dexinwin RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 19, 2026— The Chinese Embassy in Saudi Arabia has urged Chinese citizens and Chinese companies operating in the country to strengthen security precautions and avoid filming military operations amid a series of security alerts across Saudi Arabia.
In a safety notice issued on Sept. 19, the embassy said Saudi civil defense authorities had issued repeated security alerts from the evening of Sept. 18 into the early hours of Sept. 19. The alerts covered multiple areas, includingRiyadh, Jeddah, Al-Kharj, Abha, AlUla, Jizan, Yanbu, Khamis Mushait, Taif and the Farasan Islands. Explosions were also reported in several locations.
The embassy advised Chinese citizens to follow local authorities' safety instructions and take shelter promptly after receiving alerts.
Embassy Warns Against Filming Military Operations
Among the key recommendations was a direct warning:Chinese citizens should not film military operations or circulate unverified information.
The embassy also advised travelers planning to fly to maintain close contact with their airlines in case security developments affect flight schedules.
The latest notice follows an earlier warning issued by the Chinese Embassy in Saudi Arabia on Sept. 9, when it urged Chinese companies and citizens to closely monitor developments in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East, strengthen security precautions and avoid unnecessary risks.
The embassy's latest guidance reflects the potential risks associated with recording or sharing images of military activity during periods of heightened regional tension.
Safety Comes Before Recording Events
The warning against filming military operations is particularly relevant when air-raid alerts or military responses are taking place.
During an emergency, people may be tempted to use smartphones to record explosions, air-defense activity, aircraft or other military movements. However, images and videos taken during such incidents can potentially reveal sensitive information or violate local restrictions.
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has previously reminded Chinese travelers overseas to comply with local laws and regulations concerning photography. In a July 2025 advisory, the ministry warned Chinese tourists not to photograph sensitive locations, facilities or personnel and urged them to pay attention to “no photography” signs and instructions from local authorities.
Chinese citizens in Kuwait received similar guidance in June 2026, when the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait advised them not to photograph or publish images related to military operations, airports, ports or military facilities.
Avoid Unverified Information
The Chinese Embassy in Saudi Arabia also urged citizens not to spread unverified information.
This includes unconfirmed reports about explosions, military operations, missile or drone activity and other security incidents.
The warning comes at a time when information can spread rapidly through social media, where images and short videos may circulate without reliable information about when, where or how they were recorded.
For people living in or traveling through areas affected by security alerts, the embassy recommended relying on official announcements and local authorities rather than unverified social media reports.
Emergency Contacts
The embassy reminded Chinese citizens that they should contact local emergency services and Chinese diplomatic missions if they encounter an emergency.
Saudi Arabia's emergency numbers listed in the notice include999 for police, 993 for traffic accidents, 997 for ambulance services and 998 for fire emergencies.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry's 24-hour global consular protection hotline is+86-10-12308and+86-10-65612308.
The Chinese Embassy in Saudi Arabia's consular protection assistance number is+966-11-4831590, while the Chinese Consulate General in Jeddah can be reached at+966-508399809.
Chinese Citizens Urged to Remain Alert
The embassy's message is ultimately focused on personal safety: monitor official security alerts, follow local authorities' instructions, avoid unnecessary exposure to dangerous areas and refrain from filming military activity.
As security conditions remain subject to change, Chinese citizens in Saudi Arabia are being advised to remain vigilant and prioritize personal safety over recording or sharing images of unfolding military events.
For those on the ground, the embassy's message is clear: when a security alert is issued, seek safety first — not a video.
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