Attacks on Riyadh’s airport are disrupting Saudi Arabia’s efforts to attract international business, with major energy executives withdrawing from a flagship industry gathering.
The CEOs of BP, Shell and TotalEnergies, alongside US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, dropped out of the World Petroleum Council Energy Congress following the Houthi strikes, Semafor reported.
The disruption creates difficulties beyond the conference. Restricted air travel threatens business visits and tourism, two important parts of the kingdom’s economic diversification plans.
Aramco CEO Amin Nasser called for deeper international cooperation to protect energy infrastructure and trade routes.
“No one nation, even one as capable and confident as ours, can safeguard them alone,” he said.
The pressure illustrates the wider economic consequences of regional conflict, also discussed in Rising Fuel Costs Reshape Politics as Voters Demand Relief.
For Saudi Arabia, reassuring investors now requires demonstrating that international access and business operations can remain dependable despite the security threats.
Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content is for informational and educational purposes only.
