BP withdraws from Riyadh energy conference after airport attack

BP: BP is a leading multinational oil and gas company with operations spanning exploration, production, refining, and marketing worldwide. In the context of this news, BP canceled its in-person attendance at the World Petroleum Council Energy Congress in Riyadh following missile attacks on the city's international airport that caused travel disruptions. A company spokesperson emphasized efforts to participate and the value of longstanding regional partnerships. Shell: Shell is a major global energy company focused on oil, gas, and increasingly lower-carbon solutions across upstream, downstream, and marketing segments. Reports mentioned in the coverage note that Shell's CEO was slated to participate in the Riyadh congress but withdrew, with the company declining to comment further. ExxonMobil: ExxonMobil is one of the world's largest publicly traded oil and gas companies, engaged in upstream exploration, downstream refining, and chemical manufacturing. According to reports cited in the news, its CEO had been expected to attend the Riyadh energy conference but withdrew amid the airport attack and resulting disruptions. Paul Simao: Paul Simao is a Reuters editor who oversaw the editing of the story covering BP and other oil majors' withdrawals from the Riyadh event. His role ensured accurate dissemination of information on the impacts of the airport attacks. Meg O'Neill: Meg O'Neill serves as CEO of BP and had been scheduled to appear on the agenda for the World Petroleum Council Energy Congress. Her planned participation underscores BP's intended high-level engagement at the Riyadh event before the withdrawal due to travel issues. TotalEnergies: TotalEnergies is a French multinational integrated oil and gas company involved in exploration, production, refining, and renewable energy initiatives. The news indicates its CEO was anticipated at the World Petroleum Council event in Riyadh but ultimately did not attend following the security incidents at the airport. Rishabh Jaiswal: Rishabh Jaiswal is a Reuters correspondent based in Bengaluru who contributed to reporting on BP's decision and the broader context of the Riyadh conference cancellations. His work helped detail the sequence of events following the airport attacks. Shadia Nasralla: Shadia Nasralla is a Reuters journalist in London who reported on the withdrawals by major energy firms from the Saudi energy congress. She provided key details on company responses and conference logistics amid the security situation. Industry Event: The World Petroleum Council Energy Congress is proceeding at a convention center several kilometers from the airport despite the disruptions, reflecting the determination of Saudi organizers to host the gathering. Corporate Travel: Major energy executives often plan high-profile attendance at international congresses to discuss industry strategies, but external security events can lead to last-minute changes in participation. Regional Security: The attacks on Riyadh airport form part of a series of incidents attributed to Yemen's Houthi group, affecting international travel and prompting adjustments by global participants in Saudi-hosted events.