Organizers of two major energy and investment conferences in Saudi Arabia announced that these events will continue as planned this month. This decision comes as recent missile attacks on Riyadh Airport resulted in the deaths of four people and severe damage to an aircraft.
Impact of Attacks on Flights
The attacks have caused widespread disruptions in flights, forcing many travelers to use ground routes or long-haul flights. Additionally, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany have warned their citizens to avoid traveling to Riyadh.
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Continuation of Saudi Global Programs
Saudi Arabia continues its plans to host global events and seeks to attract investment even amid increasing hostilities with Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen. Organizers of the World Petroleum Congress, which is set to host prominent global oil officials and experts from Sunday to Thursday, confirmed that the conference will proceed as scheduled. In an email to participants, it stated: "Your comfort is our priority" and noted that alternative routes to Riyadh, including a four-hour route from Dammam on the eastern coast of the Kingdom, are available.
Italy's Minister of Energy, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, announced that he will not travel to Riyadh due to security conditions and will participate in the International Energy Forum ministerial meeting via video conference.
Additionally, the Future Investment Initiative, established as Saudi Arabia's main investment conference by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will be held as scheduled from October 26 to 29. A statement attributed to Maha Al Saud, CEO of FIICEO, emphasizes: "The safety and well-being of our participants is our top priority."
Comprehensive security measures will be implemented at Riyadh airports, conference venues, and official hotels, and necessary arrangements for the transportation of participants will be made. Executives from some of the world's largest financial institutions, including Jamie Dimon from JPMorgan and Jane Fraser from Citi, are expected to attend these events.
The Houthi forces have declared that aircraft should avoid Saudi Arabian airspace and have designated it as a military operation zone. In response to the Houthi attacks, Saudi Arabia has retaliated with a series of strikes on missile launch sites and has reiterated its determination to protect the Kingdom.
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