Belgium postpones Queen Mathilde’s Saudi trade mission over security concerns

Belgium has postponed the economic mission to Saudi Arabia that Queen Mathilde was due to lead from 21 to 26 November 2026. The delegation had been scheduled to visit Riyadh and Dammam, but a separate diplomatic trip is still planned for those dates. [3] [1]

Belgian broadcaster BRF, in a report credited to Belga, says the Belgian Foreign Trade Agency announced the postponement because of the tense security situation, continuing attacks on Riyadh and its airport, uncertainty over how events would develop, and the withdrawal of much of the team preparing the visit in Riyadh. The mission was intended to strengthen business ties in sectors including logistics, healthcare and energy. [3] [1]

The airport attacks are a serious part of that backdrop. Saudi civil aviation authorities said an attack on 10 October killed 12 people and injured more than 300, according to the Associated Press. India’s News On AIR later reported that an injured Indian national had died, raising the reported toll to 13. The Saudi-led coalition blamed the Houthis for the attack. [5] [6]

BRF says Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot still plans to travel to Saudi Arabia from 21 to 26 November to lead a diplomatic mission. Nieuws.nl reports that an economic mission remains the intention for a later date. The Foreign Trade Agency’s website still lists the original November itinerary, rather than a replacement date. [3] [4] [2]