World · Middle East · 1 day ago
Saudi conferences to go ahead despite deadly airport attacks
Two major conferences in Riyadh are set to go ahead despite recent missile attacks at the city’s airport that killed four people and damaged an airliner.
The World Petroleum Congress is scheduled for Oct.
11 to 15 and is expected to bring oil executives, government ministers and other officials.
The Future Investment Initiative, Saudi Arabia’s flagship investment conference, is planned for Oct.
26 to 29.
Organisers say security measures will cover airports, conference venues, hotels and transport.
The attacks have disrupted flights, and some airlines have cancelled or suspended services to Riyadh.
The Houthis, a group fighting the Saudi-backed government in neighbouring Yemen, have warned airliners to avoid Saudi airspace.
Organisers say alternative routes are available, and the conferences remain on schedule.
Organisers said two major Saudi conferences will go ahead in Riyadh this month despite deadly missile attacks on the city’s airport.
The attacks left four people dead and an airliner heavily damaged, and caused widespread flight disruptions.
The World Petroleum Congress is scheduled for Oct 11 to 15, with the Future Investment Initiative set for Oct 26 to 29.
Organisers said security measures would be in place and that alternative routes to Riyadh were available.
Some airlines cancelled or suspended flights, and the UK, France and Germany warned their citizens to avoid Riyadh.
- Who
- Organisers of the World Petroleum Congress and Future Investment Initiative.
- What
- They said both conferences would proceed as planned despite airport attacks and flight disruptions.
- When
- The World Petroleum Congress is scheduled for Oct 11 to 15; the Future Investment Initiative is scheduled for Oct 26 to 29.
- Where
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- Riyadh is sticking to plans for the events and seeking to attract investment amid escalating conflict and attacks.
Conference organisers
Houthis
Conference plans
Conference organisers
Organisers said both events would go ahead as planned.
Houthis
The Houthis said airliners should avoid Saudi airspace, declaring it a zone of military operations.
Security and travel
Conference organisers
Organisers said safety was a priority and that security measures and alternative routes would be available.
Houthis
The Houthis’ warning came amid airport attacks and flight disruptions.
Your comfort is our priority,
Safety and well-being remain our highest priority,
The Saudi-backed Yemeni government launched an offensive against the Houthis.
Missile attacks on Riyadh’s airport left four people dead and an airliner heavily damaged.
Italian Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin said he would join the International Energy Forum Ministerial Meeting by video link rather than fly to Riyadh.
The World Petroleum Congress is scheduled to take place in Riyadh.
The Future Investment Initiative is scheduled to take place in Riyadh.
- Airport attack deaths
- 4 people
- World Petroleum Congress
- Oct 11-15, Riyadh
- Future Investment Initiative
- Oct 26-29, Riyadh
- Alternative route
- Four-hour drive from Dammam
- Lufthansa flights
- Suspended to Riyadh through Oct 16





