Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has postponed the United Nations Global Data Forum and the Second Saudi Statistical Forum until 2027, following reports that air defence systems intercepted a ballistic missile launched towards the capital, Riyadh.
The General Authority for Statistics announced that both events, originally scheduled for November 9 to 12, 2026, would be rescheduled, Reuters reported.
The authority did not specify a reason for the postponement or announce revised dates. It also did not link the decision to the reported missile interception.
Separately, Turki al Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi led coalition, said air defence systems had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis towards Riyadh.
No details were immediately provided about the interception site, potential damage or casualties.
The United Nations World Data Forum brings together representatives of national statistical offices, international organisations, governments and other stakeholders to discuss data collection, statistical systems and the use of information in policymaking.
The planned Riyadh gathering was meant to provide a platform to discuss statistical capacity, data accessibility, and the development of systems that monitor economic and social progress.
The postponement also affects preparations by participating institutions and delegations, which must now adjust their plans for an event intended to facilitate cooperation on statistical methods, data governance and the measurement of development targets. Without confirmed dates, participating organisations are awaiting further guidance from the organisers.
The decision comes as Saudi Arabia seeks to expand data use in economic planning under its Vision 2030 programme. Statistical reporting and access to data play a role in monitoring progress across sectors, including employment, investment, public services and economic diversification.
The missile interception comes against the backdrop of regional tensions involving the Houthis, whose operations have previously targeted Saudi territory and shipping routes in the Red Sea.
Saudi Arabia has been involved in the Yemen conflict through a military coalition formed in 2015 to support Yemen's internationally recognised government against the Houthi movement.
The postponement leaves the two statistical events without confirmed dates, and Saudi authorities have not indicated whether they are considering further changes to scheduled international gatherings.
