Saudi Civil Defence said the emergency alert was triggered after the coalition intercepted six ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthis that targeted the western Saudi provinces of Taif and Yanbu.
The alert, the first for Mecca in this flare‑up, followed a brief warning issued on September 15 for Mecca, Jeddah and Taif.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, seized much of Yemen’s western coastline and declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in July, further heating the regional conflict.
Saudi Arabia’s coalition vowed it would deal “firmly” with any escalation, while the United Nations reports more than 700 casualties in the latest fighting and 130,000 displaced.
The Civil Defence later lifted the alert, telling residents to follow safety measures and avoid gathering or filming, as the danger had passed.
Officials expect a review of security protocols for the Grand Mosque, with the next step being a meeting of the national emergency council on Friday.