The 1st Saudi Forum, organized in the period from 15 to 17 Safar 1439 H, at Ritz Carlton Hotel in Jeddah by Umm Al-Qura University represented by Wadi Makkah Company under sponsorship of the Advisor to Custodian of Two Holy Mosques, Emir of Makkah HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal and was inaugurated by the Governor of Jeddah HRH Prince Misha'al bin Majid, witnessed signing of series of agreements and investments by venture capital funds and investors who participated in the forum. 

On this occasion, the UQU Vice President for Development and Entrepreneurship, who serves also as the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of Wadi Makkah Company Dr. Hani bin Osman Ghazi  praised the sponsorship of the Advisor to the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques and Emir of Makkah Prince Khalid Al-Faisal and his interest in the activities and events of Wadi Makkah. He also lauded the honorable attendance of the Governor of Jeddah Prince Misha'al bin Majid in the opening ceremony thus contributing to encouraging the owners of venture capital funds and founders of startups who participated in the forum which witnessed the signing of a number of agreements and was attended by a large number of audience. 

He said the total number of startups owners, officials, and entrepreneurs who attended the forum amounted to 1530 persons, whilst the companies and presented ideas amounted to about 85. He added 30 workshops were held, 148 meetings were scheduled during the forum days, 1680 seats were provided for training indicating that the number of startups participated in the forum amounted to 152 and 70 consultative sessions were held on Wadi Makkah Clinic Platform. Additionally, he said the forum witnessed participation of 16 exhibitors from the public and private sectors.  

Within the same vein, Dr. Hani said the forum also witnesses the signing of 10 memos of understanding and each startup has showcased its products before 7 investors and owners of venture capital funds.

Concluding his speech, he lauded the support and directives of the UQU President who serves also as the Chairman of Board of Directors of Wadi Makkah Company Dr. Bakri bin M'atooq bin Bakri Assas, thus contributing to the success of the forum lauding also the efforts undertaken by the forums' committees. It didn't escape his notice to express his thanks to the CEO of Wadi Makkah Dr. Faisal Al-Alaf.