Indian Embassy in Riyadh issues fresh advisory to nationals amid escalating Houthis attack
RIYADH: Amid escalating Houthis attack on Saudi Arabia, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh has urged Indian nationals across the gulf country to follow updated emergency safety instructions issued by the local authorities and be vigilant regarding travel or movement. Amid heightened security concerns following drone and missile attacks by the Houthis, the advisory directs people to take immediate shelter when emergency alerts are received, stay away from windows and open areas and avoid filming security incidents. The warning follows a recurring Houthis strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, energy facilities and other critical civilian infrastructures.
The Indian community residing in Saudi Arabia is requested to abide by local rules and regulations. ⬇️ https://t.co/WblOWh2f7S
— India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) October 17, 2026
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh on October 18, Sunday urged Indian nationals residing in Saudi Arabia to take note of and comply with the latest emergency safety directives issued by Saudi authorities. The guidelines, shared through social media platforms, outline precautionary measures to be followed when alerts are received through Saudi Arabia’s National Early Warning Platform for Emergencies.
The advisory comes amid heightened security concerns following drone and missile attacks by Yemen’s Houthis militia on Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about the safety of Indian nationals living and working in the Kingdom. According to the instructions, people receiving emergency warnings should remain calm and immediately move to the nearest safe location inside a building. Authorities have recommended taking shelter in an interior room, away from the windows and glass until the danger has passed.
The Indian community is requested to take note and follow the instructions by Saudi authorities. ⬇️ https://t.co/AzoqsUEK9W
— India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) October 17, 2026
Residents have also been advised not to leave their homes or buildings until the threat subsides. They should remain indoors, avoid open areas and keep away from windows, glass panels, balconies and rooftops, which could expose them to potential danger during an attack. Indian nationals have been urged to remain vigilant and follow directions issued by the competent Saudi authorities through official communication channels.
The updated guidelines outline specific precautions for people who receive emergency warnings while indoors, outdoors or travelling by road. Those inside buildings have been advised to move immediately to a safe interior location, preferably a room without windows and remain there until authorities indicate that the danger has passed. People have also been asked to avoid balconies, rooftops and other exposed locations.
Individuals who are outdoors when an alert is issued should enter the nearest building as quickly as possible. If entering a building is not immediately possible, they should take shelter behind a solid barrier that offers protection from potential hazards.
The directives further advise people to avoid crowded places and locations considered dangerous during an emergency. Residents have also been instructed to refrain from taking photographs or recording incidents while security threats are unfolding.
Motorists have been given separate instructions for situations in which an emergency alert arrives while they are driving. They have been advised to pull over safely to the side of the road, keeping away from bridges and high-rise buildings.
The precautions are intended to reduce exposure to danger during emergencies and ensure that people can respond quickly to official warnings. Authorities have stressed the importance of remaining calm, seeking appropriate shelter and avoiding unnecessary movement until the situation becomes safe.
The advisory also discourages the circulation of information and visual material relating to ongoing security incidents. Indian nationals have previously been asked to refrain from filming, publishing or sharing photographs, videos and other information connected with attacks and related developments. The Embassy has urged nationals to rely on official announcements and comply with instructions issued by Saudi authorities instead of circulating unverified reports about security incidents.
The updated directives specify emergency telephone numbers that residents can use when facing an immediate threat or danger. People in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province can contact 911 for the emergency assistance. Those in other parts of Saudi Arabia have been advised to call 998.
