Saudi Arabia has launched a crackdown on citizens voicing complaints about foreign hiring at state-owned companies. The General Authority of Media Regulation summoned 49 people for 68 alleged violations of the Audio Visual Media Act, which prohibits content that disrupts public order and national security. Media Minister Salman al-Dosary said the government welcomes "objective criticism" but will not tolerate agitation.

Much of the online anger centered on Qiddiya, a massive entertainment and sports complex near Riyadh owned by the Public Investment Fund. Activists pointed to LinkedIn posts claiming underqualified Western expatriates held senior roles at the project, where only about 40 percent of employees are currently Saudi. The company aims to raise that share to 50 percent next year and 70 percent by 2030.

The crackdown reflects mounting economic pressure. While Saudi unemployment dropped to 7.2 percent, the US-Israeli war on Iran has reignited uncertainty, and the government is delaying projects amid tightening liquidity and widening deficits. Human rights groups, including UK-based Alqst, condemned the summons as an escalating attack on freedom of expression designed to silence young Saudis voicing legitimate grievances about the labor market.