Major Saudi conferences to proceed, organisers say, despite deadly airport attack

By Timour Azhari and Federico Maccioni

RIYADH/DUBAI, Oct 10 (Reuters) – The organizers of two major Saudi energy and investment conferences confirmed that their events will take place as scheduled, assuring visitors of enhanced security following deadly missile strikes on Riyadh’s airport that left four fatalities and heavily damage an aircraft this week.

The attacks triggered extensive flight disruptions, prompting travelers to seek land‑based routes or indirect itineraries. The United Kingdom, France and Germany advised their citizens to avoid traveling through Riyadh.

Despite these diversions, Riyadh remains committed to hosting its global gatherings and aims to attract foreign investors, even as the kingdom confronts ongoing conflict with the Iran‑backed Houthi movement in neighboring Yemen, which has targeted the country multiple times over recent weeks.

Organizers of the World Petroleum Congress, slated to bring together leading oil executives and policymakers from Sunday through Thursday, reiterated its program unchanged and emphasized participation by senior foreign officials.

“Your comfort is our priority,” stated an organizer, highlighting that viable alternatives, including a roughly four‑hour drive from Dimmam along the eastern coast, remain available for attendees.

Italian Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin indicated he will attend the International Energy Forum Ministerial Meeting via live video rather than physical travel on Friday.

The Future Investment Initiative, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s flagship investment forum established a decade ago, will continue as planned from October 26‑29.

“Safety and well‑being remain our highest priority,” noted FIICO CEO Maha Al Saud.
“Comprehensive security measures will be implemented at Riyadh’s airports, conference venues and accredited hotels, with coordinated transport arrangements for participants.”

Key executives from major financial institutions, including Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan and Jane Fraser of Citi, are expected among the invitees, though both banks declined immediate comment.

The Houthis have declared Saudi airspace a zone of military operation after launching an offensive against them, urging airlines to steer clear of the region.

German airline Lufthansa suspended Riyadh flights through October 16, while Gulf carriers Etihad Airways and Flydubai cancelled schedules serving the capital for mid‑October.

In response, Saudi Arabia has retaliated with kinetic strikes targeting Houthi missile launch sites, stating it has successfully intercepted numerous ballistic missiles originating from the group.

<(Reporting by Timour Azhari and Federico Maccioni; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)>

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