Perched on Mount Munikh west of Al-Majmaah Governorate, the historic Munikh Observatory offers a striking example of traditional Najdi defensive architecture and the strategic use of natural landscapes to protect settlements.

Standing about 25 metres above the surrounding terrain, the elevated position gave guards a wide view of approaching routes. Narrow openings around the structure allowed them to monitor the area while maintaining a defensive position.

Historical references, including writings attributed to Al-Hamdani, link the name Munikh to an ancient settlement near the mountain. The earliest foundations of the observatory are estimated to date to the 15th century CE, corresponding to the ninth century AH.

Known traditionally as a marqab, or observation post, the structure formed part of a wider defensive system around Al-Majmaah. A stone wall once surrounded the settlement, following the mountain's natural ridges and incorporating three defensive bastions. Although urban expansion has absorbed much of the historic outer wall, the section on the mountain has survived, retaining its thick, tapering stone foundations and strategically placed firing openings.

The main observatory comprises two cylindrical structures built within one another, reaching approximately 12 metres in height. Local stone was used for the lower sections, while upper levels were constructed from mud brick. Tamarisk wood was used for ceilings and lintels.

The fortress also contains purpose-built defensive openings and five projecting balconies. Four were positioned to protect the sides of the structure, while another guarded the main entrance. The balconies are topped with traditional Najdi crenellations.

The observatory was initially used to warn residents of approaching threats through night-time fire signals. Following the unification of the Kingdom, its role expanded to include monitoring trade caravans, seasonal floods and pilgrim routes.

In recent years, the Heritage Commission has restored the observatory and sections of its fortified walls, adding visitor trails, stone stairways and lighting.

The site now includes a Visitor Center featuring bilingual interactive displays and guided interpretation stations. The restoration has transformed the former military lookout into a year-round cultural and tourism attraction in Al-Majmaah Governorate.

Source: SPA

Saudi Arabia is facing questions over its decision to stop issuing public warnings of imminent attacks before a series of deadly strikes hit Riyadh's international airport, killing at least 18 people and injuring more than 300.

The Saudi government has not explained why public alerts were absent before four attacks on the airport over the past week. The warnings had previously informed residents about security threats linked to the Kingdom's conflict with Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement.

Four Western and Arab officials in the region, along with political analysts, told Reuters that the absence of warnings raised concerns about Saudi Arabia's vulnerability to attacks and its ability to protect residents and visitors. They also suggested the decision reflected an effort to preserve a sense of normality despite the security situation.

Sultan Alamer, a US-based Saudi academic and senior resident fellow at the Middle East Policy Council, said the government appeared to be balancing military action with efforts to reassure the public and international stakeholders.

Saudi Civil Defence, which operates under the Interior Ministry and manages emergency alerts, did not respond to emailed questions about the lack of warnings. The government media office also did not respond to requests for comment.

On Monday, Civil Defence issued its first public threat alerts since September 29, warning of potential dangers in Riyadh and cities in southern Saudi Arabia. Reuters said it could not establish whether the renewed alerts were directly linked to the airport attacks.

Early Warning System Falls Silent

Gulf countries have faced Iranian missile and drone attacks since the US-Iran war began in February, but their approaches to public warnings have differed.

Qatar's Interior Ministry has issued mobile phone alerts before nearly every attack, including incidents in July when residents were instructed to remain indoors and stay away from windows. Bahrain and Kuwait have also repeatedly sounded sirens urging people to seek shelter.

Saudi Arabia introduced a national early warning system in May, distributing threat alerts through mobile phones and social media. However, the system stopped issuing public threat warnings despite a rise in Houthi attacks before last week's airport strikes.

According to posts on the Civil Defence account on X, the last alert before the recent attacks was issued on September 29 for the southern province of Najran.

Authorities continued issuing warnings about dangerous weather, including heavy rain and flooding, during the period without military threat alerts. Civil Defence also reminded residents not to circulate images, rumours or information about missile interceptions and impact locations. The restrictions are covered by government regulations introduced in March.

Reuters could not establish whether anyone had been prosecuted for sharing such information. Saudi authorities did not respond to requests for comment.

Two officials with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters that representatives of an allied Western government had asked Saudi authorities why public alerts had stopped before the airport attacks. According to the officials, the response was that the alerts caused disruption and that many residents had complained about being woken during the night.

Saudi officials did not respond to requests for comment on that account.

Michael Ratney, a former US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said the government was attempting to respond to security threats without causing widespread disruption. However, he argued that the absence of warnings had increased public anxiety rather than reduced it.

Analysts Question Saudi Arabia's Air Defence Capacity

Ali Shihabi, a Saudi analyst close to the government, said the country's vast territory made it difficult to protect every strategic location against aerial attacks.

He pointed to the scale of Saudi Arabia's infrastructure, including airports, pipelines and oil facilities, and said available missile defence systems and interceptors could not provide comprehensive protection across the entire country at once.

Shihabi argued that Saudi Arabia faced a continuing need for additional air defence capabilities.

Despite the attacks, Riyadh hosted an international energy conference on Monday, although several major oil executives withdrew from the event.

Speaking at the World Petroleum Council Energy Congress, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, a brother of the Saudi crown prince, defended the Kingdom's ability to continue its economic plans while acknowledging the ongoing risks.

He thanked international delegates for travelling to Riyadh and said they understood that the country was safe, while also cautioning that the gathering did not mean the danger had passed.

The minister reaffirmed the Kingdom's commitment to its long-term vision and development objectives.

Western Embassies Issue Internal Security Alerts

Although Saudi Arabia had not issued public military threat alerts during much of the period, Riyadh reportedly came under attack approximately a dozen times, two Western officials told Reuters.

Western embassies in the Kingdom continued sending internal warnings about potential missile and drone threats to their staff, according to three people familiar with the matter and alerts reviewed by Reuters.

One source said the warnings drew on intelligence from the United States and other Western governments, alongside information provided by Saudi authorities.

Embassy staff received internal alerts around the time of two earlier airport strikes, the sources said. However, they said no internal warning had been received before Saturday's attack, the deadliest of the recent incidents. Reuters could not determine why the warning was absent.

Saudi state television released footage of Saturday's strike on Sunday. The images showed passengers waiting inside the airport terminal, with travellers queuing to board a flight and others sitting in chairs while looking at their mobile phones.

The footage then showed a bright orange flash from an explosion, illustrating the attack's impact on a civilian airport environment.

The absence of public warnings before the strikes has intensified questions about Saudi Arabia's approach to communicating security threats, protecting civilians and maintaining public confidence during the continuing conflict.

Source: Reuters News

Saudi Arabia has extended the closure of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh until Saturday, October 17, as heightened security concerns disrupt air travel and prompt international airlines to suspend or reschedule flights to the Kingdom's capital.

The extended suspension was announced by the country's civil aviation authorities to allow further assessments and safety procedures to be completed before airport operations resume. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on Monday stated that the airport would remain closed until 2100 GMT on October 17.

The closure has affected one of Saudi Arabia's major international aviation gateways, forcing carriers from Europe, Asia and the Middle East to adjust their schedules amid reported missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi territory.

The security situation has also prompted aviation regulators in the United States and Europe to issue or strengthen warnings for airlines operating in Saudi airspace.

International Airlines Extend Flight Suspensions

Several international carriers have announced cancellations or postponed services to Riyadh, with some restrictions extending beyond the latest airport closure deadline.

According to a Reuters report, Lufthansa Group has cancelled all flights to Riyadh until October 16, while Air France-KLM has extended its suspension of services to and from the Saudi capital until the end of October.

Etihad Airways has cancelled flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam because of regional disruptions. The airline said services between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh would remain suspended until October 19.

Qatar Airways has also temporarily halted flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam, citing the prevailing situation.

Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines has postponed the planned launch of its Atlanta-Riyadh route from October 23 until March 2027, Reuters reported.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advised American carriers on Sunday to exercise caution when operating flights to or over Saudi Arabia. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) also expanded its warning concerning Saudi airspace on Friday, citing potential threats from missiles and drones.

Saudi Arabia Reports Missile Interceptions

The latest developments followed reports of further missile activity targeting Saudi Arabia.

Late on Monday, the Houthis claimed to have launched a ballistic missile towards King Khalid International Airport. The announcement came shortly after Saudi authorities reported intercepting and destroying a ballistic missile fired towards Riyadh.

Major General Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, said two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi militia towards Khamis Mushait had been intercepted and destroyed.

The reported attacks have heightened concerns over the safety of civilian aviation infrastructure and the potential risks to aircraft operating in the region.

Saudi Minister Reaffirms Commitment to National Security

Saudi Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossary has reiterated the Kingdom's determination to protect its territory, citizens, residents and critical infrastructure amid continuing security threats.

Speaking on Monday at the opening of the 37th government press conference in Riyadh, Al-Dossary condemned Houthi attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. He also expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

The minister said Saudi Arabia remained committed to protecting its security, safeguarding its resources and continuing its development programmes despite the threats.

He stressed that protecting citizens and residents remained the government's highest priority, adding that the Kingdom had the capabilities and preparedness necessary to respond to aerial, missile and drone threats.

Al-Dossary also highlighted national unity and praised the efforts of security personnel and the armed forces in defending the country and its holy sites.

He said repeated attacks demonstrated the Houthi militia's disregard for international law and moral and religious principles, particularly when civilians and essential infrastructure were placed at risk. He added that Saudi Arabia would continue to respond firmly to threats against its security and stability.

Protection of Pilgrims and Religious Sites

Addressing concerns about attacks affecting religious sites, civilian areas and critical infrastructure, Al-Dossary said the evolving security environment required continued vigilance and preparedness.

He warned that attacks involving airports could endanger innocent travellers, including Umrah performers, pilgrims travelling to the Grand Mosque in Makkah and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah.

Saudi airports serve large numbers of religious visitors throughout the year, making the protection of aviation facilities particularly important for both transportation and pilgrimage operations.

The minister said government agencies across the military, security, health and public service sectors were coordinating their efforts to ensure a comprehensive response to emergencies and protect the public.

He added that the Kingdom's heightened state of readiness should not be viewed as a cause for public alarm. Instead, he described it as part of preparations for different possible scenarios while maintaining security and allowing daily life to continue.

Source: TradeArabia

Dnata has allocated AED175 million since the beginning of 2026 to strengthen its ground support capabilities across the United Arab Emirates.

The investment includes the acquisition of more than 340 new units of ground support equipment, which will join the company’s existing fleet serving Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport.

Dnata currently operates approximately 2,800 ground support equipment units across the two airports, supporting a range of airport services and airline operations.

The latest investment is aimed at expanding and modernising the fleet to support operational requirements at both facilities.

Source: Emirates247

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a safety warning to American airlines operating flights to or over Saudi Arabia, citing risks associated with ongoing military activity and interference with navigation systems.

The Notice to Airmen, issued on Sunday and valid until December 10, follows attacks on Riyadh’s international airport on Saturday and Sunday. The Saturday attack reportedly killed 13 people and injured more than 300.

The FAA warned that the threats could affect aircraft at all altitudes, including during overflights, arrivals and departures. The notice describes the situation as potentially hazardous and also applies to operators of US-registered aircraft.

Riyadh’s international airport remains closed to flights until at least 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Monday.

The warning comes ahead of Delta Air Lines’ planned launch of direct flights between Atlanta and Riyadh on October 23. The US carrier did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday. However, Delta chief executive Ed Bastian told CNBC last week that safety would determine whether the airline proceeds with the launch.

Other major US airlines serve Riyadh through codeshare agreements with partner carriers.

Cargo operations also connect Saudi Arabia with international markets. FedEx launched its first dedicated flight to Saudi Arabia in September 2025. The service uses a Boeing 777 freighter operating six times a week, linking Riyadh with the Americas and Europe, with onward connections to Guangzhou and Shanghai.

Source: Reuters News

Oman is hosting a series of regional aviation safety meetings in Muscat, bringing together representatives from 13 countries and international aviation organisations to discuss safety improvements and regulatory oversight.

Represented by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Oman is organising the eighth meeting of the Safety Enhancement Implementation Group (SEIG/8) of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), alongside meetings of the National Continuous Monitoring Coordinators (NCMC). The sessions are taking place from 11 to 13 October 2026 in cooperation with the ICAO Middle East Regional Office.

Participants include representatives from Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Egypt, Libya, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Jordan and Nigeria. Officials from ICAO and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) are also attending.

The agenda covers aviation safety priorities across the Middle East, including follow-up on the decisions and outcomes of the 13th meeting of the Middle East Regional Aviation Safety Group (RASG-MID). Delegates will also review progress on safety enhancement initiatives under the Middle East Aviation Safety Plan for 2026–2028.

Other key topics include the development and implementation of national aviation safety plans and State Safety Programmes (SSPs). Participants will also examine updates to the Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA) under ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP).

The meetings will provide an opportunity for national continuous monitoring coordinators to share experiences, discuss implementation challenges and identify priorities for future regional cooperation.

The discussions aim to support continued improvements in aviation safety oversight and strengthen coordination among participating countries.

Source: Omani News Agency