Riyadh’s Kingdom Centre orders remote work after Houthi attacks; two helicopter pilots killed near Yemen border

Remote work imposed at Kingdom Centre The Kingdom Centre, a prominent 99‑storey skyscraper overlooking central Riyadh, has instructed all office employees to work from home indefinitely. The directive, issued by the building’s management via email, was announced on Sunday without an explanation. The mall at the base of the tower remains open.

Context of heightened security concerns The order comes after a string of attacks attributed to the Iran‑backed Houthi movement. A week earlier, 13 people were killed in a major Houthi strike on Riyadh’s international airport, which remains closed. Schools in the city have also extended remote learning measures.

Tenants affected Key tenants of the Kingdom Centre include financial services firm Merrill Lynch, management consultancy McKinsey, and the International Monetary Fund. All employees of these organisations are now required to work remotely.

Helicopter crash near Yemen border On the same day, the Saudi‑led coalition announced that an AH‑6i reconnaissance helicopter belonging to the Ministry of National Guard crashed in Najran, close to the Yemen border. Coalition spokesman Turki Al‑Malki said the accident was caused by a technical malfunction and that the two aircrew officers were killed.

Houthi claims of downing an Apache A Houthi spokesperson, Yahya Saree, later claimed that the group had shot down an Apache helicopter in the area. The coalition’s statement does not mention any hostile action, attributing the crash solely to a technical failure.

Wider implications The combination of the remote‑work mandate and the helicopter incident underscores the escalating security situation in Saudi Arabia amid the ongoing conflict with the Houthis. The Kingdom Centre’s decision reflects a precautionary approach by a high‑profile building in the capital.

Current status The Riyadh airport remains closed following the recent attack, and the Kingdom Centre’s remote‑work order is in effect until further notice. The building’s management has not provided a reason for the directive, leaving tenants and observers to speculate on the underlying threat assessment.

Conclusion The latest developments highlight the persistent volatility in the region. While the Kingdom Centre’s remote‑work policy aims to protect its occupants, the helicopter crash near the Yemen border illustrates the tangible risks faced by Saudi forces operating close to the Houthi‑controlled areas.