The inaugural conference last year of the Future Investment Initiative at the Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. : WASHINGTON — The participants nicknamed it “Davos in the Desert,” which captures the lofty ambitions of the annual investor conference scheduled to convene in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this month. Initially planned as an intimate gathering, it grew quickly in size and scope, and the inaugural meeting last year reflected the determination of its host, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to be a player on the world stage. In keeping with Muslim practice, no alcohol was served.