Saudi

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…

Saudi Crown Prince Speaks on Rising Tensions in the Middle East Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International – Monitoring RIYADH — In a recent statement that's turning heads, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), leveled a bold accusation at Israel. He suggested that Israel might be steering the United States toward a direct military conflict with Iran. Such a move, he warned, could disturb the already precarious balance in the…

Recently, the suspension of Saudi Arabia's block work visa has drawn significant attention, particularly for those closely following international labor dynamics. This decision impacts a total of 14 countries, putting a halt to new and pending Temporary Work Visa (TWV) applications. The implications are far-reaching, especially for various sectors that rely heavily on foreign labor. Among the affected nations, several African countries stand out, including Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and…

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…

Strengthening Ties: Somalia and Gulf Countries Unite Against Shared Threats In a notable move towards bolstering its national security framework, Somalia has recently inked an agreement aimed at fostering closer ties with Gulf nations, particularly with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This pact stands as a symbol of Somalia’s proactive approach in seeking reliable partnerships to combat persistent threats posed by extremist groups such as al-Shabaab and ISIS. It’s a notable step not just for Somalia, but also for the broader…

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,…

Significant Collaborations: Saudi Arabia and South Africa's Thriving Partnership Over the past year, a remarkable series of high-level discussions between Saudi Arabia and South Africa has unfolded, leading to some noteworthy agreements and deals that amount to billions of dollars. This burgeoning relationship is particularly evident in Africa's most industrialized nation, and there’s much more to come as corporate activities ramp up. The foundation of this growing partnership can be traced back to a pivotal…

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…