Saudi Arabia has sold a record $20 billion worth of bonds since the start of this year, marking the highest in the kingdom’s history and surpassing China in global debt issuance. According to Bloomberg data, the Saudi government directly raised $11.5 billion, while state-controlled firms such as Saudi Electricity, Saudi Telecom, Saudi National Bank, and Riyad Bank borrowed an additional $8.8 billion. These companies, though government-owned, are listed on the Tadawul stock exchange.

Analysts view the surge in borrowing as a reflection of the country’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the oil-dependent economy. The trend indicates that debt pressure is now extending beyond the government to state-owned enterprises. Saudi Arabia became the largest international debt issuer among emerging markets in 2024, a pattern expected to continue through 2026.

Financial Times reported that Saudi banks are increasingly turning to foreign loans. Despite lower oil prices, the kingdom remains relatively stable due to low production costs and substantial foreign currency reserves.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced major labor market reforms requiring at least 60 percent Saudi nationals in 18 marketing and sales-related professions. The directive, reported by Gulf News, aims to expand local participation and reduce unemployment. Companies with three or more employees must comply within three months, and Saudi workers in these roles will receive a minimum monthly salary of 5,500 riyals.

The affected professions include marketing and advertising managers, public relations officers, graphic designers, photographers, sales managers, retail and wholesale representatives, and IT and telecommunications sales specialists. Firms failing to meet the localization target after the grace period will face fines and administrative penalties.

The initiative aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy beyond oil and create more jobs for young Saudis. However, the policy is expected to significantly impact expatriate workers, particularly from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, who have long dominated Saudi Arabia’s private marketing and sales sectors.

Saudi Arabia’s state-owned mining company Ma’aden has extracted a total of 7.8 million ounces, equivalent to 221,000 kilograms, of gold from four locations across the country. The extraction took place at Mansourah Massarah, Uruk 20/21, Umm al-Salam, and Wadi al-Jawaa. According to the company, Mansourah Massarah yielded 3 million ounces, Uruk 20/21 and Umm al-Salam produced 1.607 million ounces, and Wadi al-Jawaa contributed 3.08 million ounces.

Ma’aden’s Chief Executive Officer Bob Wilt stated that this achievement strengthens Saudi Arabia’s global position as a leading gold producer. He attributed the success to the company’s long-term strategic plan, emphasizing that the results demonstrate its effectiveness in practice.

The report, citing Gulf News, suggests that the large-scale extraction will enhance Saudi Arabia’s mineral reserves and accelerate Ma’aden’s operations as a world-class gold producer.

Saudi Arabia has launched a diplomatic initiative with Qatar and Oman aimed at preventing a potential US military attack on Iran. The move follows Washington’s call for its Gulf allies to prepare for possible conflict, which has raised deep concern across regional capitals. Riyadh fears that any escalation could severely damage its economy and provoke domestic unrest, particularly if Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were to be killed in such an attack.

Gulf states are also worried about the security of oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway crucial to global energy transport. About one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments pass through this strait, which separates Iran from its Arab neighbors. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman have warned the White House that any attempt to overthrow Iran’s government could destabilize oil markets and ultimately harm the US economy.

According to reports cited from The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, Riyadh has assured Tehran it will not participate in any conflict and has refused to allow US forces to use its airspace for attacks. Gulf nations have also cautioned Washington against pursuing regime change in Tehran, warning it could trigger long-term regional instability.

Saudi Arabia has informed Iran that it will not allow its territory or airspace to be used for any military attack. Two sources close to the Saudi government told AFP on Wednesday that the message was delivered as the United States threatens possible military action against Tehran. Saudi media outlet Al Arabiya also reported the development.

According to the sources, Riyadh clarified its stance amid warnings that Washington might take military steps in response to Iran’s harsh crackdown on ongoing protests. In reaction, Tehran has warned that any new attack would prompt it to target US military bases and naval assets. A source close to the Saudi military said the kingdom directly told Tehran it would not participate in any military operation against Iran.

Analysts noted that the presence of significant US military assets across the Gulf region, including in Saudi Arabia, makes the situation more sensitive amid rising tensions.

Al Nassr began the new year with disappointment as their ten-match winning streak in the Saudi Pro League came to an end. The team, featuring Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, lost 3-2 to Al Ahli. English forward Tony Evans scored twice for Al Ahli, while Merih Demiral added another goal. Abdullah Al-Amri netted both goals for Al Nassr in a match where Ronaldo remained largely ineffective.

The game started with Tony scoring in the seventh minute, followed by a second goal in the 20th minute after a long pass from his own half. Al Nassr fought back through Al-Amri, who scored from distance in the 30th minute and then equalized with a header just before halftime. In the second half, Al Ahli regained control, and Demiral’s strike in the 53rd minute sealed the win.

This defeat marked Al Nassr’s first loss in eleven league matches, leaving them with 31 points from ten wins and one draw before this match.

Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, known as Nazaha, has arrested 116 government officials on corruption charges following an extensive investigation. The arrests were made after a nationwide campaign in December 2025 targeting bribery and abuse of power. According to a report citing the Arabic daily Okaz, Nazaha questioned 466 individuals as part of the probe.

In an official statement, Nazaha said that 1,440 operations were conducted this month across several ministries, including Interior, Municipal and Rural Affairs, Housing, Education, and Health. The investigation primarily focused on allegations of bribery and misuse of authority. Legal procedures are being completed to hand over the accused to the judiciary, and some detainees have been released on bail under criminal procedure laws.

Nazaha stated that the campaign aims to protect public funds, ensure integrity and accountability, and prevent corruption across the public sector. The authority also urged citizens to report any suspected financial or administrative corruption through its toll-free number 980 or its official website.

Saudi Arabia carried out a record 356 executions in 2025, the highest number in the country's history, according to data released by the Saudi government and reported by Agence France-Presse. Of these, 243 were related to drug offenses, marking a sharp increase linked to Riyadh’s declared “war on drugs.” Many of the executions involved individuals whose legal proceedings concluded this year after earlier arrests.

In 2024, Saudi Arabia executed 338 people, making 2025 the second consecutive year with record-high executions. The country resumed enforcing death sentences for drug-related crimes in late 2022 after nearly three years of suspension. The United Nations reported that since the anti-drug campaign began, Saudi authorities have expanded police checkpoints on highways and borders, seizing large quantities of narcotics and arresting numerous traffickers.

Saudi officials maintain that the death penalty is necessary to preserve public order and is only implemented after all appeals are exhausted. Amnesty International has documented Saudi execution data since 1990, noting that earlier records remain unclear.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored an unusual goal but could not prevent Al Nassr’s winning run from ending in the Saudi Pro League. The match against Al Ettifaq ended 2-2, halting Al Nassr’s streak of ten consecutive victories. Ronaldo’s goal came in the 67th minute when a shot from teammate Félix deflected off his back and went into the net. Despite the goal, Al Nassr conceded again later, resulting in a draw.

With this goal, Ronaldo reached 13 goals in the league, sharing the top scorer position with Félix. His career total now stands at 957 goals as he continues his pursuit of 1,000 career goals. After the draw, Al Nassr remained at the top of the league table with 31 points from 11 matches, while Al Taawoun followed in second place with three points fewer.

The result keeps Al Nassr in a strong position in the title race, though the draw ended their momentum from ten straight wins.

Saudi Arabia’s Coast Guard rescued two Bangladeshi sailors from the Red Sea near the Al Lith administrative area in the Makkah region after their vessel broke apart, leaving them stranded. According to Gulf News, rescue teams reached the site promptly, provided necessary assistance, and ensured the sailors’ safety before bringing them ashore.

In an official statement, the Saudi Border Guard urged all seafarers to strictly follow maritime safety guidelines and verify the seaworthiness of their vessels before departure. Authorities also reminded residents to report emergencies by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, and the Eastern Province, or 994 in other regions of the country.

The incident highlights ongoing efforts by Saudi maritime authorities to enhance coastal safety and emergency response capacity, particularly in busy Red Sea routes used by international and regional shipping traffic.

Saudi Arabia has conferred its highest state honor, the King Abdulaziz Medal (Excellent Class), on Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir. The award was presented by Saudi Defense Minister and Crown Prince Khalid bin Salman in Riyadh, following directives from King Salman, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The medal recognizes General Munir’s distinguished contributions to strengthening Saudi-Pakistani strategic relations and defense cooperation. During the ceremony, Crown Prince Khalid and General Munir held talks on bilateral defense ties, long-standing military collaboration, and joint efforts to promote international peace and security. The meeting underscored the two nations’ shared commitment to regional stability and counterterrorism coordination.

Analysts view the honor as a reaffirmation of the deep military and diplomatic partnership between Riyadh and Islamabad. The recognition may also signal Saudi Arabia’s intent to deepen defense and intelligence cooperation with Pakistan amid evolving regional security dynamics.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of 18,880 undocumented migrants during a week-long nationwide operation conducted between December 11 and 17, 2025. The coordinated raids, carried out with the support of multiple government agencies, targeted individuals violating residency, border, and labor laws across the kingdom.

According to Saudi daily Okaz, 11,190 people were detained for lacking valid residency documents, 3,801 for illegal border entry, and 2,889 for labor law violations. Authorities also arrested 15 Saudi citizens accused of sheltering or assisting undocumented migrants. The Interior Ministry warned that citizens or residents found aiding illegal migrants could face up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching 1 million riyals. Vehicles and properties used in such offenses may also be confiscated.

The crackdown reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to regulate its labor market and curb irregular migration. Officials emphasized that enforcement will continue, signaling stricter oversight of both employers and intermediaries facilitating illegal employment.

Saudi Arabia has announced an increase in the number of annual scholarships for Bangladeshi students, raising the quota to 500. The announcement was made by the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh on December 19, 2025. The scholarships will be available across 30 public and 14 private universities, covering undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and diploma programs in ten disciplines including economics, business administration, education, law, politics, media, religion, language, agriculture, computer science, and engineering.

Applicants can now apply to three universities of their choice from a list of 25 institutions through a centralized system, replacing the previous requirement to apply separately to each university. Selection will be based on merit and specific quotas for foreign students. Participating universities include King Saud University, Islamic University of Madinah, and King Abdulaziz University.

The move is expected to strengthen educational and cultural ties between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, offering greater access to world-class higher education for Bangladeshi youth and supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader international education outreach.

Saudi Arabia has announced the abolition of expatriate worker fees (Iqama) for employees in licensed industrial establishments, a move approved by the Council of Ministers chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The decision, based on recommendations from the Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA), aims to strengthen national factories, ensure sustainability, and enhance global competitiveness under the Vision 2030 diversification plan.

Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar Al-Khorayef said the measure will reduce operational costs, facilitate production expansion, and accelerate the adoption of automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Between 2019 and 2024, Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector saw factories rise from 8,822 to over 12,000, investments grow 35% to 1.22 trillion riyals, and employment increase 74% to 847,000 workers.

Officials expect the policy to further energize the sector and attract international investment. The government aims to triple industrial GDP to 895 billion riyals by 2035, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional manufacturing hub.

Saudi Arabia has announced the cancellation of work permit (Iqama) fees for expatriate workers employed in licensed industrial establishments. The decision, approved under the chairmanship of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, follows recommendations from the Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA). Officials said the move aims to strengthen the industrial sector and support sustainable economic diversification under Vision 2030.

Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar Al-Khorayef stated that waiving the fees will reduce operational costs for factories, attract quality investments, and encourage expansion and higher production. He added that the policy will enhance Saudi industries’ global competitiveness and reduce the kingdom’s reliance on oil revenues. The initiative is also expected to accelerate the adoption of automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

The decision comes as Saudi Arabia remains a major source of remittances for countries such as Pakistan, which received $753 million in November 2025. Analysts view the policy as a strategic step toward a more diversified, technology-driven industrial economy.