Neil Crompton, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia currently faces an unprecedented economic crisis, with the country attempting to navigate both the global COVID-19 pandemic and the collapse in oil prices. The government has tripled taxes on basic goods in the country, and has cut the ‘cost of living bonus’ given to citizens since 2018. Spending cuts of around US$26 billion on major projects have also been authorised.

At the same time, the Public Investment Fund – the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia – has been given US$40 billion to invest globally in an attempt to boost the economic recovery.

In this private briefing, Neil Crompton, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will reflect on the dramatically changing landscape in Saudi Arabia. He will discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the Kingdom, including the government’s handling of the crisis, and will also share his views on the country’s recovery prospects. The Ambassador, who took up post in February 2020, will also assess the affects of falling oil prices in the region, and how he envisages the shape of future UK-Saudi relations.

This digital event is being held as part of the Asia House Middle East Programme. For further information and to register interest, please contact Cordelia Begbie: cordelia.begbie@asiahouse.co.uk