Saudi Arabia postpones Six Kings Slam tennis tournament to December

Organisers of the Six Kings Slam have announced the postponement of the high-profile tennis event, originally scheduled for October, to December in response to security developments in Riyadh. The decision came after a strike on King Fahd Road International Airport on October 10 resulted in at least 12 deaths and more than 300 injuries, prompting authorities to reassess the security situation in the capital.

The Six Kings Slam, held in Riyadh, is one of the world's most lucrative tennis tournaments, featuring elite professional players competing for substantial prize money. The event forms part of Saudi Arabia's broader initiative to establish itself as a major global sports hub, attracting international sporting events and high-profile competitions to the kingdom.

The postponement to December allows organisers time to ensure appropriate security measures are in place and normalcy is restored in the region. Tournament officials have committed to proceeding with the event once conditions permit, maintaining the fixture's status on the professional tennis calendar.

The incident at the airport prompted heightened security protocols across the city's infrastructure and major venues. Authorities have indicated that public safety remains the paramount consideration in scheduling major events in the capital.