Macron makes surprise solidarity visit to Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks

Summary

French President Emmanuel Macron landed in Riyadh on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, on an unscheduled "solidarity" stop during a Gulf tour that also includes Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain. His office said the visit aims to demonstrate France's solidarity with Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks on its territory, and to continue efforts to secure and diversify hydrocarbon supplies. Macron was due to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and said he had secured pledges of additional energy supplies from Gulf partners, aimed at lowering energy costs amid cost-of-living protests in France. The Elysée Palace told Agence France-Presse that Saudi Arabia would supply France with additional diesel "for as many months as necessary." The Hindu and Middle East Eye reported that Macron is the first Western leader to visit the kingdom since the Houthis intensified their attacks this month.

Timeline

1. Le Monde

   21 Oct 2026, 13:18 UTCSource ↗

   Le Monde reports that Macron landed in Saudi Arabia on a surprise visit, and that the Elysée Palace told AFP that Saudi Arabia will supply France with extra diesel "for as many months as necessary."

2. The Hindu

   21 Oct 2026, 13:19 UTCSource ↗

   The Hindu reports that Macron landed in Riyadh on a surprise "solidarity" visit and is the first Western leader to visit the kingdom since the Houthis intensified their attacks this month.

3. Middle East Eye

   21 Oct 2026, 15:49 UTCSource ↗

   Middle East Eye reports that Macron landed in Riyadh on Wednesday on an unscheduled "solidarity" stop during a Gulf tour, that he said he had secured pledges of additional energy supplies from Gulf partners, and that he was due to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

4. France 24

   21 Oct 2026, 15:54 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that Macron landed in Riyadh on an unscheduled "solidarity" stop during his ongoing Gulf tour, and that the president's office said the visit aimed to demonstrate France's solidarity with Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks.

5. Al Jazeera

   21 Oct 2026, 16:34 UTCSource ↗

   Al Jazeera reports that Macron made a surprise stop in Riyadh to meet the Saudi Crown Prince during his ongoing Gulf tour.