Saudi Arabia

Country Saudi Arabia
Capital Riyadh
Continent Asia
Currency Saudi Riyal(SAR)
Languages Arabic

Information

Introduction

Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to Islam's two holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina. The king's official title is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The modern Saudi state was founded in 1932 by ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman Al SAUD (Ibn Saud) after a 30-year campaign to unify most of the Arabian Peninsula. A male descendent of Ibn Saud, his son ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz, rules the country today as required by the country's 1992 Basic Law. Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Saudi Arabia accepted the Kuwaiti royal family and 400,000 refugees while allowing Western and Arab troops to deploy on its soil for the liberation of Kuwait the following year. The continuing presence of foreign troops on Saudi soil after the liberation of Kuwait became a source of tension between the royal family and the public until all operational US troops left the country in 2003. Major terrorist attacks in May and November 2003 spurred a strong on-going campaign against domestic terrorism and extremism. King ABDALLAH has continued the cautious reform program begun when he was crown prince. To promote increased political participation, the government held elections nationwide from February through April 2005 for half the members of 179 municipal councils. In December 2005, King ABDALLAH completed the process by appointing the remaining members of the advisory municipal councils. The king instituted an Inter-Faith Dialogue initiative in 2008 to encourage religious tolerance on a global level; in February 2009, he reshuffled the cabinet, which led to more moderates holding ministerial and judicial positions, and appointed the first female to the cabinet. The country remains a leading producer of oil and natural gas and holds more than 20% of the world's proven oil reserves. The government continues to pursue economic reform and diversification, particularly since Saudi Arabia's accession to the WTO in December 2005, and promotes foreign investment in the kingdom. A burgeoning population, aquifer depletion, and an economy largely dependent on petroleum output and prices are all ongoing governmental concerns.

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References

Saudi Arabia - Wikipedia
Saudi Arabia - CIA World Fact Book
Saudi Arabia - BBC
Saudi Arabia - Timeline - BBC

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Saudi Arabia, Olympic Council Weigh Moving Asian Winter Games - Bloomberg.comSaudi Arabia, Olympic Council Weigh Moving Asian Winter Games  Bloomberg.com

Saudi Arabia’s 2029 Asian Winter Games at risk from snow mountain delay - Financial TimesSaudi Arabia’s 2029 Asian Winter Games at risk from snow mountain delay  Financial Times

Saudi Arabia hosts 15.2 million Umrah pilgrims in first three months of 2025 - The Times of IndiaSaudi Arabia hosts 15.2 million Umrah pilgrims in first three months of 2025  The Times of India

What is 'Nusuk Umrah'? Saudi Arabia’s new Umrah platform every pilgrim should know about - The Times of IndiaWhat is 'Nusuk Umrah'? Saudi Arabia’s new Umrah platform every pilgrim should know about  The Times of India

Saudi Arabia launches new visa platform to simplify Umrah travel for foreign pilgrims - The Economic TimesSaudi Arabia launches new visa platform to simplify Umrah travel for foreign pilgrims  The Economic Times

Saudi Arabia’s new digital app makes Islamic pilgrimage easy, for Indians too - Telangana TodaySaudi Arabia’s new digital app makes Islamic pilgrimage easy, for Indians too  Telangana Today

India, Saudi Arabia agree to deepen maritime relations, form joint working group - MintIndia, Saudi Arabia agree to deepen maritime relations, form joint working group  Mint

Saudi Arabia’s winter sports dream in trouble: Olympic council asks South Korea about hosting 2029 Asian Winter Games - SportstarSaudi Arabia’s winter sports dream in trouble: Olympic council asks South Korea about hosting 2029 Asian Winter Games  Sportstar

How conservation efforts in Saudi Arabia aim to rescue dugongs from extinction - Arab NewsHow conservation efforts in Saudi Arabia aim to rescue dugongs from extinction  Arab News

Is Saudi Arabia’s plan to build desert ski resort proving too daunting? - FirstpostIs Saudi Arabia’s plan to build desert ski resort proving too daunting?  Firstpost

Big changes at Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund - The Morning ContextBig changes at Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund  The Morning Context

Saudi Arabia to launch voluntary pension, savings scheme for expats - Siasat.comSaudi Arabia to launch voluntary pension, savings scheme for expats  Siasat.com

Saudi Arabia to expand pension and savings programme to foreign workers - The Economic TimesSaudi Arabia to expand pension and savings programme to foreign workers  The Economic Times

China and Saudi Arabia strengthen shipping ties with new service and dry port - Lloyd's ListChina and Saudi Arabia strengthen shipping ties with new service and dry port  Lloyd's List

FlyJinnah NW25 Saudi Arabia Network Expansion - AeroRoutesFlyJinnah NW25 Saudi Arabia Network Expansion  AeroRoutes

Lenovo Strengthens Strategic Commitment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with Senior Leadership Appointments and Regional Headquarters in Riyadh - Lenovo StoryHubLenovo Strengthens Strategic Commitment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with Senior Leadership Appointments and Regional Headquarters in Riyadh  Lenovo StoryHub

U.S., Saudi Arabia Strengthen Ties Through State Partnership Program - U.S. Department of Defense (.gov)U.S., Saudi Arabia Strengthen Ties Through State Partnership Program  U.S. Department of Defense (.gov)

2029 Asian Winter Games in Saudi Arabia’s Desert at Risk as Olympic Council Approaches Other Potential Hosts - SnowBrains2029 Asian Winter Games in Saudi Arabia’s Desert at Risk as Olympic Council Approaches Other Potential Hosts  SnowBrains

Saudi Arabia to launch voluntary pension and savings scheme for foreign workers. - en.etemaaddaily.comSaudi Arabia to launch voluntary pension and savings scheme for foreign workers.  en.etemaaddaily.com

Rolls-Royce wins mtu engines contract for Saudi Arabia’s high-speed trains - Railway TechnologyRolls-Royce wins mtu engines contract for Saudi Arabia’s high-speed trains  Railway Technology

A guide to Nusuk Umrah: All about Saudi Arabia’s one-stop digital service for Hajj pilgrims - MoneycontrolA guide to Nusuk Umrah: All about Saudi Arabia’s one-stop digital service for Hajj pilgrims  Moneycontrol

CT Quickies: From UAE Rains To Saudi Arabia Hosting 15.2 Million Umrah Pilgrims, 10 Middle East Updates - Curly TalesCT Quickies: From UAE Rains To Saudi Arabia Hosting 15.2 Million Umrah Pilgrims, 10 Middle East Updates  Curly Tales

What is the Suhail star? How and when to spot it in Saudi Arabia: Everything you need to know - The Times of IndiaWhat is the Suhail star? How and when to spot it in Saudi Arabia: Everything you need to know  The Times of India

Saudi Arabia executes eight people related to drug charges - The HinduSaudi Arabia executes eight people related to drug charges  The Hindu

Saudi Arabia horror: 360-degree ride snaps mid-air, crashes into the ground at amusement park, 23 injured - The Times of IndiaSaudi Arabia horror: 360-degree ride snaps mid-air, crashes into the ground at amusement park, 23 injured  The Times of India

Saudi Arabia: 84 food establishments shut down in Riyadh over health violations - The Times of IndiaSaudi Arabia: 84 food establishments shut down in Riyadh over health violations  The Times of India

What is Nusuk Umrah, the digital service for pilgrims launched by Saudi Arabia? - FirstpostWhat is Nusuk Umrah, the digital service for pilgrims launched by Saudi Arabia?  Firstpost

IMF Recognizes Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Boom: Key Driver of Economic Growth and Vision 2030 Success - Travel And Tour WorldIMF Recognizes Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Boom: Key Driver of Economic Growth and Vision 2030 Success  Travel And Tour World

Saudi listed insurers: H1 2025 results - Atlas MagazineSaudi listed insurers: H1 2025 results  Atlas Magazine

Saudi Arabia gold scam: Authorities shuts down foreign e-commerce store selling fake gold bullion - The Times of IndiaSaudi Arabia gold scam: Authorities shuts down foreign e-commerce store selling fake gold bullion  The Times of India

Saudi Arabia: Deplorable execution exposes broken promise to halt death penalty for juveniles - Amnesty InternationalSaudi Arabia: Deplorable execution exposes broken promise to halt death penalty for juveniles  Amnesty International

CBI arrests Bijnor man for murder in Saudi Arabia in 1999 - The HinduCBI arrests Bijnor man for murder in Saudi Arabia in 1999  The Hindu

Saudi Arabia Diabetes Drug Market Trends and Company Analysis Report 2025-2033 Featuring Novo Nordis - PharmiWeb.comSaudi Arabia Diabetes Drug Market Trends and Company Analysis Report 2025-2033 Featuring Novo Nordis  PharmiWeb.com

New Saudi labour rule: Workers now have 60 day window to re-sign, transfer jobs, or exit country - The Times of IndiaNew Saudi labour rule: Workers now have 60 day window to re-sign, transfer jobs, or exit country  The Times of India

ZTE and GO Telecom Complete Saudi Arabia’s First Long-Distance 5G-A mmWave Trial - TechAfrica NewsZTE and GO Telecom Complete Saudi Arabia’s First Long-Distance 5G-A mmWave Trial  TechAfrica News

Saudi Arabia Osteoporosis Drugs Market to Reach US$ 308.84 Million by 2033 - 4.33% CAGR Driven by Bi - PharmiWeb.comSaudi Arabia Osteoporosis Drugs Market to Reach US$ 308.84 Million by 2033 - 4.33% CAGR Driven by Bi  PharmiWeb.com

Saudi Arabia “Her Influence”, a Manga Projections at Expo 2025 Osaka: Honoring Pioneering Women Shaping the Future - Travel And Tour WorldSaudi Arabia “Her Influence”, a Manga Projections at Expo 2025 Osaka: Honoring Pioneering Women Shaping the Future  Travel And Tour World

Saudi Arabia Joins UAE, Qatar, and Jordan in Surging Middle East Tourism Beating Turkey With Record Arrivals, Revenues and a Summer Travel Boom - Travel And Tour WorldSaudi Arabia Joins UAE, Qatar, and Jordan in Surging Middle East Tourism Beating Turkey With Record Arrivals, Revenues and a Summer Travel Boom  Travel And Tour World

Why Saudi Arabia Needs Greece’s Patriot Missile System - ForbesWhy Saudi Arabia Needs Greece’s Patriot Missile System  Forbes

Stadler Orders Rolls-Royce Engines for Saudi Arabia’s High-Speed Trains - Railway-NewsStadler Orders Rolls-Royce Engines for Saudi Arabia’s High-Speed Trains  Railway-News

Saudi Arabia’s new season of fruitfulness - MEEDSaudi Arabia’s new season of fruitfulness  MEED

Saudi Arabia: Red alerts issued for heavy rains, flash floods - Siasat.comSaudi Arabia: Red alerts issued for heavy rains, flash floods  Siasat.com

BlackRock Hands Saudi Arabia an $11 Billion Win - Bloomberg.comBlackRock Hands Saudi Arabia an $11 Billion Win  Bloomberg.com

Saudi Arabia voices deep concern over famine in Gaza - Siasat.comSaudi Arabia voices deep concern over famine in Gaza  Siasat.com

What is Saudi Arabia’s ‘In the Prophet’s Steps’? Over one million worldwide registered ahead of launch - The Times of IndiaWhat is Saudi Arabia’s ‘In the Prophet’s Steps’? Over one million worldwide registered ahead of launch  The Times of India

Saudi Arabia approves digital ID to allow foreigners to own property ahead of 2026 law - The Times of IndiaSaudi Arabia approves digital ID to allow foreigners to own property ahead of 2026 law  The Times of India

What Is Nusuk Umrah? Saudi Arabia’s New Digital Umrah Visa Platform For Travellers - Times NowWhat Is Nusuk Umrah? Saudi Arabia’s New Digital Umrah Visa Platform For Travellers  Times Now

Saudi Arabia Construction Materials Market Booms Amid Vision 2030 Infrastructure Drive | Report 2025-2033 - VocalSaudi Arabia Construction Materials Market Booms Amid Vision 2030 Infrastructure Drive | Report 2025-2033  Vocal

Saudi Arabia’s water sector turns scarcity into opportunity - Arab NewsSaudi Arabia’s water sector turns scarcity into opportunity  Arab News

Saudi Arabia’s New Rule: Expired Visit Visa holders now have 30 days to exit without penalty - The Times of IndiaSaudi Arabia’s New Rule: Expired Visit Visa holders now have 30 days to exit without penalty  The Times of India

Saudi Arabia caps foreign ownership in listed firms at 49%: Only six types of investors can qualify - The Times of IndiaSaudi Arabia caps foreign ownership in listed firms at 49%: Only six types of investors can qualify  The Times of India

Saudi Arabia travel alert: Travelers carrying prescription drugs must declare and get online permit - The Times of IndiaSaudi Arabia travel alert: Travelers carrying prescription drugs must declare and get online permit  The Times of India

Neom’s Desert Ski Resort Strains Saudi Prince’s $1.5 Trillion Plan - Bloomberg.comNeom’s Desert Ski Resort Strains Saudi Prince’s $1.5 Trillion Plan  Bloomberg.com

Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia donates blood, launches annual campaign - qazinform.comCrown Prince of Saudi Arabia donates blood, launches annual campaign  qazinform.com

Saudi Arabia: Deplorable Execution Exposes Broken Promise to Halt Death Penalty for Juveniles - Amnesty International USASaudi Arabia: Deplorable Execution Exposes Broken Promise to Halt Death Penalty for Juveniles  Amnesty International USA

Riyadh Air signs five-year cargo handling pact with SATS Saudi Arabia - Aviation Business NewsRiyadh Air signs five-year cargo handling pact with SATS Saudi Arabia  Aviation Business News

Increase in Saudi Arabia's Oil production doesn't lead to higher export supply – Commerzbank - MitradeIncrease in Saudi Arabia's Oil production doesn't lead to higher export supply – Commerzbank  Mitrade

Increase in Saudi Arabia's Oil production doesn't lead to higher export supply – Commerzbank - FXStreetIncrease in Saudi Arabia's Oil production doesn't lead to higher export supply – Commerzbank  FXStreet

ACWA Power commissions 2.79 GW of solar in Saudi Arabia - pv magazine InternationalACWA Power commissions 2.79 GW of solar in Saudi Arabia  pv magazine International

Saudi Arabia Achieves New Benchmark Hosting Over Fifteen Million Pilgrims For Umrah In The First Quarter Of The Year - Travel And Tour WorldSaudi Arabia Achieves New Benchmark Hosting Over Fifteen Million Pilgrims For Umrah In The First Quarter Of The Year  Travel And Tour World

Emirates and Saudia Cancel Multiple Flights, Causing Major Travel Disruptions in Germany, Netherlands, UAE, and Saudi Arabia - Travel And Tour WorldEmirates and Saudia Cancel Multiple Flights, Causing Major Travel Disruptions in Germany, Netherlands, UAE, and Saudi Arabia  Travel And Tour World

U.S., Saudi Arabia Strengthen Ties Through State Partnership Program - army.milU.S., Saudi Arabia Strengthen Ties Through State Partnership Program  army.mil

India, Saudi Arabia Form Joint Working Group to Deepen Maritime Cooperation - Adda247India, Saudi Arabia Form Joint Working Group to Deepen Maritime Cooperation  Adda247

Saudi Arabia executes man over protests he attended as a 15-year-old - The Washington PostSaudi Arabia executes man over protests he attended as a 15-year-old  The Washington Post

Rebellions takes on Nvidia with Saudi expansion, Aramco partnership - DIGITIMES AsiaRebellions takes on Nvidia with Saudi expansion, Aramco partnership  DIGITIMES Asia

Nusuk Umrah: How Saudi Arabia's New Digital Platform Simplifies Pilgrimage - Travel and Leisure AsiaNusuk Umrah: How Saudi Arabia's New Digital Platform Simplifies Pilgrimage  Travel and Leisure Asia

Saudi Arabia Cinema Market is Set to Explode: Key Insights Before 2033 - VocalSaudi Arabia Cinema Market is Set to Explode: Key Insights Before 2033  Vocal

Saudi Arabia: Over 15 million pilgrims perform Umrah in Q1 2025 - Siasat.comSaudi Arabia: Over 15 million pilgrims perform Umrah in Q1 2025  Siasat.com

Saudi Arabia Industrial Gearboxes Market Is Expected to Reach USD 414.29 Million by 2033, Grow at a CAGR Of 4.06% - VocalSaudi Arabia Industrial Gearboxes Market Is Expected to Reach USD 414.29 Million by 2033, Grow at a CAGR Of 4.06%  Vocal

Saudi Arabia condemns Gaza famine as ‘stain on conscience of international community’ - Arab NewsSaudi Arabia condemns Gaza famine as ‘stain on conscience of international community’  Arab News

Saudi pavilion at Expo 2025 shines light on inspirational women - Arab NewsSaudi pavilion at Expo 2025 shines light on inspirational women  Arab News

Gold price in Saudi Arabia: Rates on August 22 - FXStreetGold price in Saudi Arabia: Rates on August 22  FXStreet

Saudi Arabia Power Transformer Market Surges Amid Vision 2030 Energy Reforms | 2025-2033 - VocalSaudi Arabia Power Transformer Market Surges Amid Vision 2030 Energy Reforms | 2025-2033  Vocal

China exports Guangming 2 broiler chickens to Saudi Arabia - ecns.cnChina exports Guangming 2 broiler chickens to Saudi Arabia  ecns.cn

India Signs Long-Term Fertilizer Supply Agreements with Saudi Arabia - NewsonairIndia Signs Long-Term Fertilizer Supply Agreements with Saudi Arabia  Newsonair

Saudi Arabia Once Published a Textbook with Photoshopped Yoda Next to the King - PetaPixelSaudi Arabia Once Published a Textbook with Photoshopped Yoda Next to the King  PetaPixel

Saudi Arabia, Olympic Council Weigh Moving Asian Winter Games - MSNSaudi Arabia, Olympic Council Weigh Moving Asian Winter Games  MSN

Syria, Saudi Arabia sign mutual investments deal: What to know - AL-MonitorSyria, Saudi Arabia sign mutual investments deal: What to know  AL-Monitor

Saudi Arabia Tourism Sector: IMF Highlights Remarkable Growth - Travel And Tour WorldSaudi Arabia Tourism Sector: IMF Highlights Remarkable Growth  Travel And Tour World

Foggy Highlands Of Saudi Arabia Becomes The Ultimate Summer Retreat for Tourists - Travel And Tour WorldFoggy Highlands Of Saudi Arabia Becomes The Ultimate Summer Retreat for Tourists  Travel And Tour World

Saudi Arabia condemns Israel's genocidal 'crimes,' expresses alarm over famine - Middle East EyeSaudi Arabia condemns Israel's genocidal 'crimes,' expresses alarm over famine  Middle East Eye

Ambassador Al-Muzaini presents his credentials to the President of Uruguay - Arab NewsAmbassador Al-Muzaini presents his credentials to the President of Uruguay  Arab News

Saudi Arabia unveils 'Nusuk Umrah' platform for direct pilgrimage bookings - Gulf NewsSaudi Arabia unveils 'Nusuk Umrah' platform for direct pilgrimage bookings  Gulf News

Saudi Arabian Contractor MGC Explores Riyadh Listing - Bloomberg.comSaudi Arabian Contractor MGC Explores Riyadh Listing  Bloomberg.com

IMF commends Saudi Arabia's impressive tourism growth as Kingdom targets 70 million tourists by 2030 - Economy Middle EastIMF commends Saudi Arabia's impressive tourism growth as Kingdom targets 70 million tourists by 2030  Economy Middle East

Saudi’s New Law: Foreigners can own property across the kingdom, except in these two cities - The Times of IndiaSaudi’s New Law: Foreigners can own property across the kingdom, except in these two cities  The Times of India

Saudi Arabia expresses concern over famine declaration in Gaza - Khaleej TimesSaudi Arabia expresses concern over famine declaration in Gaza  Khaleej Times

Saudi Arabia braces for heavy rain starting today, with flash flood warnings issued - Gulf NewsSaudi Arabia braces for heavy rain starting today, with flash flood warnings issued  Gulf News

Saudi Arabia emerges as global powerhouse in gaming and esports - Economy Middle EastSaudi Arabia emerges as global powerhouse in gaming and esports  Economy Middle East

Saudi Arabia Voices Deep Concern over Famine in Gaza - Asharq Al-awsat - EnglishSaudi Arabia Voices Deep Concern over Famine in Gaza  Asharq Al-awsat - English

Saudi Arabia Semiconductor Market Size, Investment, Demand & Outlook 2025-2033 - VocalSaudi Arabia Semiconductor Market Size, Investment, Demand & Outlook 2025-2033  Vocal

Where is Saudi Arabia on its plan to power itself on sun and wind rather than oil? - thenationalnews.comWhere is Saudi Arabia on its plan to power itself on sun and wind rather than oil?  thenationalnews.com

Get your Oil & Gas Awards: Saudi Arabia 2025 early bird tickets now - Oil & Gas Middle EastGet your Oil & Gas Awards: Saudi Arabia 2025 early bird tickets now  Oil & Gas Middle East

UK and Ireland Roadshow Connects Travel Experts with Saudi Arabia’s Expanding Tourism Opportunities and World-Class Destinations - Travel And Tour WorldUK and Ireland Roadshow Connects Travel Experts with Saudi Arabia’s Expanding Tourism Opportunities and World-Class Destinations  Travel And Tour World

Rolls-Royce wins order for mtu engines for Saudi Arabia - MarketScreenerRolls-Royce wins order for mtu engines for Saudi Arabia  MarketScreener

How to maximise hotel performance in Madinah’s summer season - Hotelier Middle EastHow to maximise hotel performance in Madinah’s summer season  Hotelier Middle East

UAE Hovers Alongside Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Oman Set to Launch New International Flight Routes Surging and Skyrocketing Global Connectivity in 2026 - Travel And Tour WorldUAE Hovers Alongside Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Oman Set to Launch New International Flight Routes Surging and Skyrocketing Global Connectivity in 2026  Travel And Tour World

Fairground ride snaps mid-air in Saudi Arabia, injuring 23, state media reports - CNNFairground ride snaps mid-air in Saudi Arabia, injuring 23, state media reports  CNN

Saudi Arabia is changing. It can shape the future of Muslim world - ThePrintSaudi Arabia is changing. It can shape the future of Muslim world  ThePrint

Saudi Arabia launches Middle East's first all-female sea ranger corps in its royal reserve - The Times of IndiaSaudi Arabia launches Middle East's first all-female sea ranger corps in its royal reserve  The Times of India

Saudi Arabia’s Growing Wellness Tourism Market: A Premier Destination for 2025 and Beyond - Travel And Tour WorldSaudi Arabia’s Growing Wellness Tourism Market: A Premier Destination for 2025 and Beyond  Travel And Tour World