Riyadh issues fresh safety alert, later declares danger over

Riyadh: Residents of Saudi Arabia’s capital were urged to take shelter on Monday after Civil Defence activated an emergency alert, a day after loud booms and a reported attempted attack on an Aramco building.

Authorities subsequently announced that the immediate danger had passed, while asking the public to remain cautious and follow official safety guidance.

The warning, issued through the National Early Warning Platform and shared on X, instructed people to move to the nearest safe location and remain calm.

Residents were advised to stay inside, choose rooms away from windows and keep clear of balconies, rooftops and open areas. Anyone outdoors was told to enter a nearby building or take cover behind a solid barrier.

Civil Defence also asked motorists to pull over somewhere safe, away from bridges and tall buildings. It cautioned against gathering, filming incidents or approaching potentially dangerous locations.

After lifting the alert, the authority reiterated its safety instructions and reminded residents to dial 911 in an emergency.

Monday’s warning followed a similar alert on Sunday, November 8, when loud booms were heard across Riyadh amid reports of missile interceptions.

A Saudi Ministry of Energy official later said an attempted attack had targeted an administrative building belonging to Saudi Aramco in the capital. Falling shrapnel caused limited damage, but no casualties were reported.

Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed four operations against Saudi targets on Sunday, naming Riyadh’s airport, Aramco storage facilities and Financial Centre among them.

The latest alerts come against a backdrop of mounting tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.