Saudi conferences to proceed despite deadly Riyadh airport attacks, Reuters report

Two major Saudi energy and investment conferences will hold their events this month despite devastating missile attacks on Riyadh's airport that claimed four lives, Reuters announced on Saturday. The attacks have wreaked havoc on aviation, prompting widespread travel disruptions and warnings from Britain, France, and Germany against visiting Riyadh.

The World Petroleum Congress, a gathering of global oil executives and policymakers, is set to run from Sunday through Thursday as planned, according to organisers who communicated the decision to attendees via email. In response to the security crisis, alternative travel arrangements are being considered, such as flying to Dammam on Saudi Arabia's eastern coast and then driving to Riyadh, a journey that typically takes around four hours.

Italian Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin announced on Friday that he would attend the International Energy Forum's ministerial meeting, which coincides with the congress, via video link instead of traveling to Riyadh. The Future Investment Initiative, Saudi Arabia's flagship investment conference initiated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a decade ago, will also proceed as scheduled from October 26-29.

Organizers emphasized that extensive security measures would be implemented to protect the conference venues, airports, and official accommodations, with coordinated transportation provided for participants. Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan, and Jane Fraser, CEO of Citi, are among the attendees anticipated to be present. The Houthis have issued a stern warning to airlines, asserting that Saudi airspace is now considered a zone of military operations following Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces' offensive against the group earlier this month.

Airlines have responded by reducing services, with Lufthansa halting flights to Riyadh until October 16, while Etihad Airways and Flydubai have canceled their respective services scheduled for Saturday. Saudi Arabia retaliated by launching strikes on Houthi missile-launch sites and claims to have intercepted numerous ballistic missiles fired by the group.

The decision to maintain the conference schedules highlights Riyadh's determination to continue international business and investment activities despite escalating security risks and travel uncertainties.