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UAE Urges Joint Gulf Security Action as Attacks Shut Riyadh Airport

The UAE has called for the revival of joint Gulf defence and security cooperation following repeated missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. Operations at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport remained suspended as parts of Saudi airspace were shut down. Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman stated that economic and energy development initiatives will proceed uninterrupted.

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Illustration: Editorial documentary photo of a modern international airport terminal concourse in the Gulf region with grounded commercial passenger a
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Saudi Arabia reported facing a new wave of incoming missile and drone attacks on Monday, according to reports by Reuters and Firstpost. The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen confirmed incoming projectiles following a sequence of strikes claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis targeting transportation and energy infrastructure.

The strikes have caused the suspension of flight operations at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport and forced temporary closures of sections of Saudi airspace. The disruptions occurred as the Saudi capital was hosting the World Petroleum Energy Congress.

In response to the escalating threats, UAE presidential diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash called for the revitalisation of joint Gulf action focused on security and defence. Gargash stated on social media that attacks on Saudi Arabia compromise the security of the UAE and all Gulf states, emphasising that regional security is indivisible and represents a shared responsibility requiring collective coordination.

Addressing an energy conference in Riyadh on Monday, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman reiterated that the Kingdom remains committed to attracting investment and continuing the expansion of its energy systems and industrial capabilities. Separately, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei reiterated Tehran's readiness to assist in facilitating dialogue between the conflicting parties.

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