Saudi Arabia cancels investor forum as Houthi attacks continue
One Turn followed this story across 2 editions, from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 19, 2026. Newest first.
Saudi Arabia has led a coalition against the Houthis since 2015. Houthi attacks on the kingdom intensified this month amid the wider regional war involving Iran.
Saudi Arabia canceled its Future Investment Initiative, known as Davos in the Desert, because of Houthi strikes, while the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted drones aimed at the kingdom. The Houthis said they targeted a Saudi position in Aden and a base at Al Mukalla airport. Britain is deploying Typhoon jets to help defend Saudi Arabia, and Egypt's president said Cairo's support would defend Saudi territory without attacking Yemen.
Why it matters: The cancellation of a flagship investment event and foreign military deployments show the conflict spreading beyond Yemen's borders.
Saudi Arabia postponed its Future Investment Initiative conference, due next week, amid escalating Houthi missile and drone attacks on the kingdom, according to the Financial Times and CNBC.
Why it matters: The delay signals how regional war is disrupting Gulf efforts to attract global investment.