Several Bangladeshi expatriates have been detained in Saudi Arabia for organizing political gatherings related to Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national election without official permission. The Embassy of Bangladesh in Riyadh confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Wednesday night, urging all expatriates to refrain from political activities in the kingdom.

According to the embassy, the detainees allegedly rented halls, restaurants, and private residences to hold meetings under the banners of unauthorized organizations. Saudi authorities acted after reports of group campaigning and the spread of misleading or criminal content on social media. The embassy reminded Bangladeshis to strictly follow Saudi laws and avoid any form of political assembly or online misinformation.

The incident highlights the sensitivity of political activities among expatriate communities in Saudi Arabia, where public gatherings and foreign political campaigns are tightly regulated. The embassy’s advisory aims to prevent further detentions and maintain compliance with local regulations ahead of Bangladesh’s election season.

Saudi Arabia has officially launched its newest multi-mission warship, ‘His Majesty King Saud,’ in Wisconsin, United States, marking the first vessel completed under the Kingdom’s Tuwaiq Project. The ship, built for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF), represents a major step in Riyadh’s broader initiative to modernize its naval fleet and strengthen maritime defense capabilities.

The launch ceremony was attended by senior Saudi and U.S. military officials, including RSNF Commander Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Ghuraibi, as well as representatives from Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri, the firms involved in construction. Al-Ghuraibi highlighted the Saudi leadership’s “unlimited support” for the navy, emphasizing that the Tuwaiq Project will enhance operational readiness and safeguard strategic sea routes. The warship is designed to counter threats from air, surface, and underwater domains.

Following the ceremony, Al-Ghuraibi met with U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle to discuss expanding bilateral naval cooperation. The Tuwaiq Project underscores Saudi Arabia’s intent to build a faster, more capable maritime force amid evolving regional security challenges.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, at Riyadh’s Al-Yamamah Palace to discuss the ongoing conflict in Sudan and efforts to restore security and stability. The Saudi Press Agency reported that senior Saudi officials, including the defense and foreign ministers, attended the meeting, reflecting Riyadh’s continued diplomatic engagement in the region.

Separately, U.S. Special Envoy for Africa, Massad Boulos, met Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to review bilateral relations and regional peace initiatives. Both sides described the talks as productive and forward-looking, emphasizing cooperation on shared priorities. Some reports suggested Boulos also met al-Burhan, though this has not been independently confirmed.

The meeting underscores Saudi Arabia’s active role in mediating the Sudanese crisis, which has persisted since April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Riyadh’s involvement aims to facilitate peace talks and humanitarian aid, positioning the kingdom as a key regional mediator in African stability efforts.

Saudi Arabia has executed 340 people so far in 2025, setting a new record for the second consecutive year, according to data compiled by AFP. The Saudi authorities announced three additional executions on Monday, pushing the total beyond last year’s figure of 338. The country continues to apply capital punishment for a range of offenses, including murder, drug trafficking, and terrorism-related crimes.

Human rights organizations have expressed alarm over the rising use of the death penalty, calling it the highest annual total since records began in the 1990s. Groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have repeatedly urged Riyadh to impose a moratorium, citing concerns over due process and fairness in trials.

Observers note that the increase in executions comes despite Saudi Arabia’s pledges to reform its justice system under Vision 2030. The trend may heighten international scrutiny and could affect the kingdom’s human rights image as it seeks greater global investment and diplomatic engagement.

Saudi Arabia has further relaxed its alcohol restrictions, permitting high-income non-Muslim foreign residents to legally purchase alcohol in Riyadh. According to Bloomberg, foreigners earning at least 50,000 riyals (around USD 13,300) per month can now access the kingdom’s only licensed liquor store by presenting proof of income. The store, initially opened last year for foreign diplomats, has now extended access to non-Muslims holding premium residency status.

The Saudi government has not issued an official statement on the policy change, and no immediate comment was provided to media inquiries. Purchases are reportedly managed through a monthly point-based allowance system. Bloomberg also reported that two additional liquor stores are under construction in other Saudi cities.

Analysts suggest the move aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s broader efforts to modernize Saudi society and attract skilled expatriates. The policy shift also comes as the kingdom prepares to host the 2034 FIFA Men’s World Cup, when an influx of international visitors is expected to seek greater social freedoms.

Saudi Arabia is experiencing widespread storms and heavy rainfall across most regions, prompting warnings of potential flash floods if weather conditions do not improve soon. The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) reported that strong winds and rain have hit Makkah, Madinah, Qassim, Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and the Northern Border Region. Moderate rainfall and fog have also been observed in Hail, Tabuk, Al Jouf, and the southwestern areas.

According to the NCM, the current weather pattern is driven by a deep low-pressure system over the Red Sea, causing winds between 18 and 40 kilometers per hour, with gusts possibly reaching 50 kilometers per hour. The stormy conditions have also extended to the Persian Gulf, where winds are sweeping toward Saudi Arabia’s southern regions.

Such intense weather events are relatively rare in the desert climate of Saudi Arabia, though similar storms have occurred several times in recent years. Authorities are urging residents to remain cautious and avoid flood-prone areas as the situation develops.

The fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival is set to begin on December 4 in Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district, Saudi Arabia. The festival will open with Rowan Athale’s film 'Giant', inspired by the life of British-Yemeni boxer Prince Naseem Hamed, starring Amir El-Masry and Pierce Brosnan. This year’s event features 111 films, including 16 in the main competition—half from the Middle East and half international. Oscar-winning director Sean Baker will chair the jury. The lineup includes Saudi Arabia’s Oscar entry 'Hijra', Cherien Dabis’s 'All That’s Left of You', and other acclaimed titles from Tunisia, Spain, and Switzerland. Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai is among the confirmed celebrity attendees. The Red Sea Film Foundation, now led by CEO Faisal Baltyuor, aims to attract 40,000 visitors this year, up from 30,000 in 2024. The festival will also feature outdoor screenings, family programs, and a youth filmmaking initiative called 'Voices of Tomorrow'.

Saudi Arabia is set to launch its first professional women’s cricket tournament, the Women’s World T20 Challenge, starting in 2026. Organized jointly by FairBreak and Saudi Cricket, the event will feature players from over 35 countries, marking a major step in the kingdom’s growing investment in global sports. The inaugural edition is expected to take place in September or October and will run for two weeks. Six teams, each comprising 15 players, will compete in 19 matches, including a round-robin stage, two semifinals, and a final. Player selection will follow FairBreak’s principles through a selection panel rather than an auction. Although the salary structure is yet to be finalized, top players are expected to earn amounts comparable to those in The Hundred or the Women’s Big Bash League. The initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s ambition to diversify its sports portfolio and strengthen its presence in international cricket.

Saudi Arabia has opened its first-ever bar, named 'A-12', in the capital Riyadh, marking a symbolic step in the kingdom’s ongoing social reforms. The establishment serves non-alcoholic versions of beer and other beverages, replicating the ambience of bars found abroad but without alcohol, which remains strictly prohibited in the country since 1952. The move reflects Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s broader efforts to modernize Saudi society under Vision 2030 while maintaining adherence to Islamic law. The initiative follows earlier decisions allowing limited alcohol sales to non-Muslim diplomats, and plans are underway to open two controlled liquor stores for foreign workers and diplomats by 2026. These developments indicate a gradual but cautious shift toward a more open social environment, balancing modernization with traditional restrictions.

Cristiano Ronaldo, at the age of 40, delivered a spectacular bicycle kick goal during Al Nassr’s 4-1 victory over Al Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League. The goal came in the sixth minute of added time when Nawaaf sent a precise cross into the box, and Ronaldo executed a flawless acrobatic finish that left the goalkeeper helpless. The strike evoked memories of his famous overhead goal for Juventus seven years ago. Earlier in the match, João Félix, Wesley Ribeiro, and Sadio Mané each scored for Al Nassr. With this goal, Ronaldo’s career tally has reached 954, bringing him closer to the 1,000-goal milestone. He has now scored 10 goals in nine league matches this season, ranking second in the top scorer list, just one goal behind teammate Félix. Al Nassr remain unbeaten after nine matches, leading the league table with 27 points, followed by Al Hilal with 23 points.

Hanan Elatr, the widow of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi, has publicly demanded compensation and an apology from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while urging former U.S. President Donald Trump to seek justice for her husband’s murder. In an interview with CNN, Elatr said the crown prince should personally apologize and take responsibility for the loss she suffered. She expressed deep pain at seeing Trump warmly welcome the Saudi leader during his recent Washington visit, calling it distressing and disappointing. Khashoggi, a U.S. resident and Washington Post columnist critical of the Saudi government, was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. U.S. intelligence reports released under President Joe Biden concluded that the crown prince approved the operation, though Trump previously denied his involvement. Elatr emphasized that compensation would represent accountability and closure from the Saudi government for the killing carried out by its officials.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has stated that Riyadh is open to normalizing relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords, but only if a clear plan for establishing a Palestinian state is in place. Speaking during a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oval Office, the Crown Prince emphasized the need for a two-state solution roadmap before Saudi Arabia can join the accords. He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s longstanding position that peace in the region requires recognition of Palestinian statehood. The Crown Prince added that Riyadh seeks peace for both Israelis and Palestinians and aims to create conditions for their peaceful coexistence. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to oppose the two-state solution and leads a coalition that favors annexing parts of the occupied West Bank. The Saudi stance underscores the kingdom’s insistence on linking normalization with progress toward Palestinian sovereignty.

An increasing number of U.S. citizens are viewing Saudi Arabia as their ‘second home,’ drawn by the kingdom’s expanding job market, modern infrastructure, and welcoming culture. As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s economy is diversifying into technology, health, construction, education, and tourism, creating high-paying opportunities that attract American professionals. Many Americans living in Riyadh and Jeddah say the local hospitality and cultural inclusiveness help them integrate quickly. The recent granting of Saudi citizenship to Red Sea Global CEO John Pagano symbolizes this growing bond. Analysts note that deepening U.S.-Saudi cooperation in energy, security, and trade has strengthened people-to-people connections, with more Americans choosing to live and work in the kingdom. The country’s social reforms, including greater openness and women’s participation, have further enhanced its appeal among expatriates.

The United States and Saudi Arabia are preparing to sign a long-term civil nuclear cooperation agreement aimed at supporting Riyadh’s Vision 2030 energy diversification goals. According to Reuters, the deal could be signed at the White House as early as Tuesday, with full details expected later this year. The agreement, known as a '123 Agreement' under US law, would allow the export of nuclear materials and technology for peaceful purposes, provided strict non-proliferation safeguards are met. While Saudi Arabia has not yet accepted all conditions, Washington may impose restrictions on uranium enrichment and prohibit any military use of nuclear technology. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed that the deal will proceed, while Saudi officials expressed readiness to comply with international nuclear standards. The cooperation reflects both nations’ strategic and economic interests, as the kingdom seeks to reduce carbon emissions and secure sustainable energy sources.

Saudi Arabia has assured the Palestinian Authority that it will not normalize relations with Israel until conditions for establishing an independent Palestinian state are met. A senior Palestinian official told the Times of Israel that Riyadh reaffirmed its commitment to the Palestinian cause during internal meetings, emphasizing that normalization can only proceed based on the 1967 borders. The assurance comes ahead of a meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and U.S. President Donald Trump, where Washington is expected to press Riyadh to advance ties with Israel. Palestinian officials expressed confidence that Saudi Arabia will not shift its stance abruptly. The statement contrasts with the 2020 Abraham Accords, under which four Arab nations normalized relations with Israel. Meanwhile, discussions continue regarding Hamas’s control of Gaza, as both the Palestinian Authority and the Arab League have urged Hamas to disarm, a demand the group has rejected.