An administrative building affiliated with Saudi Aramco was targeted in Dhahran, in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, on Tuesday evening, October 13, resulting in a limited fire, the Ministry of Energy announced on Wednesday.

An official source at the ministry confirmed that the incident occurred at an administrative building belonging to the Saudi energy company.

The ministry said relevant authorities responded immediately and implemented the necessary measures to contain the situation, Saudi Gazette reported.

No injuries or fatalities were reported, according to the ministry.

Saudi coalition intercepts ballistic missiles and drones

Separately, the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen announced that its air defence systems had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the Houthi militia towards Dhahran.

Coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Maliki said fragments from the intercepted missile fell in a residential area of Dhahran, with authorities responding to the site.

The coalition also reported intercepting and destroying another ballistic missile targeting Haradh Centre in Al-Ahsa Governorate.

In a separate incident, coalition air defences intercepted and destroyed three drones north of Riyadh.

The announcements come as Saudi authorities continue to respond to missile and drone threats targeting locations across the kingdom.

The Ministry of Energy did not provide further details on the extent of damage to the Aramco building or any impact on the company’s operations.

The statements also did not establish whether the missile intercepted over Dhahran was directly connected to the incident at the Aramco building.

GEMS Education has unveiled a school model that will combine artificial intelligence (AI) powered, self-paced study with approximately 90 minutes to two hours of teacher-led learning each day, with its first soft launch planned for January 2027.

Called GR8 School, the model will initially operate as a “school within a school”, offering a distinct learning pathway within existing school communities, the education provider said.

Students will work through core academic material at their own pace using AI-powered systems that continually assess progress, identify gaps in understanding and determine when they are ready for more challenging work.

Teachers specially trained for the model will use that information to provide individual support and deliver practical aspects of the curriculum. They will remain responsible for academic rigour, GEMS said.

The planned daily schedule will combine self-paced study with approximately 90 minutes to two hours of synchronous, teacher-led learning, supported by specialists and industry experts.

Students will also spend two to three more hours on enrichment programmes, including projects, practical activities, collaboration, sport, the arts and personal development. GEMS did not specify the daily duration of the self-paced academic component.

The model will also connect students with specialists, practitioners, and industry experts based on their interests and potential ambitions.

Alongside academic work, it will emphasise critical thinking, communication, teamwork, financial literacy and practical life skills.

GEMS on why the new model is a first-of-its-kind

GEMS described GR8 as a “global-first” model combining personalised AI learning, teacher mentorship and real-world expertise.

“Today, AI is changing how we learn and work, but the answer cannot simply be to put more technology into classrooms,” said Sunny Varkey, chairman and founder of GEMS Education.

“We have to ask a bigger question: if we were designing education for young people today, knowing how rapidly the world around them is changing, what would we do differently?”

GR8 is being developed for different GEMS school segments and price points. Indicative annual fees are approximately $8,000–$10,000 for affordable offerings and $20,000–$40,000 for premium offerings.

Final fees will depend on the school, market and model and will be confirmed closer to launch, the company said.

Varkey said the pathway would appeal to a select group of students seeking greater independence and ownership of their learning.

“GR8 is not for everyone, nor is it intended to be. No single model of education is right for every child,” he said.

Ahead of the planned January 2027 soft launch, GEMS will continue developing and testing the learning technology, academic model, teacher and guide roles, and network of specialist and industry expertise.

Further details will be announced closer to launch, the company said.

Spending in the UAE’s space economy rose 27.1 per cent to Dhs5.52bn in 2024, with commercial activity accounting for nearly half of expenditure, according to the survey findings released by the UAE Space Agency on October 13.

The 2025 Space Economic Survey, which measured activity in 2024, was conducted with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC). Its results were announced at a workshop in Dubai.

Commercial spending reached Dhs2.64bn, representing 48 per cent of total space economy expenditure.

“The latest survey results demonstrate the growing economic value of the UAE’s space sector, with value growth added outpacing spending by more than two to one,” said Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and chairman of the UAE Space Agency.

“This progress reflects expanding commercial activity, sustained government investment and a growing base of national talent, including Emirati women.”

The survey recorded 1,495 Emiratis working in the sector, an increase of 27.9 per cent compared with the previous survey.

The number of people aged 15 to 35 working in the sector reached 1,333, up 29.5 per cent compared with the previous survey.

Women accounted for 33.5 per cent of the sector’s workforce, while female employment increased by 83.9 per cent.

Al Falasi said the agency’s priorities included attracting investment, helping UAE-based companies compete internationally and developing the workforce needed to support growth.

The National Space Strategy 2031 aims to position the UAE among the world’s 10 largest space economies. Its targets include increasing economic value added by 60 per cent and doubling space economy revenues.

Read: UAE unveils asteroid probe ahead of 5 billion km mission to 269 Justitia

The strategy also seeks to expand investment in assets and infrastructure, increase the number of companies and UAE-headquartered start-ups, and widen the international markets receiving UAE space exports.

Conducted annually, the survey covers core space companies and organisations using space-derived data to measure activity across the wider space economy. Its findings inform policy and investment decisions and are presented to the Supreme Space Council to help shape strategic priorities.

Hanan Ahli, managing director of the FCSC, said tracking investment, expenditure, employment and economic contribution helped policymakers identify opportunities and guide development.

She said the survey’s alignment with the UAE’s Comprehensive GDP Revision Programme would support more accurate measurement of emerging and growing sectors by improving data sources and expanding statistical coverage.

The workshop also marked the launch of the 2026 Space Economic Survey, which will measure activity in 2025. Data collection will continue until December 2026, with results expected in October 2027.

Latest update: 14 October 2026, 06:15am

Airlines operating between the UAE and Saudi Arabia are continuing to cancel flights on Wednesday, October 14, as disruption spreads across the kingdom’s aviation network following a series of deadly attacks on its airports.

More than 300 departures scheduled from Saudi airports on Wednesday have already been cancelled or listed as not operating, while the total number of affected flights over the past week has exceeded 3,100.

The disruption has affected Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Air Arabia and several international carriers, with Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport remaining closed until at least October 17.

According to the latest figures from aviation analytics firm Cirium, reported by Khaleej Times late on Tuesday, 313 of 1,097 scheduled departures from Saudi airports on October 14 were listed as cancelled or not operating, representing 28.53 per cent of services.

The updated data also shows that 556 of 1,058 departures on Tuesday, October 13, were cancelled or marked as not operating, representing 52.55 per cent.

Monday was even more severely affected, with 632 of 1,048 scheduled departures cancelled or not operating, equivalent to 60.31 per cent.

Overall, more than 3,100 flights, or approximately 40 per cent of scheduled services, have been affected between October 8 and 14, according to the data.

The figures remain subject to change as airlines revise their schedules.

Here is the latest airline-by-airline update.

Emirates: Dubai-Riyadh flights continue to face cancellations

Emirates continues to face significant disruption across its Saudi Arabian network, particularly on flights connecting Dubai with Riyadh.

The airline previously listed Dubai-Riyadh services EK815, EK817 and EK819 as cancelled on October 13, alongside return service EK816.

Flight-tracking information also shows Emirates flight EK817 from Dubai to Riyadh as cancelled for Wednesday, October 14.

Services to Dammam, Jeddah and Madinah have also experienced cancellations in recent days, although the disruption does not necessarily affect every flight on these routes.

Some services previously reported as cancelled have subsequently reappeared on published schedules.

For example, flight EK821 from Dubai to Dammam, which was still cancelled on October 14, was subsequently listed as scheduled for October 15.

However, a flight appearing on a published schedule does not confirm that it will operate.

Passengers are advised to check their individual flight numbers through Emirates’ official flight-status service before travelling.

Etihad Airways: Riyadh flights cancelled until October 19

Etihad Airways has confirmed that all flights between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh have been cancelled until Monday, October 19, extending disruption to services between the UAE capital and Saudi Arabia into next week.

The airline has also cancelled flights to Dammam and Jeddah, with different dates applying to the affected routes.

Dammam

All flights between Abu Dhabi and Dammam on Tuesday, October 13, and Wednesday, October 14, have been cancelled.

Jeddah

The following flights have been cancelled through Wednesday, October 14:

• EY601: Abu Dhabi to Jeddah
• EY602: Jeddah to Abu Dhabi
• EY603: Abu Dhabi to Jeddah
• EY604: Jeddah to Abu Dhabi

Etihad has also cancelled flights EY603 and EY604 on Thursday, October 15.

The airline has warned that further adjustments remain possible as it monitors the situation.

Passengers affected by the cancellations can contact Etihad or their booking agent regarding rebooking and refund arrangements.

flydubai: Riyadh, Dammam and Abha cancellations extended to October 19

flydubai has extended flight cancellations to several Saudi Arabian destinations until October 19, including Riyadh, Dammam and Abha.

The announcement on Tuesday extends an earlier suspension covering services until October 14.

In a statement, a flydubai spokesperson confirmed that the airline anticipated further changes to its scheduled Saudi operations because of the current situation.

The carrier said it continued to monitor developments closely and would provide customers with updates through its official communication channels.

The disruption affects several Dubai-Riyadh services, including flights FZ841, FZ847 and FZ855, alongside flights serving Dammam and Abha.

However, the airline’s announcement does not amount to a suspension of its entire Saudi Arabian network.

Other destinations, including AlUla, have appeared on flight schedules during the disruption.

Passengers should therefore check their individual bookings rather than assume that all flydubai flights to Saudi Arabia have been cancelled.

Air Arabia: Sharjah-Riyadh and Abha services affected

Air Arabia has experienced cancellations across selected routes connecting Sharjah with Saudi Arabia.

Flights G9151 and G9154 serving Riyadh were listed as cancelled on October 13, alongside flight G9195 to Abha.

Earlier cancellations also affected selected services to Taif and other Saudi destinations.

Some of these services continue to appear on flight-tracking schedules for October 14, although their appearance does not establish that they will depart.

Given the continuing closure of Riyadh airport, travellers should not rely solely on published timetables.

Air Arabia passengers are advised to confirm their flight status directly with the airline, particularly for services scheduled overnight or early in the morning.

Qatar Airways: Riyadh and Dammam services suspended

Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam because of the regional situation.

The Doha-based carrier has not announced a confirmed resumption date for the affected routes.

Passengers travelling between Qatar and Saudi Arabia should check directly with the airline for the latest operational information.

International airlines extend Saudi flight suspensions

Several international carriers have extended cancellations, with some postponing services until later this year or into 2027.

According to the latest Reuters airline update issued on October 13, the following measures remain in place:

• Air France-KLM: Services to and from Riyadh suspended until the end of October.
• Air India: Flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah suspended until October 17.
• Akasa Air: Flights to and from Riyadh and Jeddah suspended until October 17.
• Cathay Pacific: Resumption of Hong Kong-Riyadh and Hong Kong-Dubai routes postponed through January 31, 2027.
• Delta Air Lines: Launch of the planned Atlanta-Riyadh service postponed until March 2027.
• Gulf Air: Flights between Bahrain and Riyadh cancelled from October 12 to 17.
• IndiGo: Flights to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah cancelled until October 17.
• Lufthansa Group: All Riyadh flights cancelled until October 16.
• Malaysia Airlines: Flights to and from Jeddah and Madinah cancelled until October 17 as a precautionary measure.
• Philippine Airlines: Riyadh services suspended until November 29.
• Qatar Airways: Flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam temporarily suspended, with no confirmed resumption date.

The latest announcements represent extensions to several earlier advisories, particularly those issued by Indian airlines.

Air India, IndiGo and Akasa Air have all extended their cancellations to October 17 as the disruption continues.

When will Riyadh airport reopen?

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation has extended the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport while authorities complete safety inspections and assessments of the airport’s operational readiness.

A Notice to Airmen issued on Monday indicated that the airport would remain closed until 2100 GMT on October 17, equivalent to midnight in Saudi Arabia at the beginning of October 18.

However, this represents the currently published closure deadline rather than a guaranteed reopening time.

The closure follows repeated attacks on the airport by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement, including a deadly strike on Saturday, October 10, that killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300.

A further attack on Sunday resulted in additional casualties.

The disruption has affected domestic and international operations throughout the kingdom, with cancellations extending well beyond Riyadh.

Passengers are advised to check their airline’s official flight-status service before travelling to the airport, particularly as further cancellations and schedule changes remain possible.

• *Flight information remains subject to change. A flight appearing as scheduled does not guarantee its operation, while an earlier cancellation does not necessarily mean subsequent services on the same route remain suspended.

Shrapnel from intercepted Houthi cruise missiles fell on 15 residential homes in Riyadh, injuring four people, Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence said on Wednesday.

The incident occurred on Tuesday after Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed two cruise missiles launched towards the capital by Yemen’s Houthi militia.

According to authorities, the falling debris injured two women, a man and a child, while causing limited material damage to 15 residential properties.

Emergency teams responded to the affected neighbourhoods.

The Saudi-led coalition also confirmed a series of missile and drone interceptions across the kingdom.

Coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Malki said air defences had intercepted and destroyed missiles targeting Riyadh and other parts of Saudi Arabia.

Three drones were also destroyed north of Riyadh, while ballistic missiles targeting Dhahran and Haradh were intercepted.

Saudi Aramco building targeted in Dhahran

The latest interceptions came amid another attack on Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure.

The Saudi Ministry of Energy confirmed that an administrative building belonging to Saudi Aramco in Dhahran had been targeted on Tuesday, causing a limited fire.

Authorities said the incident resulted in no injuries or fatalities.

Separately, debris from an intercepted ballistic missile fell in a residential area of Dhahran, according to the Saudi-led coalition.

Saudi Arabia warns Houthis of consequences

The attacks followed a warning from Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, that the Houthis would face consequences for their repeated strikes against the kingdom.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday, the Cabinet condemned attacks targeting Saudi airports, Makkah, Madinah, civilian infrastructure and economic facilities.

It also reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to protecting maritime navigation through the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab Strait, a critical route for international trade and energy shipments.

The latest incidents follow a deadly Houthi attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Saturday, which killed 13 people and injured more than 300. The airport was targeted again on Sunday, resulting in another death and further injuries.

Saudi-led coalition intensifies operations in Yemen

Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition carried out fresh military operations against Houthi-controlled facilities in Yemen on Tuesday.

The coalition said its strikes targeted infrastructure used by the Houthis to support missile and drone operations, including fuel storage facilities near the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.

The latest escalation comes as fighting intensifies between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces in Yemen, with both sides exchanging attacks.