RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman faces growing economic pressure after Houthi attacks killed at least 12 people at Riyadh’s main airport over the weekend.
Saudi Arabia’s terrified Crown Prince has been forced into hiding as Houthi rebels continue to hit Riyadh with deadly missile strikes, a report has claimed.
Mohammed bin Salman, 41, has for the past six days been moving between heavily guarded palaces with bunkers, according to officials.
The Saturday missile strike on King Khalid International Airport injured more than 300 people, according to Saudi authorities. A separate projectile hit the airport on Sunday, killing a Pakistani resident and injuring 11 others.
Meanwhile, the attacks forced authorities to suspend airport operations, disrupting international travel and business activity.
Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority extended the suspension on Monday to allow safety inspections and assess the airport’s operational readiness.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have warned airlines, passengers and airport workers to avoid Saudi airports, except those in Mecca and Medina.
Their expanding campaign threatens infrastructure supporting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 programme, which aims to diversify the economy beyond oil.
Read: Saudi Arabia Extends Riyadh Airport Closure After Strikes
Tourism and international investment form important parts of those plans. However, repeated attacks on airports and energy facilities have complicated the kingdom’s efforts to attract foreign businesses.
Saudi Arabia already faces weaker economic prospects. Its Ministry of Finance estimates that real gross domestic product will contract by 3.6% in 2026, compared with an earlier forecast of 4.6% growth.
Read: Saudi Arabia Faces Drone and Cruise Missile Threat, Coalition Says
The ministry expects oil-related activity to decline by 21.8%, while non-oil activity is projected to grow by 3.2%. Saudi Arabia has relied on its east-west oil pipeline to bypass shipping restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz.
However, regional attacks have also threatened energy infrastructure. Riyadh now faces the cost of maintaining air defences while funding major economic development projects.
Read: Saudi Arabia Says Third Riyadh Airport Attack Kills At Least 12
Saudi officials have warned of a serious response to the airport strikes. US President Donald Trump has also discussed possible American involvement in military action against the Houthis.
Despite the economic difficulties, Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Aljadaan has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing its development program.
