The 25th WPC Energy Congress opens in Riyadh, the first time Saudi Arabia has hosted it

12 October 2026

The 25th WPC Energy Congress was inaugurated in Riyadh on Monday, 12 October 2026, the first time Saudi Arabia has hosted it in the event's more than 90-year history. Its theme is "Pathways to an Energy Future for All", and it runs from 11 to 15 October at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center. It is the centrepiece of Riyadh Energy Week, which also includes an International Energy Forum ministerial meeting. Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman told delegates that "the word fear in the Saudi dictionary does not exist" and called Riyadh "the capital of energy security". He said Saudi Aramco had reached a 70% local content rate. The congress went ahead despite the missile and drone attacks on Riyadh; Arab News said Riyadh expected more than 25,000 attendees.