French President Emmanuel Macron Visits Saudi Arabia Amid Threat of Houthi Attacks, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Welcomes Him
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | October 22, 2026 | The Global Journal
French President Emmanuel Macron has travelled to Saudi Arabia amid concerns over repeated attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group and the broader regional security situation. During the visit, aimed at expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia, Macron was welcomed in the capital, Riyadh, by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. Regional security, the protection of energy supplies, and France’s support for Saudi Arabia were among the key issues highlighted in reports about their meeting.
According to the information provided, Macron is the first Western leader to visit Saudi Arabia since the risk of Houthi attacks increased. His visit is being viewed as a reflection of France’s diplomatic engagement in the Middle East and its focus on security in the Gulf region.
Paris Sends a Message of Solidarity with Saudi Arabia
Before Macron arrived in Saudi Arabia, a statement from the French president’s office said that one of the main purposes of the visit was to demonstrate solidarity with Riyadh amid Houthi attacks. The statement also stressed the importance of maintaining secure hydrocarbon supplies and continuing efforts to diversify energy sources.
Speaking to journalists, Macron said he was simply “doing his job.”
Before travelling to Saudi Arabia, the French president visited Qatar. There, he said French military personnel and equipment had been deployed to Yanbu, a key Saudi oil export hub on the Red Sea coast. Protecting the country’s energy infrastructure and maintaining uninterrupted supplies are also important for international energy markets amid regional instability.
Houthis Claim Saudi Military Equipment Destroyed in Mukalla
Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi group, Ansar Allah, has claimed that Saudi military equipment transported by military cargo aircraft was destroyed at Al-Rayyan Airport in Mukalla, the capital of Yemen’s southern Hadramout governorate.
The group also reportedly warned Riyadh against using civilian facilities for military purposes.
However, it remains unclear whether the claim about the destruction of the military equipment has been independently verified. Further confirmation is needed regarding the full circumstances of the incident, the extent of any damage, and statements from the parties involved.
Energy Security and Regional Stability Under Scrutiny
Rising security risks in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways can affect international trade, energy transportation, and regional economies. The security of Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure is therefore important not only to Riyadh but also to global energy markets.
Diplomatic and security cooperation between France and Saudi Arabia has taken on added significance amid these concerns. Macron’s visit signals political support for Saudi Arabia while also highlighting European concerns about maintaining reliable energy supplies and preserving regional stability.
Nevertheless, any final assessment of Houthi attacks, the alleged destruction of Saudi military equipment, and the wider security situation should be based on independently verified information.
