MBS' energy show as oil giants stay away from 'defenceless' Riyadh?

Saudi Arabia’s efforts to attract global investment are facing fresh scrutiny after top executives from ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, Chevron and TotalEnergies reportedly skipped the World Petroleum Congress in Riyadh on October 12. According to Reuters, the absences came amid heightened security concerns following deadly attacks on the Saudi capital claimed by the Houthis. Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman insisted the kingdom was safe but acknowledged that the threat from recent attacks remained serious. The congress, held around 10 kilometres from Riyadh’s airport, had already been postponed from April following the outbreak of the war involving Iran in late February.