WWE's Crown Jewel premium live event, originally scheduled for November 7 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has been moved to a new venue. The announcement was made by Riyadh Season, an entertainment festival organized by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, via social media.
This relocation occurs amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, following recent Houthi airstrikes on Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport, which resulted in casualties. The attack prompted increased safety concerns and led to the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia ordering non-emergency personnel and their families to leave the country due to safety risks.
The U.S. State Department also updated travel advisories for several Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, to Level 4, urging Americans not to travel there due to potential Houthi attacks and threats against U.S. citizens. Saudi Arabia reported that its coalition intercepted three missiles fired by Houthis toward the Eastern Province.
Crown Jewel was slated to be one of three major events held in Saudi Arabia this season. The country has previously hosted WWE's Royal Rumble and Night of Champions.
WWE has not provided further details regarding the new venue, but stated that all ticket holders would receive a full refund, with new tickets to be re-released within 48 hours. The organization was contacted for additional information.