GCC-EU Summit in Riyadh Delayed Due to Houthi Threats and Airport Closure

The Gulf Cooperation Council announced on Thursday that the GCC‑EU Summit, originally set for October 24 in Riyadh, has been postponed, according to the GCC.

Safety Concerns Cited

The GCC said the postponement follows continued Houthi attacks targeting the kingdom and the prolonged halt of flight operations at Riyadh’s main international airport.

GCC Secretary‑General Jasem Albudaiwi said the move was made to protect the safety of the delegations attending the summit amid ongoing security threats from the Houthi militia.

He added that the militia’s repeated attempts to strike Saudi territory and civilian facilities endangered innocent civilians, while the long‑running flight suspension disrupted summit preparations.

Future Rescheduling

The GCC General Secretariat confirmed that the summit will be rescheduled for a later date to be agreed jointly by the GCC and the European Union.

Albudaiwi stressed that both sides remain committed to creating the right conditions for holding the meeting.

He reaffirmed the determination of the GCC and the EU to deepen their strategic cooperation across various sectors and to build on their existing partnership to promote economic growth and prosperity for their member states and peoples.

Broader Context

The postponement comes amid a rise in Houthi missile and drone strikes on Saudi Arabia, including attacks on King Khalid International Airport and other civilian sites, according to the GCC.