# Barclays opens Saudi office despite government travel warning

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/barclays-opens-saudi-office-despite-government-travel-warning/
- Published: 2026-11-09T08:18:21+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-09T09:50:20+00:00
- Original publisher: City AM (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.cityam.com/barclays-opens-saudi-office-despite-government-travel-warning/
- Topics: Business, Culture, Government, Middle East, Politics, Travel, UK, World

## Key points

- Barclays has opened a new office in Riyadh despite UK travel warnings.
- The warnings cite airport attack risks and possible further disruption.
- Other banks have reduced or closed regional operations during the conflict.

## Summary

Barclays has opened a new office in Riyadh as it seeks to expand its business in the region, saying the hub will help it support clients and reaffirm its commitment to Saudi Arabia. The move comes as the UK Foreign Office warns of a continuing risk of attacks and advises against all but essential travel to parts of the country.

The warning follows an attack on King Khalid International airport, 22 miles north of Riyadh, and missile and drone launches by Yemen’s Houthi group since early July. Barclays’ expansion contrasts with steps by other banks during the wider US-Iran conflict: Standard Chartered moved Dubai staff to remote working, Citigroup told staff to evacuate the area and HSBC closed branches in Qatar. Although tensions have eased and diplomatic efforts have renewed, the UK government says the regional situation remains unpredictable.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.