The drone, identified as a Shahed‑129, was detected by the Royal Saudi Air Forces radar at 22:17 local time, skimming the southern perimeter of the Mecca airspace before being neutralised.
Houthis have repeatedly claimed that their airstrikes aim to pressure Saudi Arabia into political concessions; earlier this month they released a statement saying they would target "symbols of the regime" if diplomatic talks stalled.
Saudi Interior Minister Khalid Al‑Falih announced the incident in a televised briefing, stressing that the incident "does not change the state of defence readiness" and that the nation remains committed to protecting holy sites.
Security analysts warn that the interception could prompt a surge in Houthi drone activity, prompting the Saudi Ministry of Defence to increase patrols and the United Nations Security Council to review emergency measures for the region.