12 Jul 2022 | 12:58 PM UTC
Saudi Arabia: Increased security likely ahead of US President's visit to Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Jeddah, July 15-16
US President Joe Biden to visit Jeddah, Saudi Arabia April 15-16. Very tight security and travel disruptions likely.
Event
Saudi authorities will likely significantly increase security measures throughout Jeddah ahead of US President Joe Biden's attendance at the July 15-16 Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC+3) summit. Biden will meet GCC leaders from Saudi, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE, and the head of states from non-GCC members Jordan, Egypt, and Iraq.
While there have been no specific, announced threats to the summit, large gatherings of US and Arab 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 summit venue and its surrounding areas 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 King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED). Authorities may also temporarily close airspace around Jeddah as key figures arrive and depart the city; flight delays are possible.
Context
Biden and the GCC+3 leaders are expected to discuss several bilateral, regional, and global issues. Key topics discussed will likely include the war in Yemen, the Iran nuclear deal, and the role the Gulf states' could play in staving off a growing global energy crisis set off by the war in Ukraine. Saudi Arabia is the most influential and powerful member of the GCC.
Biden's visit is also an attempt to alleviate US-Saudi tensions. Rather than a traditional alliance, US-Saudi ties are a co-dependant relationship bound by common interests in oil and security. While US-Saudi Arabia ties have historically been strong, they have been increasingly strained in recent years. Despite this, neither Washington nor Riyadh can afford to end their relationship; it has weathered several storms since its beginning in 1933, such as the 1973 oil embargo, 9/11, the signing of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, and the murder of prominent journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Advice
Plan for localized traffic disruptions and flight delays in Jeddah July 15-16. Heed all instructions of local authorities.
