The organisation Together for Justice is closely following the case of Egyptian citizen Shaheen Gharib Shoaib, who was reportedly arrested by Saudi authorities on 3 March 2026 shortly after arriving in the Kingdom to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. Since that day, his whereabouts have remained unknown, raising serious concerns about his safety and legal status.
According to information provided by his family, Shoaib contacted them upon arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, reassuring them that he had reached the Kingdom safely. Shortly afterwards, however, all communication suddenly stopped. Since that moment, the family has received no official notification explaining the reasons for his arrest, the legal basis for his detention, or the location where he is being held.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that he may be detained in Dahban Prison in Jeddah, but Saudi authorities have not issued any statement confirming this information. The absence of transparency has heightened the family’s fears that he may be subjected to arbitrary detention or enforced disappearance.
In a video statement circulating online, Ahmed Gharib, Shoaib’s brother, explained that the family has been unable to contact him since the day of his arrest. He stressed that claims suggesting Shoaib is “safe” or “well” cannot be verified, as no one has been allowed to see him or communicate with him since his disappearance. The family therefore remains deeply concerned about his fate and wellbeing.
The arrest of a visitor who entered Saudi Arabia for the sole purpose of performing a religious pilgrimage raises serious human rights concerns, particularly in the absence of any clear legal procedures or official explanation. Detaining an individual without informing their family, revealing their location, or allowing access to legal representation violates fundamental safeguards recognized under international human rights law.
Together for Justice calls on the Saudi authorities to immediately disclose the fate and whereabouts of Shaheen Gharib Shoaib, clarify the legal basis for his detention, and ensure that he is granted his basic legal rights, including communication with his family and access to legal counsel. The organisation also stresses the urgent need for transparency in this case to prevent further violations and to guarantee his safety.