Hong Kong (CNN Business) Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has become the latest top business leader to distance himself from the Saudi government as it faces mounting questions over its role in the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Khosrowshahi said in a statement late Thursday that he is withdrawing from a major business conference in the kingdom this month at which he was due to speak.
"I'm very troubled by the reports to date about Jamal Khashoggi," Khosrowshahi said in a statement late Thursday. "We are following the situation closely, and unless a substantially different set of facts emerges, I won't be attending the FII conference in Riyadh."
His announcement is particularly significant because Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund is a big shareholder in Uber. In 2016, it invested $3.5 billion in the ride-hailing startup.
The Future Investment Initiative, also known as "Davos in the desert," is hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and is part of his Vision 2030 plan to break the country's dependence on oil. Khosrowshahi was scheduled to speak about the future of transportation at the event.
PineapplePoppadom on October 12nd, 2018 at 10:02 UTC »
All just PR. Everybody will be back sucking at the Saudi teat in a few weeks when this dies down and business goes back to "as usual".
MedicManDan on October 12nd, 2018 at 08:00 UTC »
I would very much like to see which companies stay committed to their Pearl Clutching after the story dies down. Saudi Arabia, much like a child, needs to understand that terrible actions have lasting consequences. But for now, I am pleased to see strong sentiment from large investors. It's much better than nothing happening.
AWindRose on October 12nd, 2018 at 05:55 UTC »
Good. If we could stop being so friendly with Saudi Arabia in spite of their massive human rights abuses, that would be great.