French President Macron Lands in Riyadh on Solidarity Visit

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Riyadh on October 21st, 2026, for a surprise meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, becoming the first Western leader to visit the Kingdom since Houthi attacks intensified earlier this month. Macron’s office said the visit was intended to demonstrate French solidarity with Saudi Arabia following the attacks.

The stop comes at the end of a wider Gulf tour focused on securing and diversifying energy supplies. Macron has been seeking additional diesel, petrol and gas supplies as France deals with high energy prices and renewed domestic unrest over living costs. The Élysée said talks across the region have centred on energy security, supply routes and broader defence cooperation.

Security discussions are also expected to focus on recent Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure. France has already offered support for the rehabilitation and protection of facilities around Yanbu, with Macron saying French personnel and capabilities have been deployed as part of a defensive role.

The visit follows a sharp escalation in attacks this month, including a strike on Riyadh’s international airport that killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300. The unrest has disrupted flights and prompted the postponement of major sporting and investment events.