30 Dec 2020 | 05:50 AM UTC
Saudi Arabia: 41st Gulf Cooperation Council summit to take place in Riyadh Jan. 5
41st Gulf Cooperation Council summit to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 5. Increased security, transport disruptions likely.
Event
Saudi Arabia will host the 41st Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Riyadh Jan. 5. Multiple high-level officials from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will attend the event. Conference activities will likely be centered around the GCC's headquarters near Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter.
While there have been no specific, announced threats to the summit, large gatherings of Gulf state leaders could pose an attractive target for militant groups. Security forces will respond swiftly and aggressively to any perceived threat. Authorities will likely increase security in and around the GCC's headquarters Jan. 5. Additional security measures, including checkpoints and road closures, are also likely along all major routes between the headquarters and King Khalid International Airport (RUH), including Airport Road (Highway 539), King Salman Road, King Khalid Road (Highway 535), Eastern Ring Road, and Makkah Al Mukarramah Road (Highway 522). Additional, unannounced closures of these and nearby roads are likely Jan. 5 as attendees travel to and from the venue.
Flight delays at RUH are also possible while summit attendees arrive and depart.
Advice
Plan for increased security in Riyadh ahead of, during, and after the GCC summit. Heed the advice of security personnel. Allow additional time if traveling through affected areas and through RUH Jan. 5.
