Riyadh – The General Directorate of Civil Defense in Saudi Arabia conducted a large-scale test of fixed sirens and emergency alert systems on Monday, November 3, across several regions of the Kingdom to assess the efficiency of warning mechanisms and enhance public preparedness.
The drill was carried out in Riyadh city and the governorates of Diriyah, Al-Kharj, and Al-Dilam, as well as in Tabuk and the Makkah regions, including Jeddah and Thuwal.
Videos broadcast by Al Ekhbariya TV and shared widely on social media captured the sound of sirens echoing across neighbourhoods and public spaces in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Tabuk. The footage showed residents and motorists pausing as the alert tone filled the air, marking one of the most extensive national preparedness drills in recent years.
The test coincided with the activation of the National Early Warning Platform, which used cellular broadcasting to deliver emergency alert notifications directly to citizens’ and residents’ mobile phones.
Civil Defense spokesman Colonel Mohammed Al-Hammadi told Al Ekhbariya TV that the exercises are conducted regularly to “verify the reliability of the system” and to familiarise the public with siren tones and emergency procedures.
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In a statement, the Civil Defense said the purpose of the test was to evaluate the efficiency of warning systems and ensure the rapid delivery of alerts during emergencies. Officials confirmed that the alert was purely precautionary and required no action from residents.
The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and enhance public safety under the broader national emergency management framework.