Ripon Mia, a 37-year-old expatriate from Gobindashree Bodda village in Madan upazila of Netrakona, was killed in a road accident near Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. Saudi time on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, when a freight truck hit the taxi he was traveling in from Ambo to Fail city. His death was confirmed on Saturday by his younger brother Shamim Ahmed, who also works in Saudi Arabia. The accident left the taxi driver seriously injured.

Family sources said Ripon had gone to Saudi Arabia in October of the previous year to improve his family’s financial condition and secure a better future for his children. He had been working in Ambo city but was traveling to visit acquaintances when the accident occurred. Before the crash, he had performed evening prayers in Madinah and spoken to his parents via video call.

The news of his death has cast deep sorrow over his family and community in Netrakona. His father, Bachchu Mia, urged the government to take steps to bring his son’s body home quickly.

Al-Nassr clinched the Saudi Pro League title after defeating Damac 4–1 at Al-Awwal Park on May 22, 2026. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice, marking his first major trophy since joining Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr. The Riyadh-based club ended a long wait for the league crown, last winning it in 2019. Sadio Mané opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, followed by Kingsley Coman’s strike early in the second half. Damac briefly narrowed the gap through a penalty by Morlaye Sylla, but Ronaldo sealed the victory with two goals in the 63rd minute and late in the match.

The win brought Al-Nassr to 86 points from 34 matches, with 28 wins and two draws, edging out Al-Hilal, who finished with 84 points despite winning their final game. Ronaldo’s brace took his league tally to 28 goals this season and 973 in his professional career. The triumph ended years of frustration for both the club and the Portuguese star, who finally lifted a major domestic trophy in Saudi Arabia.

The victory also capped a season of redemption for Al-Nassr after earlier setbacks, including a missed opportunity in the AFC Champions League Two final.

Pakistan has deployed around 8,000 troops, a full squadron of fighter jets, and air defense systems to Saudi Arabia amid ongoing regional tensions involving Iran, according to a Reuters report. The deployment, carried out under a secret bilateral defense agreement signed last year, includes 16 JF-17 fighter jets jointly developed with China, two drone squadrons, and Chinese-made HQ-9 air defense systems. Pakistani military personnel are operating the equipment, while Saudi Arabia is financing the operation.

Sources cited by Reuters said the current deployment could expand, as the agreement allows up to 80,000 Pakistani troops to be stationed in Saudi Arabia if needed. The deployed forces are primarily tasked with training and advisory roles, though Pakistan already had combat-ready troops in the kingdom under previous arrangements. The pact also includes provisions for deploying Pakistani naval vessels, though their current status remains unconfirmed.

The report added that Pakistan’s move marks a shift from symbolic support to a tangible military presence, following earlier tensions when Iranian attacks damaged Saudi energy infrastructure and killed a Saudi citizen.

Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah 1447. According to an announcement shared on social media platform X by the website Inside the Haramain, Eid al-Adha will be celebrated in the kingdom on May 27, 2026. The Day of Arafah will therefore fall on May 26, corresponding to the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah.

Before the announcement, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and several other Middle Eastern and Muslim-majority countries had prepared to observe the sky on Sunday evening to determine the start of Dhul-Hijjah. It was stated that if the moon was sighted, these countries would also celebrate Eid al-Adha on May 27. Following the confirmed sighting, authorities in these nations were expected to make official announcements.

Separately, Malaysia and Indonesia had already declared May 27 as the date for Eid al-Adha celebrations, aligning with the Saudi announcement.

Two Bangladeshi expatriates from Cumilla were killed in a road accident in Saudi Arabia on Friday evening. The victims were identified as Nure Alam, 42, from Basudai village in Nangalkot upazila, and Idris Mia, 43, from Chauddagram municipality area. The accident occurred in the Afif area on the Jeddah-Riyadh highway when their vehicle lost control while they were transporting goods from Jeddah to Riyadh.

According to family sources, the two men jointly ran a business in Riyadh. Nure Alam’s wife, Sumi Akter, said her family has lost its only breadwinner and appealed to the government for help in bringing her husband’s body home. Nangalkot Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Abu Raihan confirmed awareness of the incident and said assistance would be provided once the family contacts the administration.

Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md. Reza Hasan stated that the administration will extend full cooperation through official procedures to repatriate the bodies once the families reach out.

A Bangladeshi expatriate named Nurul Alam from Eidgaon upazila in Cox’s Bazar was killed in a road accident in Saudi Arabia. The incident occurred early Saturday morning, Bangladesh time, while he was traveling toward Makkah. Family sources confirmed that he died at the scene. News of his death has cast a shadow of grief over his family and community in Eidgaon.

Nurul Alam, son of Altaaz Ahmed from Uttar Maizpara area of Eidgaon Union, had been living in Saudi Arabia for many years as the sole breadwinner for his family. He had gone abroad to support his wife, two daughters, and one son. On the day of the accident, his vehicle reportedly lost control, leading to the fatal crash.

His brother, Jane Alam, said that the necessary paperwork and formalities to bring the body home are underway, and the family has sought assistance from relevant authorities. Local representatives, expatriate communities, and social organizations have expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has launched a large-scale campaign against companies violating labor laws. As part of the ongoing operation, more than 7,200 work visas have been canceled, and several government services for the offending firms have been temporarily suspended.

According to ministry data, nearly 250,000 inspections were carried out in the private sector during the first three months of 2026, uncovering about 168,000 labor law violations. Through digital monitoring and smart surveillance, authorities analyzed around 91,000 suspicious activities and confirmed 13,509 serious employment-related irregularities. The implicated companies were removed from the “Nitaqat” program, while affected workers were referred to the Human Resources Development Fund “Hadaf” for new legal employment opportunities. Around 230,000 warning notices were issued, and 3,522 recruitment offices were charged with rule violations.

The ministry also intensified online enforcement, shutting down 238 social media accounts promoting illegal domestic work services and conducting over 54,000 preemptive investigations to prevent human trafficking. It reported resolving about 97 percent of 15,563 citizen complaints received during the campaign.

Saudi Arabia has initiated discussions with Iran on a proposed non-aggression agreement aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East, according to a Financial Times report citing foreign diplomats. The talks are part of Riyadh’s broader effort to manage regional instability and prevent escalation. The report noted that Saudi Arabia has not publicly commented on the proposal.

The model under consideration is reportedly inspired by the 1975 Helsinki Accords, which sought to reduce tensions and promote cooperation among rival powers during the Cold War. European countries are said to support the initiative and are encouraging Gulf states to back it as well.

The discussions come at a time when Gulf nations fear that a weakened but more assertive Iran could continue to pose a threat to regional stability. The report also mentioned that Arab states remain concerned about Iran’s missile and drone capabilities and the instability surrounding Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt are deepening defense and economic cooperation, with Pakistan proposing to include Qatar and Turkey in its defense pact with Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia has introduced a women’s category for the first time in the prestigious King Abdulaziz International Quran Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation Competition. The 46th edition of the event, held annually at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, will now officially include female participants. King Salman bin Abdulaziz approved the decision following a proposal from the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz, according to the Saudi Press Agency report published on May 10.

The competition, launched in 1979, is regarded as one of the Muslim world’s most respected Quranic events. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs described the inclusion of women as a major milestone in the contest’s history, emphasizing that it opens the international platform equally to both male and female Quran scholars.

The closing ceremony of this year’s competition is scheduled for August 19.

Saudi Aramco Chief Executive Amin Nasser has warned that the global energy market could face a severe crisis if the current disruption in the Strait of Hormuz continues for several more weeks. In an interview with Reuters, Nasser said it might take until next year for the situation to return to normal.

According to Aramco officials, ship traffic through the vital waterway has dropped dramatically—from about 70 vessels per day to only 2 to 5. Nasser stated that if the situation persists, the global market could lose around 100 million barrels of oil each week, potentially causing major instability in energy supply and prices.

Aramco’s Chief Financial Officer Ziad Al-Murshid added that the company holds strong reserves equivalent to about 250 billion barrels and is prepared to meet global energy demand despite the ongoing disruption.

Saudi Aramco’s Chief Executive Officer Amin Nasser stated that the global market has been deprived of nearly one billion barrels of oil over the past two months because of the ongoing war. In a statement to Reuters, he said that although energy supply is gradually returning to normal, it will take time for the entire system to fully recover. Nasser emphasized that the company’s goal remains to maintain energy supply despite existing pressures on the system.

Earlier, Saudi Aramco reported that its net profit for the first quarter of 2026 reached 120.13 billion Saudi riyals, equivalent to about 32.5 billion US dollars. This represents a 25.5 percent increase compared to the same period last year, which the company attributed to higher oil sales.

The company’s statement highlights both the short-term supply challenges caused by the war and the resilience of its financial performance amid global market disruptions.

Saudi Aramco, the state-owned oil producer of Saudi Arabia, reported a net profit of 12.13 trillion riyals ($32.5 billion) for the first three months of 2026. The figure marks a 25.5 percent increase compared to the same period last year, when the company earned 9.57 trillion riyals ($25.4 billion). Aramco’s sales rose from $107.6 billion to $114.9 billion, while its cash flow reached $30.7 billion.

The company attributed this strong performance to higher sales and the full operational capacity of its East-West Crude Oil Pipeline, which runs to the Red Sea and bypasses the Strait of Hormuz. Chief Executive Officer Amin Nasser said the pipeline now transports up to seven million barrels of oil per day and has become a vital supply artery, helping ease disruptions caused by shipping limitations in the Strait of Hormuz.

Nasser added that recent developments have underscored the critical role of oil and gas in global energy security and economic stability, emphasizing the importance of reliable energy supply.

Saudi Arabia has introduced a 24-hour hotline service to assist Hajj and Umrah pilgrims in 11 languages, according to Gulf News. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that pilgrims can now call 1966 at any time to obtain information, request assistance, or lodge service-related complaints. The initiative aims to ensure that pilgrims receive timely and accurate support during their pilgrimage.

The ministry stated that trained staff will manage calls and complaints through an integrated system supported by advanced call management technology. This setup is designed to provide quick and precise responses to inquiries. Qualified personnel will regularly monitor inquiries and coordinate with relevant agencies to resolve issues efficiently.

The unified contact center operates on a modern technology-based infrastructure that enhances performance, allocates calls according to staff expertise, and ensures effective communication with pilgrims. The ministry emphasized that the system will improve service quality and operational efficiency for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

Cristiano Ronaldo reached a major milestone by scoring his 100th goal in the Saudi Pro League as Al Nassr defeated Al Shabab 4–2 on Thursday night. His teammate Joao Felix also shone brightly, completing a hat-trick that secured the crucial win. The victory strengthened Al Nassr’s position at the top of the league table, putting them five points clear of nearest rivals Al Hilal.

After 32 matches, Al Nassr have collected 82 points, while Al Hilal sit second with 77 points from 31 games. The two teams are set to face each other next Tuesday, a match that could decide the title. A win would give Al Nassr 85 points, making it impossible for Al Hilal to catch up even if they win their remaining games.

Ronaldo’s goal came in the 75th minute from a Sadio Mane cross, marking his 971st career goal. The Portuguese star now needs 29 more to reach 1,000 career goals, while this season’s tally stands at 26 in the league.

Saudi Arabia recorded a budget deficit of 125.7 billion riyals (about 33.5 billion dollars) in the first quarter of 2026, marking its largest shortfall since 2018. The deficit nearly doubled compared with the same period last year, according to data from the Saudi Ministry of Finance cited by Bloomberg. The shortfall was attributed to the economic impact of the Hormuz Strait closure and accelerated government spending.

The ministry reported that to mitigate supply risks from the Hormuz disruption, the government advanced infrastructure and food import expenditures. It also invested heavily in expanding Red Sea coastal ports and increased spending on transport and logistics projects to strengthen alternative trade routes.

Analysts noted that amid regional tensions and uncertainty in energy transport, Saudi Arabia prioritized economic security through early preparedness, though this approach has immediately strained the national budget.