Major Saudi conferences to go ahead despite Houthi airspace warning, airport attack
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- Organizers say the World Petroleum Congress and Future Investment Initiative will proceed as scheduled despite security concerns surrounding Riyadh.
- Yemen’s Houthis have warned airlines to avoid Saudi airspace, declaring it a military operations zone.
Organizers of the World Petroleum Congress and the Future Investment Initiative have confirmed that both events will proceed as scheduled despite an attack on Riyadh’s international airport and a warning from Yemen’s Houthis declaring Saudi airspace a military operations zone.
The World Petroleum Congress is scheduled to run from Sunday through Thursday, bringing together senior oil industry executives and policymakers, including Saudi government officials and representatives of major energy companies such as ExxonMobil, Shell and Woodside Energy.
In an email to delegates, organizers said their priority was ensuring attendees’ comfort and outlined alternative travel routes to the Saudi capital. One option involves a four-hour drive from Dammam, on the kingdom’s eastern coast, to Riyadh.
Organizers also confirmed that the Future Investment Initiative will take place as planned from October 26 to 29.
Expected attendees include senior executives from major global financial institutions, including JPMorgan Chief Executive Jamie Dimon and Citi Chief Executive Jane Fraser.
The decision to proceed comes amid heightened security concerns following the reported airport attack and warnings affecting air travel to Saudi Arabia.
The Houthis have warned airlines to avoid Saudi airspace, declaring it a zone of military operations after Yemen’s government forces launched an offensive against the Iran-backed group earlier this month.
The warning raises concerns over aviation safety and travel arrangements as Saudi Arabia prepares to host major international gatherings attended by influential figures from the energy and financial sectors.
Organizers have maintained that both events will go ahead as planned, while providing delegates with alternative travel options to reach Riyadh.
