Investment Initiative (FII), due in under
two weeks and normally attended by global corporate chiefs, faces contingency
planning by organizers, who are assessing options including virtual
participation. After a deadly strike, Riyadh's main international airport — a
key gateway for tourists and global finance executives — is closed, forcing many
bankers and corporate leaders to urgently reassess travel plans.
