Why Saudi Arabia Must Restore a Moratorium On Drug Executions

The number of executions for drug crimes in Saudi Arabia is reaching staggering numbers. Since the beginning of 2025, at least 111 individuals have been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia, and 68 of these were executed for drug-related crimes. As well as causing concern, these recent developments demonstrate how Saudi Arabia continues to renege[…]

US-Saudi AI Deal and the Dangers of AI Surveillance in Saudi Arabia

This month, President Trump announced a deal with Saudi Arabia that would provide the country with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chips. The deal sees industry leader Nvidia provide Humain, a sovereign wealth fund-owned AI startup, with 18,000 of its new GB300 Blackwell chips. The massive deal makes Saudi Arabia a potential leader in AI data[…]

Erased by Law: Sectarian Repression and the Shia Struggle for Equality in Saudi Arabia

Introduction The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to systematically violate the rights of its Shia citizens amid a complete absence of structural reforms to address entrenched sectarian discrimination. Despite the official promotion of “Vision 2030” as a path toward modernization and openness, Shia communities remain subject to restrictive policies that limit their rights in religion,[…]

How the Saudi Grand Prix Fuels a Broader Sportswashing Strategy

From the roar of Formula 1 engines to the elegance of international tennis, Saudi Arabia has been pouring billions into sports—not just for the love of the game, but to rebrand its image. This isn’t about athletic excellence. It’s about sportswashing: using high-profile events to distract from a long and painful record of repression. Whether[…]

Mass Arrests of Migrant Workers in Kuwait

This year, authorities in Kuwait have launched a massive campaign to crackdown on foreign nationals who have violated the new residency law, Amiri Decree No. 114. As of now, 440 foreign nationals have been arrested for violating the law. The new law replaces the previous Law No. 17 which was the standard for over 60[…]