Riyadh has swiftly emerged as a primary evacuation hub for wealthy individuals and senior executives seeking to leave the Gulf, as missile and drone attacks disrupt cities once viewed as safe havens. According to Semafor, Saudi Arabia’s capital is now seen as the most viable departure point after strikes hit Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Bahrain over the weekend.
For years, Dubai and Abu Dhabi had drawn high-net worth individuals with their tax-free regimes, sunshine and reputation for security. That sense of stability was shaken when Iranian missiles and drones targeted the region, prompting those with the means to look for immediate exit options. Riyadh’s airport is among the few in the region still operating, Semafor noted, forcing stranded executives and their families to undertake the 10-hour drive from Dubai to reach available flights.
