President Trump’s appearance at the Saudi Arabia-backed Future Investment Initiative (FII) summit in Miami drew a crowd of billionaires and royals eager to hear his speech. The event, held at the Faena Hotel and forum, attracted high-profile figures such as former Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, and WeWork founder Adam Neumann, who all lined up to secure a seat in the conference hall or overflow area.
According to an FII spokesperson, the sight of top investors queuing up to see Trump was a rare occurrence. Attendees also gathered to hear President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner interview Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff on the topic of US-Middle East economic cooperation, with the session being oversubscribed and standing room only.
The FII summit, now in its third year in Miami, has grown in influence and power, attracting serious investors and notable government officials. While not officially affiliated with the Saudi government, FII operates under the umbrella of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF. The event has expanded to other cities such as Brazil and plans to further extend to Europe and Asia.
Past FII summits have generated billions of dollars in deals, with prominent figures like Citadel’s CEO Ken Griffin, SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son, and Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi among the attendees. The event is invite-only, but companies can secure a “strategic partnership” for $2 million, while individuals can apply for a $15,000 annual membership for conference access.
The presence of President Trump at this year’s FII summit has elevated its status as a significant political and business event, with some attendees claiming it surpasses the World Economic Forum in Davos in terms of relevance. The summit’s focus on technology and investment has attracted entrepreneurs and founders looking to raise funds in a thriving ecosystem.
The event also reflects a shift in US-Saudi relations, with Crown Prince MBS pledging a substantial investment in the US during Trump’s second term. Trump’s potential return to Riyadh for his first trip abroad underscores the importance of the region in international affairs.
Overall, FII Miami has become a hub for global leaders to discuss critical issues and forge new business partnerships, with a focus on technology, investment, and international relations. The event’s blend of high-profile attendees and strategic discussions solidifies its position as a must-attend gathering for the billionaire business social circuit.
