CARMA FII9 Report Shows Global Media Coverage Surges 40% as Progress and AI Shape Narrative
Global media coverage of the Future Investment Initiative (FII9) increased by more than 40 per cent year-on-year, driven by strong narratives around progress, artificial intelligence and long-term economic transformation, according to CARMA’s newly released FII Global Insights Report.
The report was unveiled during an exclusive seminar hosted by CARMA at the Capital Club in DIFC, bringing together leaders from the investment, communications and finance sectors to examine how international perceptions of the Future Investment Initiative are evolving.
CARMA’s analysis found that nearly 23,000 media mentions were generated globally around FII9, with 56 per cent of coverage carrying a positive tone. International social engagement also rose significantly, increasing from 33 per cent during FII8 to 42 per cent during FII9, reflecting growing global interest and interaction across digital platforms.
Opening the session, Mazen Nahawi, Founder and Group CEO of CARMA, highlighted the shift in global sentiment surrounding Saudi Arabia’s economic ambitions. He said the Future Investment Initiative is increasingly viewed as a demonstration of tangible progress rather than long-term aspiration, underpinned by execution and delivery.
The seminar featured a panel discussion with Mazen Nahawi, Frank Kane, Editor-at-Large at AGBI, and Jade Mamarbachi, Partner at Brunswick. Moderated by Nigel Sillitoe, CEO of Insight Discovery, the discussion compared global media engagement with the 2025 edition of FII against previous years, analysing how coverage themes varied across regions based on differing strategic priorities.
Panelists noted that the theme of “Progress” resonated strongly in 2025, helping elevate FII’s global profile and reinforcing its position as a platform actively shaping future economic and technological agendas. Coverage was particularly influenced by discussions on artificial intelligence, Saudi Arabia’s long-term economic transformation and its expanding role in global diplomacy and innovation.
The CARMA report examined more than 16,000 international media articles and over 26,000 social media posts published between October 1 and November 3, 2025. The findings illustrate how FII9 broadened its international reach across both traditional and digital media channels, strengthening its standing as a globally influential investment forum.
