Latest On WWE Crown Jewel 2026 Plans Amidst US Embassy Riyadh Security Alert

We are a little under two weeks away from WWE Crown Jewel 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the event overshadowed by escalating conflict in the middle east.

WWE have long stood firm on plans to hold the event in Saudi Arabia as part of their ongoing partnership with the Gulf state, with TKO Holdings CEO Ari Emanuel recently doubling down on plans to run Riyadh on November 7.

Despite escalating attacks between Saudi Arabia and Iranian backed Houthis in Yemen, it seems WWE remain steadfast in their plans, with a report from Fightful Select noting that WWE are in constant talks with event organisers in Riyadh. The report notes that a number of WWE staff and talent are not happy about the situation.

Talks are set to commence today (October 26) between Iranian defence officials, and those of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan, and it remains to be seen what the outcome of such talks are, and what effect they’ll have on WWE’s plans. WWE reportedly had a back-up plan in case running Riyadh was out of the question, but more recent reports suggested there had been no concrete talks about moving the show.

On October 25, the United States Embassy in Riyadh issued the following security alert:

“Security Alert: U.S. Mission Saudi Arabia (October 25, 2026)

“Effective October 23, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Saudi Arabia due to safety risks.

“Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.

“U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia require special authorization from Chief of Mission to use any airport in Saudi Arabia following recent missile and UAV attacks on airports in the Kingdom.

“King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh announced a partial reopening as of October 25 for domestic flights and some international flights operated by national carriers. A limited number of flights normally based at RUH are operating out of Qassim-based Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ELQ).

“Operations at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah (JED) are operational with some delays and cancellations.

“Operations at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam (DMM) are operational with some delays and cancellations.

“U.S. citizens should be aware of potential attacks on airports, airspace closures, flight cancellations, and travel disruptions. Please take extreme caution if you choose to use airports in Saudi Arabia. We recommend checking your flight departure status directly with the airline and with the airport.”