• On October 21, the US Department of State ordered non-emergency government employees and their family members to depart Saudi Arabia amid escalating Houthi attacks targeting civilian airports and critical infrastructure.
• The State Department denied reports of a broader ordered departure across US diplomatic missions in the Gulf, clarifying that the formal order applied only to non-emergency personnel and their families in Saudi Arabia.
• However, unconfirmed reports citing US officials indicated that family members at other US diplomatic missions in the Gulf could also be ordered to leave.

Saudi Arabia:

1. Conduct only critical business travel to Saudi Arabia at the current juncture and reconsider the necessity of currently planned trips, including to Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh. Minimize personnel footprint to the minimum required.
2. Refresh security protocols and business contingency plans (BCPs) and consider bolstering security measures on the ground.
3. Conduct frequent, timely risk assessments before and during operations in the Kingdom, including before using international airports. This includes monitoring flight-tracking platforms to identify air-traffic anomalies, which currently are the earliest indicators of developing emergencies.
4. Refrain from using Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam’s international airports as much as possible. At this time, plan and consider alternative modes of transportation and lower-risk airports, including private-jet options. Consult with MAX’s Protection team for further information.
5. Try to secure flexible flight tickets and confirm travel itineraries regularly.
6. Remain cognizant of the gap in Saudi Civil Defense alerts and bolster employees’ situational awareness and preparedness. Continue to monitor updates from flight-tracking platforms, the Houthi military spokesperson, and the Saudi-led Coalition.
7. Avoid travel to areas along the Saudi-Yemen border and Saudi Arabia’s southern provinces, including Jazan, Asir, and Najran, due to the elevated risk of cross-border attacks. Specifically, avoid international airports in Najran, Jazan, and Abha.
8. Avoid traveling near key strategic civilian infrastructure across Saudi Arabia, especially oil & gas facilities.
9. Consider accommodation with underground parking lots that may provide a bolstered protected area in times of need. Refrain from staying above the sixth floor.
10. In Riyadh, if possible, avoid the western parts of the city.
11. MAX Security has strong on-the-ground capabilities in Saudi Arabia and the wider region, including secure transportation, safe havens, and contingency consultation and planning. Contact us at [email protected] or +44 20-3540-0434 for further consultations.
12. Contact us [email protected] for tailored, timely risk assessments and/or tactical monitoring services.