The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly missile attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement, has led to a wave of postponements, cancellations, and venue changes across multiple sports. The 2027 Asian Cup, originally scheduled for January–February 2026 in Saudi Arabia, has been delayed by almost a year to 23 December 2027 – 21 January 2028. This follows earlier cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends in April 2025, and now the season-ending races in Qatar (27–29 November) and Abu Dhabi (4–6 December) are also in doubt.
Football
The Saudi Pro League has largely continued but postponed several domestic fixtures, including a full round this weekend, citing calendar recalibration after the Asian Cup cancellation. The AFC Champions League has seen travel disruptions: Al-Nassr stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Kingsley Coman did not fly to Uzbekistan, and Al-Wasl declined to travel to Saudi Arabia for a match against Al-Nassr. Families of foreign players, such as Ollie Watkins' wife, have temporarily relocated to the UK for safety.
Formula 1
F1 faces a major dilemma for the 2025 season finale in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, with security reassurances from governmental sources but widespread misgivings within the paddock. If the situation deteriorates, the races could be replaced by a single event at Imola, Italy. The 2026 season opener in Bahrain (12–14 March) and the following Saudi Arabian Grand Prix are also at risk due to Houthi threats targeting the Aramco facility near the Bahrain–Saudi causeway. One contingency being discussed is moving the Bahrain race to Malaysia.
Other Motorsport
The 2026 Dakar Rally, originally set for Saudi Arabia in January, has been moved to start in Loule-Faro, Portugal, and finish in Marrakech, Morocco. Rally Saudi Arabia, part of the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship (12–15 November), has been cancelled. MotoGP will still race at Lusail International Circuit in Qatar this weekend, but the Yamaha team has been advised against travelling from Japan.
Tennis
The Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh, featuring Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Alex de Minaur, Taylor Fritz, and Learner Tien, has been postponed from its original start date to 27–30 December at the ANB Arena, located 31 km from King Khalid International Airport, which was attacked on 10 October. The 2025 WTA Finals, originally slated for Saudi Arabia, will instead take place at Indian Wells, USA, after a mutual agreement to terminate the hosting contract early.
Boxing
Saudi Arabia continues to host high-profile bouts, such as Canelo Alvarez's WBC super middleweight title win over Christian Mbilli last week. However, Lindolfo Delgado withdrew from his IBF lightweight title fight against Arthur Biyarslanov over safety concerns. The next scheduled event is Zuffa Boxing on 14 November, featuring Carlos Adames vs. Gerome Warburton in Riyadh Season 13.
WWE
WWE Crown Jewel 2025 will proceed this weekend but has been moved from Kingdom Arena to the ANB Arena. The card includes Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn, Liv Morgan, Chelsea Green, Bron Breakker, Austin Theory, Penta, Je'Von Evans, Cody Rhodes, and Randy Orton.
Other Sports Impacted
The FIFAe Finals esports tournament in Jeddah (October) was cancelled. The UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in Riyadh (trials and BMX Freestyle) were called off this week. The PIF Saudi International golf tournament (18–21 November at Riyadh Golf Club) was cancelled due to organisational and logistical challenges. The Professional Triathletes Organisation moved the Saudi Arabia T100 and World Triathlon Cup in Jeddah from late October to 16–17 April.
