On May 12, 2003, a series of devastating bomb attacks occurred at Western housing compounds in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, resulting in the deaths of 39 individuals, with many more injured. The attacks primarily involved car bombs detonated at two separate locations: the Al-Hamra and Al-Muhya compounds. This coordinated assault was attributed to al-Qaeda, a terrorist organization led by Osama bin Laden, which was motivated by a strong anti-Western sentiment and sought to retaliate against the U.S. presence in Saudi Arabia post-9/11.

The Riyadh bombings marked a turning point for al-Qaeda's activities in Saudi Arabia, as they signaled a shift from targeting military and government facilities to striking civilian areas frequented by expatriates. Notably, among the victims were a significant number of foreigners, including American, British, and other nationalities, which intensified international outcry and put pressure on the Saudi government to bolster its counterterrorism efforts. In the aftermath, Saudi authorities launched a comprehensive crackdown on suspected militants, attempting to dismantle al-Qaeda cells operating within the kingdom.

The bombings had wider implications for the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States, as they underscored vulnerabilities in Saudi security and threatened the country's stability. This incident also shifted public perception regarding terrorism in Saudi Arabia, as it became apparent that al-Qaeda was actively targeting not only governmental establishments but also civilian populations that were perceived to align with Western interests. As a result, these attacks prompted increased military support from the U.S. to Saudi Arabia, including training and intelligence sharing to combat extremist groups.