Riyadh has rapidly transformed into a critical escape corridor for wealthy executives and high-net-worth families fleeing escalating conflict across the Gulf.
As Iranian missiles and drones struck multiple countries following US-Israeli attacks on Tehran, Saudi Arabia’s capital has remained one of the few operational aviation gateways in the Middle East.
The crisis began after US-Israeli “pre-emptive” strikes on Iran on Saturday morning, which killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had ruled since 1989.
The United States and Israel said the bombings targeted Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. In retaliation, Iranian bombs rained down on the UAE, killing at least three civilians during a blitz in Dubai.
Iranian drones and missiles also struck Israel, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman, pushing the region into deep instability.
Airspace lockdown disrupts global travel
The retaliation triggered a sweeping airspace lockdown across the Middle East. Nearly 6,000 flights have been cancelled worldwide, with almost 30,000 delayed as aviation routes across the region shut down.
Against this backdrop, Riyadh’s airport has remained operational, making it one of the few viable exit points for those seeking to leave the conflict zone.
Riyadh airport becomes lifeline for fleeing elites
Executives and their families have been flocking to Riyadh in large numbers, where private jets and commercial aircraft are waiting to transport them to Europe and beyond.
According to Semafor, fleets of SUVs have been booked to ferry wealthy VIPs along the 10-hour desert road from Dubai to Riyadh. Private jet charter prices and SUV rental costs have surged sharply due to overwhelming demand.
A private jet flight from Riyadh to Europe now costs up to $350,000, Ameerh Naran, chief executive of private jet brokerage Vimana Private, told Semafor.
“Saudi Arabia is the only real option for people who want to get out of the region right now,” Naran said.
Saudi airspace remains open
Saudi Arabia reportedly intercepted missile strikes targeting Riyadh’s airport — King Khalid International Airport — on Saturday, according to Iran International.
Despite the attempted attacks, the kingdom’s airspace remains open.
Senior executives from global financial firms and other high-net-worth individuals have been seen in rising numbers at Riyadh’s airport, seeking swift departures.
Escape routes narrow as Oman hit
Earlier, wealthy evacuees had looked south to Oman as an escape corridor. However, that route was effectively closed after Iran bombed an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and struck Oman’s Duqm port.
With options shrinking, many turned west toward Riyadh — a city not historically viewed as a regional safe haven.
Riyadh itself has faced past instability, including Houthi bombings from Yemen in June 2020 that temporarily closed its airspace. During previous crises, including the Arab Spring from 2011 to 2012 and the 12-Day War between the US and Iran last June, when American forces bombed nuclear facilities, the super-rich fled through other regional hubs.
Now, in a dramatic shift, Riyadh has emerged as the safest available transit point.
Ian McCaul, director at UK-based security firm Alma Risk, told Semafor that clients ranging from families to corporations have sought evacuation support.
“We’ve been approached by a mixture of clients, including families, individuals, and corporations that want to get out of the region either because they fear for their safety, or for business reasons, they just need to be able to travel,” McCaul said.
Visa changes strengthen Saudi position
Saudi Arabia has recently loosened visa requirements, allowing many nationalities to obtain visas on arrival rather than waiting weeks for pre-approval.
This policy shift has positioned Riyadh as an accessible transit hub, despite past perceptions of the city being associated with strict religious rules and security concerns in the post-9/11 era.
While many are leaving, some residents insist they still feel safe in Dubai. Socialite influencer Hofit Golan, 40, said Dubai “still feels like a very safe place” on Sunday.
Her comments came just hours after an Iranian missile struck near the Palm Jumeirah hotel, leaving her terrified and hiding in a bath.
Although Saudi Arabia hosts several military bases, it has so far avoided the intensity of attacks seen in neighbouring countries.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman publicly distanced the kingdom from the initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran, declaring that Saudi airspace or land would not be used for attacks on Iran.
Despite reports of intercepted missiles aimed at Riyadh, the kingdom appears to have been spared the full force of Iran’s retaliation — making it a logical exit point for those seeking safety.
No simple outlook for region
As conflict spreads and uncertainty deepens, Riyadh’s sudden transformation into an evacuation hub underscores how quickly geopolitical shifts can reshape the region’s power and safety dynamics.
For now, the Saudi capital stands as one of the last open gateways in a region gripped by war.
