Arabia

The Uncertain Fate of Death Row Inmates in Saudi Arabia Khalid Mohammed Ibrahim, a man whose life hangs by a thread, can be seen on the right with his family before his unfortunate arrest—a moment captured long before the shadows of legal turmoil descended upon him. Recent reports reveal that dozens of individuals from the Horn of Africa, currently on death row in Saudi Arabia, are facing an agonizing uncertainty. Inmates and their worried families have disclosed to Middle East Eye that their executions could transpire…

In a troubling development that raises serious humanitarian concerns, at least 37 Ethiopian men currently face the death penalty in Saudi Arabia for drug-related offenses. This alarming situation has been spotlighted in a joint statement released by a coalition of 31 civil society and human rights organizations. They have expressed trepidation over what they describe as an “imminent risk” of execution for countless foreign nationals within the Kingdom. On June 17, 2025, the organizations declared they are “gravely fearful…

Jeddah (AX) – A significant milestone has been reached in the realm of international security cooperation. The government of Saudi Arabia has formally sanctioned a landmark security agreement with Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) aimed at combating the ever-pressing threats posed by terrorism and terrorist financing. This decision, reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), reflects a deepening commitment to address shared security concerns. The formal endorsement of this agreement took place…

Temporary Suspension of Umrah and Family Visit Visas for Somali Citizens and Others Riyadh (AX) — Saudi Arabia has recently introduced a temporary suspension of Umrah and family visit visas for Somali citizens, alongside nationals from thirteen additional countries. This decision, aimed at effectively managing crowds and ensuring security in light of the upcoming 2025 Hajj season, is a hallmark of the Kingdom's proactive approach to facilitating one of the largest religious gatherings on the planet. Starting from April 13,…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant diplomatic move, the Somali government has embarked on formal discussions with Saudi authorities seeking the release or repatriation of over 100 Somali nationals currently imprisoned in Saudi Arabia. This group includes individuals facing severe penalties, some of whom are sentenced to death for drug trafficking offenses. The situation has sparked considerable concern and discussion among Somalis both at home and abroad. The information was confirmed by Abdiweli Hirsi Abdille,…

Recently, China's Commerce Minister, Wang Wentao, conducted insightful conversations with Saudi Arabia's Commerce Minister, Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi, and South Africa's Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau. The primary focus of these dialogues was to deliberate on the growing pressure from U.S.-imposed "reciprocal tariffs." Can we ponder for a moment on what these diplomatic exchanges signify? Are they merely routine discussions, or do…

In a world where humanity's pursuit of celestial understanding continues to define our rhythms, Saudi Arabia has declared that Sunday, March 30, 2025, will usher in Eid Al Fitr. Saturday evening witnessed the keen eyes of the moon-sighting committee confirming the Shawwal crescent's emergence. A moment, as tranquil as a whispered prayer, yet imbued with significance, marking the gentle end to a month of fasting known as Ramadan. The process? It's an age-old tradition, as consistent as the moon's reliable dance across the…

It was an exciting Wednesday when the news broke. Tesla, the trailblazer in electric vehicles, announced an upcoming launch event scheduled for April 10 in the vibrant city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Events like these often mark a turning point. One might wonder, what innovations could Tesla unveil this time? With the spotlight steadily turning towards sustainable energy, could this event be a herald of things to come for the region?

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant move towards securing justice for its citizens abroad, the Somali government is campaigning diligently to revoke the death sentences handed down to nearly 40 Somali nationals incarcerated in Saudi Arabia. This endeavor aims to provide essential legal safeguards for Somalis globally. On a hopeful Friday, Hassan Moalim, Somalia's Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, shared promising news. He held a series of discussions with the Saudi Ambassador to Somalia, centering on…

The journey of dozens of Gambian women embarking on a new chapter in Saudi Arabia captures the essence of ambition and cooperation. But what exactly drives these brave individuals to travel abroad? At its core, this initiative symbolizes the Gambian government's aim to weave stronger ties with the Middle East's largest economy and redefine the prospects for its citizens. This development blossomed from agreements reached during the illustrious 2023 Africa-Arab Summit in Saudi Arabia. Here, Gambia and the Kingdom…