Saudi Arabia postpones Desert Davos conference over Yemen attacks
Saudi Arabia has decided to postpone its annual “Desert Davos” conference, which was due to take place in Riyadh in October 2026, until next year because of heavy missile attacks by Yemen’s armed forces on vital facilities and airports in the country.
The decision was taken, it said, to maintain commitments to partners, members, speakers and participants.
While Saudi authorities continue their wide-ranging attacks on civilian areas in Yemen, targeting hundreds of Yemeni civilians, Yemen’s armed forces have responded by launching missile strikes against Riyadh’s infrastructure and economic arteries. The insecure and critical situation in areas under Saudi control has been cited as the main reason for the postponement of the major economic event.
Maha bint Mashari bin Abdulaziz, executive director of Saudi Arabia’s Future Investment Initiative (MIF), said in a statement that the delay was intended to ensure a high level of participation, organisation and impact for the conference and to honour a decade of contributions. She also claimed that all previous registrations to attend the summit would remain valid and that institute teams were ready to answer questions.
The postponement of the conference shows the negative impact of the ongoing conflict on Saudi Arabia’s international programmes and its economy. At the same time, the event has been delayed while the Taliban administration continues to see similar approaches in the region as a major challenge. Meanwhile, the continuation of clashes and attacks on infrastructure has had irreparable effects on civilians’ lives and has further complicated the security situation in the region.
