Major Saudi conferences to proceed, organisers say, despite deadly airport attack

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The organisers of two major Saudi energy and investment conferences say their events will go ahead this month and reassure visitors about security, after missile attacks on Riyadh’s airport left four people dead and an airliner heavily damaged this week, Reuters reports.

Riyadh is sticking to plans to convene global events and trying to draw in investment even amid escalating fighting with the Houthi rebels in neighbouring Yemen.

Organisers of the World Petroleum Congress, set to host top global oil executives and policymakers from Sunday to Thursday, say it will proceed as planned with foreign leaders and ministers in attendance, according to an email sent to delegates.

“Your comfort is our priority,” it reads, noting that alternative routes to Riyadh, including via a four-hour drive from Dammam on the kingdom’s eastern coast, were available.

The Future Investment Initiative, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as the kingdom’s flagship investment conference a decade ago, would also proceed as planned from October 26-29, organisers say.

“Safety and well-being remain our highest priority,” a statement attributed to FII CEO Maha Al Saud reads. “Comprehensive security measures will be in place at Riyadh’s airports, our conference venues and official hotels, with coordinated arrangements for participants’ transportation.”

Chief executives of some of the world’s biggest financial institutions, such as JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon and Citi’s Jane Fraser, are on the list of expected attendees. Citi and JPMorgan have not immediately responded to a request for comment.

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