Saudi events delayed after Houthi attacks

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 16, 2026

Multiple high-profile international events in Saudi Arabia, including an EU-GCC summit and major sports tournaments, have been postponed or canceled following missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. These disruptions highlight escalating regional security threats that are complicating Saudi Arabia’s attempts to host global gatherings amid ongoing conflict.

Several international events scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia over the coming months have been postponed or cancelled following a series of missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The disruptions come amid ongoing security concerns after the closure of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, which was targeted in recent assaults that resulted in casualties and extensive damage.

Among the affected events is a summit involving leaders from the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), initially planned for October 24. The European Council announced the postponement, with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev suggesting the delay may be related to security considerations. The summit was expected to promote negotiations on a trade agreement between the EU and the six GCC member states. A spokesperson for the president of the European Council refrained from providing further details.

In the realm of sports and entertainment, several high-profile tournaments have been delayed. The PIF Saudi International golf tournament, part of the Asian Tour and scheduled for November 18 to 21, has been postponed indefinitely. Organizers cited the logistical and organizational difficulties posed by the current situation. Similarly, the FIFAe Finals 2026 esports competition in Jeddah, set to commence on October 16, has been deferred due to regional developments affecting event logistics. Additionally, the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition, featuring players such as Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Alexander Zverev, was postponed from late October to late December. The tournament forms part of Riyadh Season, an annual festival coordinated by the General Entertainment Authority.

The backdrop to these delays is an escalation of violence linked to the Yemen conflict. The Iran-aligned Houthis launched missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, including strikes near Medina and the oil-rich Eastern Province. These attacks resulted in the deaths of 18 people and wounded more than 300. The Saudi-led coalition fighting against the Houthis stated it intercepted a ballistic missile over Medina and a hostile drone in the Eastern Province. The Houthis have denied targeting Medina, home to Islam’s second holiest site, the Prophet Mohammed’s mosque.

In Riyadh, debris from intercepted missiles struck residential areas, causing injuries to five people and damage to multiple homes, according to Saudi civil defense authorities. The ongoing hostilities and resulting security apparatus have contributed to the challenges in staging international events, reflecting broader regional tensions that continue to affect Saudi Arabia’s efforts to host global gatherings.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.