Embassy staff told to shelter in place in Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter over potential threat, sources say

Riyadh, March 5, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Diplomats and staff at embassies in Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter were told to shelter in place on Thursday due to a potential but unspecified threat, four people with direct knowledge of the matter said.

The people did not provide further details. The Saudi government media office did not immediately respond to a request for comment, according to the information provided.

The gates to the Diplomatic Quarter, a neighbourhood on the western edge of Riyadh that houses most foreign missions in the country, were closed as of Thursday afternoon, two of the people said.