Saudi authorities have executed at least 100 people this year, Amnesty International reports. The country's execution rate is among the world's highest.
The men had also been convicted of financing terrorism and possessing weapons, ammunition and 'material used in the manufacture of explosives', according to the Saudi interior ministry
Despite Saudi Arabia's push for transformation, analysts say that a political opening remains out of sight. But international sports events the kingdom is slated to host could make a difference in future.