Riyadh has emerged as a critical escape route for wealthy individuals and senior executives fleeing the Middle East amid escalating tensions.
According to Semafor, private security firms are arranging fleets of SUVs to transport clients from Dubai to Riyadh, where private jets chartered to Europe await. Those leaving include senior executives at global financial institutions and high-net-worth individuals visiting the region for business or leisure.
Ameerh Naran, CEO of Vimana Private, said flights from Riyadh to Europe now cost up to $350,000 (N479 million). “Saudi Arabia is the only real option for people wanting to leave the region,” he added.
Ian McCaul, operations director at UK-based security firm Alma Risk, confirmed requests from families, individuals, and corporations seeking safe passage out of the region.
Flight prices from Riyadh to Europe typically ranged from $50,000 to $150,000 in January, depending on aircraft size, according to Fly Elite Jet.
The surge in demand follows Iranian reprisal attacks on US military bases across the Middle East, with multiple explosions reported in Abu Dhabi, Manama, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh. These attacks responded to a US-Israel missile strike on Iran.
Regional disruption has forced the UAE to close its airspace, with Qatar Airways suspending flights and Dubai airports shutting down operations. Several global airlines have also temporarily paused services to the Middle East.
