WPC Energy Congress executives dropped from schedule after Riyadh attacks

BP: BP is a major global energy company with established regional partnerships. Executives had been scheduled to speak at the WPC Energy Congress on topics including global oil markets and the energy transition but were unable to attend in person due to travel disruptions. A company spokesperson noted efforts to participate and expressed value for ongoing partnerships in the region. Shell: Shell is a major oil and gas company with planned participation in the WPC Energy Congress. Executives were expected to address energy security and related topics but the company declined to comment on the schedule changes following the Riyadh attacks. Chevron: Chevron is a major energy company whose leaders were scheduled to participate in the WPC Energy Congress. The firm did not immediately respond to Reuters inquiries about involvement following the attacks on Riyadh. ExxonMobil: ExxonMobil is a major global energy company with executives originally slated to speak at the WPC Energy Congress on industry issues. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the dropped appearances due to security-related travel challenges. Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is hosting the WPC Energy Congress in Riyadh as part of efforts to position the kingdom as a hub for international events. The country is facing deadly attacks on its capital claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis, prompting Saudi authorities to proceed with the gathering while emphasizing safety. Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman opened the event and stressed the need for a serious response to recent incidents while continuing long-term national initiatives. TotalEnergies: TotalEnergies is a major international energy company whose executives were scheduled for the WPC Energy Congress. The firm did not immediately respond to inquiries about participation amid the event's disruptions from recent attacks. WPC Energy Congress: The WPC Energy Congress is a longstanding international forum for energy policy and industry leaders, first held in Britain in 1933 and now taking place in Saudi Arabia for the first time. Originally planned for April, the event was postponed and is occurring this week near Riyadh's airport amid recent security incidents. Chief executives from major energy firms were scheduled to discuss global oil and gas markets but many have been unable to participate due to travel issues. Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman: Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman serves as Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister and opened the Monday session of the WPC Energy Congress. He thanked attendees for traveling to Riyadh, affirmed the kingdom's commitment to their protection, and stated that the response to recent serious events must be equally serious. He underscored the importance of maintaining focus on Vision 2030 despite challenges. Event Security: The WPC Energy Congress is proceeding at a venue near Riyadh's international airport, which has faced multiple attacks in recent days, with authorities maintaining the gathering despite the risks. Vision 2030 Impact: The strikes represent a setback to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 program, which prioritizes hosting international events to support economic diversification and tourism goals. Energy Industry Participation: Major energy firms routinely feature chief executives at WPC events to discuss global markets, energy security, and the energy transition.