U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia Issues New Security Alert Ahead of WWE Crown Jewel in Riyadh

It’s another day and another new travel advisory from the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Saudi Arabia. As you all know, there’s an ongoing situation in the Middle East due to the Iran War, with the Iran-supported Houthi forces targeting airports and U.S. government officials in the region. This is significant as WWE is scheduled to hold Crown Jewel 2026 in Riyadh only two weeks from now.

The latest travel advisory says no changes have been made to the advisory level or risk indicators. It also advises citizens to reconsider travel to the country “due to risk of drone and missile targeting of American interests by Iran and the Houthis.

Additionally, the advisory lists the following locations as potential targets for possible attacks: tourist locations and large gatherings, hotels and locations where U.S. citizens gather, transportation hubs, and entertainment venues. Here’s the full latest travel advisory:

“There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect an increase in potential armed attacks by the Iranian-supported Houthis and Iranian efforts to target U.S. government officials in the region.

Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to risk of drone and missile targeting of American interests by Iran and the Iranian-supported Houthis, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activity. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to the Yemen border region due to terrorism.

Advisory summary

On October 23, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Saudi Arabia due to safety risks.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia require special authorization to use any airport in Saudi Arabia.
U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to travel within 20 miles of the Yemen border due to safety risks.
U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia need special authorization to travel to:
The cities of Qatif, Taif and Yanbu.
The provinces of Jizan, Asir, and Najran.
Additional staffing posture adjustments may be imposed on U.S. personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility due to evolving security issues.

Armed conflict

Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.

Terrorism

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Saudi Arabia. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism  to learn more.

Terrorism is a concern in Saudi Arabia. Attacks can occur with little or no warning, especially around holidays. They can involve knives, firearms, and vehicles.

Terrorists may use violence to respond to direct attacks against them or other military operations in the region.

Potential targets include:

Important political, cultural, or religious sites
Places visited by U.S. citizens and other foreigners
Tourist locations and large gatherings
Hotels and locations where U.S. citizens gather
Transportation hubs
Markets and shopping malls
Entertainment venues
Government facilities

Missile and drone attacks from Iran and threats from Houthis in Yemen

Iran and Iran-backed Houthi rebels have launched missile and drone attacks into Saudi Arabia.

Attacks have impacted cities, infrastructure, airports, military bases, diplomatic, and energy facilities throughout the country.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels have threatened to attack Saudi Arabia again.
Falling debris from intercepted drones and missiles are also a risk.
U.S. citizens living and working near energy infrastructure and military bases may be at increased risk, especially closer to the border with Yemen.
Do not photograph, film, or share information about missile or drone interceptions or impact sites. Saudi authorities have detained U.S. citizens for taking photos of recent events.

Exit bans

The Government of Saudi Arabia has imposed exit bans on some U.S. citizens that prevent them from leaving. These can last many years.

Exit bans may be related to pending criminal and civil investigations and cases, including, but not limited to unpaid visa overstay fees, domestic family disputes, and other financial and labor disagreements.
In some cases, exit bans can continue even after a criminal sentence has been fully served or a private suit is settled.

Arbitrary Enforcement of Local laws

You are subject to Saudi Arabia’s local laws when traveling in the country. The U.S. government cannot guarantee your release if you are detained or arrested abroad.
If you break laws in Saudi Arabia – even by mistake – you could be deported, fined, imprisoned, or subject to an exit ban.
Some U.S. citizens have been detained for several months or even years without charges.
Saudi authorities may detain you if they consider your social media posts or other online activity to be critical, offensive, or disruptive to the public order.
Some U.S. citizens have been arrested for past social media activity, including comments posted while outside of Saudi Arabia. This may include posting, re-posting, or liking comments critical of the Saudi government or its leaders and policies. This also may apply to comments about public life or religion in Saudi Arabia.
Local laws against cybercrime and terrorism may be used to prosecute cases related to social media use.
Punishment for social media activity has included prison sentences of up to 45 years. Local authorities may not consider when, where, or in what context posts are made.”

WWE Crown Jewel 2026 is still scheduled for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 7. TKO CEO Ari Emanuel was asked about the topic on Fox News this week by Brett Baier. Emanuel said on Crown Jewel, “So far, it’s good. Nothing has been canceled.”

WWE Crown Jewel will be held at the Riyadh Season Stadium at King Abdullah Financial District. The show will air live on the ESPN App in the U.S. and on Netflix internationally.