Saudi Arabia: Country to host 41st Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Al Ula Jan. 5 /update 1

Event

Saudi Arabia will host the 41st Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Al Maraya Concert Venue, Al Ula, Jan. 5. Previously, the event has been held at the GCC headquarters in Riyadh. Multiple high-level officials from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will attend the event.

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 Al Maraya Concert Venue and the surrounding areas, including Al Ula, in the days leading up to the event. Additional security measures, including checkpoints and road closures, are also likely along all major routes between the venue and Prince Abdul Majeed Bin Abdulaziz Domestic Airport (ULH), including Highway 375. Additional, unannounced closures of nearby roads are likely Jan. 5 as attendees travel to and from the venue.

Flight delays at ULH are also possible while summit attendees arrive and depart.

Advice

Plan for increased security in Al Ula ahead of, during, and after the GCC summit. Heed the advice of security personnel. Allow additional time if traveling through affected areas and through ULH Jan. 5.