Houthi forces in Yemen have resumed attacks targeting energy and civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia after a four-year lull, prompting significant disruptions to major events scheduled in the kingdom. The escalation by the Iranian-backed movement, which has controlled large parts of Yemen since 2014, complicates regional security just as Gulf countries prepare for their traditionally busy winter event season.

Following the launch of the Iran War by the United States and Israel on February 28, 2026, many large-scale events in the Gulf were either postponed or placed on hold amid expectations that the conflict’s disruptive effects would be short-lived. With the ceasefire ending the active phase of the war on April 8 and the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the U.S. and Iran in June, there was cautious optimism for a return to normalcy. However, the MoU quickly unraveled amid differing interpretations by American and Iranian officials.

Throughout the summer, the region saw a gradual easing of tensions and the resumption of various conferences, including Saudi Arabia’s flagship technology event, LEAP 2026, held in Riyadh from August 31 to September 3. But the recent Houthi attacks, including a notable strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, have upended these developments. The airport’s suspension of operations, following attacks that killed at least 20 people and injured hundreds, has led to a reassessment of travel and security risks by governments and event organizers worldwide.

The renewed violence has directly affected several prominent events. The Bahrain Grand Prix, traditionally held in the Gulf, was relocated to Malaysia and branded the “Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia” in early October. Similarly, the Qatar Economic Forum was moved out of the region, with a special leadership gathering held in New York in September. In Saudi Arabia, the conclusion of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup in Jeddah saw a large turnout, but the wave of attacks beginning just days after the tournament’s final has raised questions about the feasibility of future events.

Several scheduled events have been postponed or canceled as a result. The FIFAE Finals in eSports, initially set for October 16 in Jeddah, were postponed indefinitely, as was the PIF Saudi International golf tournament, the Asian Tour’s year-end finale. The Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition in Riyadh was postponed from late October to December 31. Meanwhile, speculation surrounds the status of the AFC Asian Cup, planned for January and February 2027, although organizers maintain it remains on schedule.

So far, disruption has been largely confined to Saudi Arabia. The DP World Tour’s season-ending golf tournaments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as well as the Formula One Grand Prix races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi slated for November and December, are expected to proceed unless conditions deteriorate further. These events will be closely watched as indicators of the Gulf region’s capacity to host large-scale international gatherings amid ongoing security challenges.

The resurgence of Houthi hostilities underscores the Gulf’s vulnerability to asymmetric attacks by heavily armed non-state actors. Previously seen as a relatively secure area due to its geography and alternative shipping routes, Saudi Arabia now faces heightened risks that may renew calls for regional diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis. As the kingdom navigates this shifting security landscape, officials are balancing the imperative to counter threats with the desire to maintain the Gulf’s role as a focal point for global sports, culture, and economic events.