Saudi Arabia has announced a new record for the highest number of Umrah pilgrims in a single day during the holy month of Ramadan. On Saturday, February 21, 2026, a total of 904,000 people performed Umrah, surpassing the previous record of 500,000 pilgrims set on March 7, 2025. The surge in attendance at the Grand Mosque in Mecca prompted authorities to implement strict safety and crowd management measures.

To manage the large influx, the open marble courtyard around the Kaaba, known as the Mataf area, was reserved exclusively for Umrah pilgrims throughout the day. Saudi authorities reported that the Grand Mosque experiences particularly heavy crowds during Friday prayers and the Maghrib, Isha, Tarawih, and late-night Tahajjud prayers in the last ten days of Ramadan. Worshippers were urged to follow official guidance and pray in designated open areas when the mosque reaches capacity.

Authorities also enforced directional signage for entry and exit, banned gatherings on walkways and roads, and introduced special traffic controls around the mosque. Unauthorized motorcycles and bicycles were prohibited, and improperly parked vehicles posing safety risks faced legal action under traffic laws.

Saudi Arabia has imposed a ban on the import of poultry and eggs from Bangladesh and 39 other countries to protect public health and ensure food safety in its domestic market. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority confirmed that the restriction also includes partial bans on specific regions in 16 additional countries. The decision was announced on February 25, 2026.

According to reports, the list of restricted and partially restricted countries will be reviewed regularly based on global health updates and epidemiological data. Some of the bans have been in place since 2004, while others were added gradually following risk assessments and international reports. The authority identified the widespread outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza as the main reason for the restrictions.

The Saudi authority clarified that the temporary ban does not apply to heat-treated poultry and related products that meet approved health and safety standards. Such products must be accompanied by official certificates confirming that avian influenza and Newcastle disease viruses have been fully destroyed during processing and that they originate from approved facilities in the exporting countries.

Saudi academic Dr. Ahmad Al-Tuwaijri published a controversial article criticizing Israel and the United Arab Emirates, accusing Abu Dhabi’s rulers of aligning with Zionists and acting as a ‘Trojan horse’ for a wider Israeli project in the Middle East. The article, printed in a newspaper close to Saudi authorities, was briefly removed following protests from Tel Aviv and Washington, and accusations of antisemitism from pro-Israel networks in the United States. It was later restored, with claims that it had never been withdrawn.

The publication marked an unprecedented public critique of the UAE by a Saudi figure, highlighting growing friction between the two allies. Al-Tuwaijri argued that a deep regional rift has emerged, rooted in Israel’s actions in Gaza and Yemen’s ongoing conflict. He said Saudi Arabia feels humiliated by Israel’s conduct and has shifted its tone, recognizing that peace with Israel is unlikely under current conditions.

The episode underscores a possible strategic divergence between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, as Saudi Arabia seeks closer ties with Turkey and reconciliation with Iran while reassessing its regional alliances.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has sent a letter to the United Arab Emirates’ National Security Adviser Tahnoon bin Zayed, expressing concerns about Abu Dhabi’s policies in Yemen and Sudan. The letter, sent several weeks ago, raised allegations regarding the UAE’s activities in both conflict zones, according to Middle East Eye citing multiple U.S. and Western officials.

In the message, the Saudi Crown Prince reportedly described Riyadh’s military involvement in Yemen as necessary for national security and indicated that Saudi Arabia views Yemen as part of its sphere of influence. The letter also proposed mediation through Prince Khalid bin Salman, the Saudi defense minister and brother of the Crown Prince.

Neither Saudi Arabia nor the United Arab Emirates has publicly commented on the report, which was first published by Middle East Monitor.

Saudi Arabia celebrated its Founding Day on Sunday, commemorating the establishment of the first Saudi state, the Emirate of Diriyah, in 1727 by Imam Mohammed bin Saud. The annual event, held on February 22, highlights the kingdom’s historical roots, cultural heritage, and leadership legacy. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud declared the day a national holiday in 2022.

The Founding Day is distinct from Saudi National Day, which is observed on September 23 to mark the unification of modern Saudi Arabia in 1932. Citizens and expatriates across the country enjoyed an extended holiday, with colorful events and celebrations organized nationwide.

In Riyadh, the municipality installed over 5,000 decorative lights across major roads, intersections, and public spaces. More than 25,000 flags of Saudi Arabia and the first Saudi state were displayed throughout the Riyadh region, including 8,000 in the capital and 17,000 in other governorates. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the decorations created a festive atmosphere reflecting pride in nearly three centuries of heritage.

Saudi Arabia has arrested more than 19,000 illegal expatriates during a nationwide security campaign conducted from February 12 to 18, 2026. The joint operation targeted violations of labor, residency, and border security regulations, according to Khaleej Times. Among those detained, 12,153 were held for residency violations, 2,845 for labor law breaches, and 4,103 for border security offenses. Additionally, 663 people were caught attempting to cross the border illegally, most of them Yemeni and Ethiopian nationals.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior stated that 28 individuals accused of assisting violators through transportation, shelter, or employment were also detained. Of the arrested expatriates, 14,893 have been deported, 1,389 were instructed to correct their travel documents, and 15,585 were ordered to obtain proper documentation. Authorities warned that anyone aiding border violators could face up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to one million riyals.

The ministry also announced that vehicles and residences used for transporting or harboring violators would be confiscated as part of the enforcement measures.

Saudi authorities have announced new guidelines for Umrah pilgrims during Ramadan to ensure safety, order, and smooth worship at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The measures include crowd control, transportation management, and health and safety protocols as the number of worshippers increases during the holy month. Digital indicators have been installed at mosque entrances to show space availability, with green indicating open areas and red indicating full capacity.

Authorities have restricted the use of private cars to reduce congestion and encouraged the use of buses, taxis, and the Haramain High-Speed Railway. Motorcycles, bicycles, and unauthorized vehicles are banned in central areas. Separate prayer areas and electric carts have been arranged for elderly and special-needs worshippers, while families are advised not to bring children into crowded zones.

Additional instructions include staying hydrated, taking rest, following fire safety rules, and obtaining mandatory digital permits. Carrying weapons, begging, unauthorized selling, and obstructing movement are strictly prohibited under the new directives.

Two expatriates from Katiadi upazila in Kishoreganj district were killed in separate accidents in Saudi Arabia, according to local reports on February 20, 2026. Hamir Uddin, 57, from Ghilakandi village under Bongram Union, died in a road accident in Riyadh when a lorry hit him from behind while he was returning home after iftar on Thursday. In another incident, Hridoy Mia, 22, from Purba Baherchar village under Lohajuri Union, died after falling from the roof of a five-storey building in Mecca on Wednesday morning while working as a construction laborer.

Relatives said Hamir Uddin had been working in Saudi Arabia for about 20 years to support his family, leaving behind a wife, a son, and a daughter. Hridoy Mia had gone to Saudi Arabia a year earlier for the same reason. Their families were informed of the deaths by phone from fellow workers. Local residents and relatives have urged the government to take necessary steps to bring the bodies home quickly.

The sudden deaths of the two main breadwinners have cast a pall of grief over their villages in Katiadi.

Muslims in Saudi Arabia began fasting on Wednesday after the country's authorities confirmed the sighting of the Ramadan crescent moon on Tuesday evening. The announcement followed sunset at 6:41 p.m. local time, when officials in the Eastern Province reported the start of the 1447 Hijri Ramadan moon sighting. Observation teams monitored the sky to verify the beginning of the holy month before the confirmation was made.

According to a report published by the English-language outlet Gulf News from the United Arab Emirates, most Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE, also began fasting on Wednesday after eating their pre-dawn meal the previous night. The confirmation marked the official start of Ramadan across much of the region.

The synchronized start of fasting across Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries underscores the shared religious observance and coordination among Islamic authorities in the Middle East during the holy month.

Saudi Arabia has announced the sighting of the moon marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan for the Hijri year 1447. The government made the declaration on Tuesday evening, confirming that fasting will commence across the country and the wider Middle East from Wednesday, February 18.

According to Saudi media reports citing official sources, the moon was sighted on Tuesday, prompting the formal start of Ramadan. The announcement aligns with the traditional lunar observation that determines the beginning of the Islamic fasting month.

In Bangladesh, the national moon-sighting committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to determine whether the crescent moon is visible. If confirmed, Ramadan will begin there on Thursday.

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to action for Al Nassr after ending his self-imposed strike, leading his team to a 2-0 victory over Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League. Wearing the captain’s armband, the Portuguese forward scored just 18 minutes into his comeback match, marking his 18th goal of the season. Al Yahya added a second goal in the 78th minute, helping Al Nassr maintain second place in the league standings.

Ronaldo had missed two matches by choice amid frustration with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Reports indicated he was unhappy with PIF’s increasing investment in rival club Al Hilal, which he felt disadvantaged Al Nassr. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also had concerns about his club’s management structure.

According to ESPN, PIF later accepted Ronaldo’s main demands, including settling Al Nassr’s outstanding payments and restoring management autonomy to the club’s top executives. The Saudi league authorities had earlier warned Ronaldo before his return to play.

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has called on Muslims across the country to observe the new moon of Ramadan on Tuesday evening, February 17. According to the official Umm al-Qura Hijri calendar, that date corresponds to the 29th of Sha’ban. The court’s statement instructed anyone who sights the crescent, either with the naked eye or through binoculars, to report their testimony to the nearest court or relevant observation center. It also encouraged capable observers to join regional committees formed for this purpose.

The court described the moon-sighting effort as a virtuous act of religious significance that benefits the entire Muslim community. Meanwhile, in the United Arab Emirates, the International Astronomical Center issued a warning to residents awaiting Ramadan, cautioning that attempting to view the moon on February 17 could be “dangerous for the eyes.”

An official from the center explained that the moon will be positioned very close to the sun that day, coinciding with a solar eclipse. Viewing the sun through telescopes or binoculars without proper protection could cause temporary or permanent vision damage.

Somalia and Saudi Arabia announced on Monday, February 9, the signing of a defense cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening military collaboration between the two nations. The accord was signed by Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. According to Somalia’s Ministry of Defense, the agreement will enhance defense and military cooperation and create opportunities for joint activities in areas of mutual interest.

The signing took place as the region, located at the junction of the Indian Ocean and the Suez Canal, continues to draw heightened attention from Gulf countries due to its strategic importance along one of the world’s busiest trade routes. The development also follows Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland about six weeks earlier, a territory that declared independence in 1991 but is still claimed by Mogadishu as part of Somalia.

Prince Khalid bin Salman stated on X that he signed and witnessed several agreements during a military exhibition in Riyadh, though details of the defense deal with Somalia were not disclosed.

Saudi Arabia has started issuing visas for the 2026 Hajj season (1447 Hijri) from Sunday, according to the country’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The ministry said the decision aims to enhance service readiness and simplify procedures ahead of pilgrims’ arrival. All necessary service agreements for foreign pilgrims have been finalized, and accommodation contracts in Makkah have been completed through the 'Nusuk' platform. So far, about 750,000 pilgrims have registered, including 30,000 who booked Hajj packages directly from their home countries.

For international pilgrims, around 485 camps have been allocated across the holy sites, and 73 Hajj offices have completed initial preparations. In Bangladesh, both government and private pilgrims must undergo health checks at government hospitals and receive vaccinations before obtaining a fitness certificate. As per Saudi guidelines, visa applications must be submitted between February 8 and March 20 with the certificate. The Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that no one will be allowed to perform Hajj without it.

Based on moon sighting, the Hajj is expected to take place on May 26, with flights beginning on April 18.

French forward Karim Benzema made a spectacular debut for Al Hilal, scoring a hat-trick and providing an assist in a 6-0 victory over Al Akhdoud in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday night. The 38-year-old striker, who recently transferred from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal on the final day of the winter transfer window, opened the scoring in the 31st minute with a backheel finish. He added two more goals in the second half before assisting Brazilian forward Malcom.

Benzema was substituted in the 71st minute by Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, but Al Hilal continued their dominance as Salem Al-Dawsari scored twice to complete the rout. The match marked a strong start for Benzema at his new club, which is also the former team of Neymar Jr. The Frenchman expressed his delight after the match, saying the team played well, scored many goals, and conceded none.

The emphatic win highlighted Benzema’s seamless adaptation to Al Hilal and raised expectations for his performance in the remainder of the season.