Saudi Arabia executed a record 356 people in 2025, surpassing the previous year's total and marking the highest number of executions ever recorded in the kingdom. The majority of those put to death were convicted in drug-related cases, reflecting the government's intensified campaign against narcotics. Human rights advocates have criticized the surge, arguing that it undermines promises of reform and serves as a tool of intimidation, especially against vulnerable groups such as migrant workers and political opponents. Notably, 2025 was the first year in which more foreigners were executed than Saudi nationals, drawing further international scrutiny. The kingdom's renewed use of the death penalty for drug offenses and its aggressive law enforcement measures have prompted ongoing debate about its approach to justice and human rights.