Saudi Arabian universities have recently announced 700 full scholarships open to students worldwide for postgraduate and PhD studies. Candidates from Bangladesh can apply without restrictions. The age limit for master’s applicants is under 30, while PhD candidates must be 35 or younger. Each applicant is eligible for only one scholarship. Applications are accepted online until October 31, 2025.

Although Saudi Arabia publicly condemned Israeli airstrikes during a recent 12-day conflict with Iran, a report by Israel Hayom alleges that Riyadh covertly assisted Israel. The report claims that the Saudi Air Force, with support from Jordan and Iraq, deployed helicopters to intercept Iranian drones.

While Saudi Arabia has not officially acknowledged this collaboration, the revelation has drawn criticism from Iran, which views such actions as contradictory and damaging, especially given the involvement of fellow Muslim-majority nations.

Saudi Arabia has deployed the U.S.-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system to enhance its air defense capabilities and secure strategic zones. The system, stationed after training in Jeddah, is capable of intercepting short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. However, questions have been raised about its effectiveness, especially in countering missile threats from Iran and Yemen.

In an official statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed "deep concern" over the recent U.S. strikes targeting Iran, particularly its nuclear facilities. "The Kingdom is closely monitoring the developments involving our friendly nation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, especially the attacks targeting its nuclear infrastructure," the statement read. Riyadh has called for restraint and urged all parties to avoid further escalation. Saudi authorities also confirmed that no radioactive or nuclear activity has been detected in the Persian Gulf region following the strikes.

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has instructed authorities to provide full support and services to Iranian pilgrims amid escalating tensions following Israel's attack on Iran. According to the Saudi Gazette, this directive came upon the recommendation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has been tasked with ensuring that all needs of Iranian pilgrims are met and that comprehensive care continues until they can safely return home.

Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned Israel's airstrike on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities, calling it a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and international law. The attack, named “Rising Lion,” occurred early Friday and reportedly targeted uranium enrichment sites. Several top Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists were killed, including IRGC chief Hossein Salami and armed forces head Mohammad Bagheri. In retaliation, Iran launched over 100 drones toward Israel. The Israeli military is attempting to intercept them as they are expected to reach Israel within hours.

Saudi Arabia has announced scholarships for the 2025 academic year, allowing students from 170 countries to apply online for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs at 50 universities. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend, free accommodation, healthcare, and airfare. This initiative aims to attract international students by offering comprehensive financial support and quality education. The application deadline is June 14, 2025, making it a valuable opportunity for global students seeking higher education in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has temporarily halted the issuance of work and Umrah visas for citizens of 14 countries, including Bangladesh, from May 31 to June 30. The move also includes restrictions on family visit visas. This decision aims to ensure smooth Hajj operations and pilgrim departures. Those who obtained visas before May 31 but haven't yet traveled may also face entry issues. Affected countries include India, Pakistan, Egypt, and Indonesia—nations with the highest number of visa applicants to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has condemned Israel’s refusal to allow an Arab ministerial delegation to visit the occupied West Bank, calling it an act of extremism and a rejection of peace. The Arab ministerial meeting, originally planned for the West Bank, was relocated to Amman, Jordan due to the Israeli ban. “By blocking the visit, Israel has shown it believes in suppression, not peace,” Prince Faisal said. Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi added that Israel’s obstruction is killing any chance for a just Arab-Israeli resolution.

In a week-long crackdown, Saudi authorities detained more than 12,100 foreign nationals for violating housing, labor, and border regulations. The arrests were made between May 22 and May 28 as part of an ongoing initiative to enforce residency and employment laws. According to Arabian Business, 63% of the detainees were Ethiopian, 34% Yemeni, and 3% of other nationalities. Additionally, 90 individuals were arrested while attempting to illegally exit the country.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced in Riyadh that a preliminary agreement is in place between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia on civilian nuclear cooperation. The partnership aims to develop Saudi Arabia’s commercial nuclear power sector, with significant progress expected this year. Wright also hailed Saudi investments in the U.S. and praised the hospitality of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan firmly rejected any proposal involving the forced displacement of Palestinians. Speaking at a ministerial meeting on the Gaza war, he stated, “Gaza’s residents are deprived of even the basic necessities for survival.” He emphasized that humanitarian aid must not be conditional on a ceasefire and urged the international community to work collectively to remove all barriers. The meeting also called for an immediate ceasefire and the restoration of Palestinian authority over East Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank.

According to CEO Engineer Ghazi Al-Shahrani, a total of 122,286,712 visitors gathered at Mecca’s Grand Mosque and Medina’s Prophet’s Mosque during Ramadan. Among them, 16,558,241 performed Umrah, while 92,132,169 worshippers visited Mecca’s Grand Mosque, and 30,154,543 visited the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. Al-Shahrani extended Eid greetings and expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their service to pilgrims.

Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed that Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday after sighting the Shawwal moon. With this confirmation, Saudi Muslims will observe 29 days of fasting this year. The announcement came after an official moon-sighting effort, with astronomers verifying the visibility based on lunar calculations.

US President Donald Trump has expressed interest in meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia to discuss potential paths to end the war in Ukraine. This meeting could also include Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The choice of Saudi Arabia as the venue raises questions, as it is considered a neutral location, and the country is not a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued an arrest warrant for Putin. The US sees an opportunity to strengthen relations between Israel, the US, and Saudi Arabia, adding further significance to the decision. Saudi Arabia’s neutral stance on the conflict makes it an attractive venue for this high-stakes summit.