Key facts
- Two major Saudi energy and investment conferences will proceed as planned this month.
- Missile attacks on Riyadh's airport this week killed four people and damaged an airliner.
- The World Petroleum Congress is scheduled to host global oil executives and policymakers from Sunday to Thursday.
- The Future Investment Initiative is scheduled to take place from October 26-29.
- Organizers of both conferences have reassured attendees about security measures.
- Several airlines have suspended or cancelled flights to and from Riyadh due to the attacks.
Organizers of two major Saudi energy and investment conferences have stated that their events will proceed as scheduled this month, despite a deadly missile attack on Riyadh's airport earlier this week. The attacks resulted in four fatalities and significant damage to an airliner, causing widespread flight disruptions.
The World Petroleum Congress, set to host global oil executives and policymakers from Sunday to Thursday, will go ahead with foreign leaders and ministers in attendance, according to an email sent to delegates. Organizers reassured attendees, noting that alternative travel routes, including a four-hour drive from Dammam, are available.
The Future Investment Initiative, a flagship conference launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is also scheduled to proceed from October 26-29. Organizers stated that safety and well-being are their highest priorities, with comprehensive security measures planned for airports, conference venues, and hotels.
Despite the security concerns, Saudi Arabia is proceeding with its plans to convene global events and attract investment amidst the ongoing conflict with the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. The Houthis have declared Saudi airspace a zone of military operations, leading several airlines, including Lufthansa, Etihad Airways, and Flydubai, to suspend or cancel flights to Riyadh.
Italian Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin announced he would participate in the International Energy Forum Ministerial Meeting, held on the sidelines of the World Petroleum Congress, via video link rather than traveling to Riyadh. CEOs from major financial institutions like JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon and Citi's Jane Fraser are expected to attend the Future Investment Initiative.