Saudi Arabia Sends Skyscraper Employees Home Amid Houthi Threats

Following multiple Houthi attacks, including an airport assault and drone interceptions, the Kingdom Center skyscraper in Riyadh mandated remote work for its employees. Security concerns remain elevated due to ongoing conflict with the Houthis.

What happened

• The Kingdom Center skyscraper in Riyadh ordered its office workers to work remotely due to escalating attacks by Houthi rebels.
• This directive, effective immediately and until further notice, followed a previous closure of King Khalid International Airport after a Houthi attack resulted in 13 deaths and over 300 injuries.
• The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting two drones in the Riyadh area and a third in the Eastern Province, alongside two ballistic missiles in southern Saudi Arabia.
• Additionally, two helicopter pilots were killed in a crash near the Yemen border due to a ‘technical malfunction,’ according to the coalition.
• The Houthis have targeted oil facilities, tankers, and the airport, while the coalition has conducted strikes on Houthi areas.
• Egypt is considering providing military assistance to Saudi Arabia, with President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi requesting an emergency parliamentary session to authorize defensive support.
• The attacks have prompted extended remote learning measures in Riyadh schools and heightened security concerns regarding Saudi Arabia’s oil production.

Original reporting

• Deutsche Welle: Saudi Arabia sends skyscraper employees home amid Houthi threats
  2026-10-18T16:34:54.256000+00:00
• Fox News: Saudi Arabia on edge: Iconic Kingdom Centre sends workers home amid Houthi attacks
  2026-10-19T00:45:15+00:00
• South China Morning Post: Saudi closes Riyadh skyscraper as chopper pilots killed near Yemen
  2026-10-18T11:22:38+00:00