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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New visa rules in Saudi Arabia: Here's everything expats need to know - The Times of IndiaNew visa rules in Saudi Arabia: Here's everything expats need to know  The Times of India

Saudi Royal Runs $250 Billion Firm Shaping Access to Mega Deals - Bloomberg.comSaudi Royal Runs $250 Billion Firm Shaping Access to Mega Deals  Bloomberg.com

Iran’s FM Araghchi, Saudi Crown Prince MBS hold ‘fruitful’ talks in Jeddah - Al JazeeraIran’s FM Araghchi, Saudi Crown Prince MBS hold ‘fruitful’ talks in Jeddah  Al Jazeera

Exploited, executed: The forgotten foreigners on Saudi Arabia’s death row for drug offences - The Indian ExpressExploited, executed: The forgotten foreigners on Saudi Arabia’s death row for drug offences  The Indian Express

Saudi Arabia and Hungary lay foundations for enhanced defense collaboration - Arab NewsSaudi Arabia and Hungary lay foundations for enhanced defense collaboration  Arab News

Saudi Arabia to open real estate market to foreign buyers from 2026 - The Economic TimesSaudi Arabia to open real estate market to foreign buyers from 2026  The Economic Times

Saudi Arabia passes major real estate law that will allow it to be another Dubai. Details here - theweek.inSaudi Arabia passes major real estate law that will allow it to be another Dubai. Details here  theweek.in

Saudi property buying rules: What expats and investors need to know - The Times of IndiaSaudi property buying rules: What expats and investors need to know  The Times of India

Bad news for low-wage India, Pakistan, Bangladesh workers in Saudi Arabia as Riyadh launches new visa rules - India.ComBad news for low-wage India, Pakistan, Bangladesh workers in Saudi Arabia as Riyadh launches new visa rules  India.Com

Saudi Foreign Executions Top 100 After 2 More Put To Death - NDTVSaudi Foreign Executions Top 100 After 2 More Put To Death  NDTV

Saudi Arabia Premium Residency (Green Card): Benefits, eligibility, fees, all you need to know - The Times of IndiaSaudi Arabia Premium Residency (Green Card): Benefits, eligibility, fees, all you need to know  The Times of India

Jakarta-Riyadh Convergence: Prabowo’s Saudi Outreach and the Pursuit of Foreign Investment - The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs MagazineJakarta-Riyadh Convergence: Prabowo’s Saudi Outreach and the Pursuit of Foreign Investment  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine

Saudi Arabia to allow foreigners, expats to buy property from January 2026 - Business StandardSaudi Arabia to allow foreigners, expats to buy property from January 2026  Business Standard

Top Profitable Tech Business Ideas in Saudi Arabia - appinventiv.comTop Profitable Tech Business Ideas in Saudi Arabia  appinventiv.com

Saudi Arabia: Grace Period for Foreign Nationals in Irregular Status - FragomenSaudi Arabia: Grace Period for Foreign Nationals in Irregular Status  Fragomen

Saudi Arabia’s Chance to Lead the Middle East - Time MagazineSaudi Arabia’s Chance to Lead the Middle East  Time Magazine

Saudi Arabia executing ‘horrifying’ number of foreigners for drug crimes - The GuardianSaudi Arabia executing ‘horrifying’ number of foreigners for drug crimes  The Guardian

Saudi Arabia stocks lower at close of trade; Tadawul All Share down 0.01% - Investing.comSaudi Arabia stocks lower at close of trade; Tadawul All Share down 0.01%  Investing.com

Lenovo Champions Inclusive, High-Performance Gaming at Esports World Cup 2025 in Saudi Arabia - Lenovo StoryHubLenovo Champions Inclusive, High-Performance Gaming at Esports World Cup 2025 in Saudi Arabia  Lenovo StoryHub

“Bridging Kingdoms, Defying Seas”: Bold Saudi Arabia and Egypt Plan for 100-Mile Red Sea Crossing Stuns Global Observers - Rude Baguette“Bridging Kingdoms, Defying Seas”: Bold Saudi Arabia and Egypt Plan for 100-Mile Red Sea Crossing Stuns Global Observers  Rude Baguette

IAEA Launches Management System Advisory Service to Support the Introduction of Nuclear Power, Conducts First Mission to Saudi Arabia - International Atomic Energy AgencyIAEA Launches Management System Advisory Service to Support the Introduction of Nuclear Power, Conducts First Mission to Saudi Arabia  International Atomic Energy Agency

Saudi Arabia to allow foreign property ownership in Riyadh and Jeddah - Middle East EyeSaudi Arabia to allow foreign property ownership in Riyadh and Jeddah  Middle East Eye

Saudi Arabia won't lift its alcohol ban anytime soon. Here's why - The New ArabSaudi Arabia won't lift its alcohol ban anytime soon. Here's why  The New Arab

Morocco Ratifies Extradition Agreement with Saudi Arabia to Boost Judicial Cooperation - Morocco World NewsMorocco Ratifies Extradition Agreement with Saudi Arabia to Boost Judicial Cooperation  Morocco World News

Saudi Arabia PE Pipes Market Size, Share & Growth Forecast to 2033 - VocalSaudi Arabia PE Pipes Market Size, Share & Growth Forecast to 2033  Vocal

Saudi Arabia's new skill-based work permits for foreign workers explained - Business StandardSaudi Arabia's new skill-based work permits for foreign workers explained  Business Standard

Shilpa Medicare's Unit VI facility receives SFDA, Saudi Arabia GMP certification - Business StandardShilpa Medicare's Unit VI facility receives SFDA, Saudi Arabia GMP certification  Business Standard

Saudi Arabia’s NEOM: Inside the world’s most ambitious city of the future - The Times of IndiaSaudi Arabia’s NEOM: Inside the world’s most ambitious city of the future  The Times of India

Saudi Arabia's NWC launches $533m worth of 38 water and sanitation projects - Smart Water MagazineSaudi Arabia's NWC launches $533m worth of 38 water and sanitation projects  Smart Water Magazine

Saudi Arabia Sets New Standards for Cruise Tourism: A Game-Changer for Red Sea Region - Travel And Tour WorldSaudi Arabia Sets New Standards for Cruise Tourism: A Game-Changer for Red Sea Region  Travel And Tour World

Saudi Arabia’s MIS signs framework agreement to expand DC capacity by 112 MW - W.MediaSaudi Arabia’s MIS signs framework agreement to expand DC capacity by 112 MW  W.Media

From Australia to Saudi Arabia, these cities are getting smarter by design - Business InsiderFrom Australia to Saudi Arabia, these cities are getting smarter by design  Business Insider

Heritage tourism surges in Saudi Arabia drawing 6.5 million visitors in 2024 - Gulf NewsHeritage tourism surges in Saudi Arabia drawing 6.5 million visitors in 2024  Gulf News

How AI could make Saudi Arabia’s construction sites safer and more efficient - Arab NewsHow AI could make Saudi Arabia’s construction sites safer and more efficient  Arab News

IDeaS Accelerates Expansion in Saudi Arabia with Elaf Group Partnership - Hospitality NetIDeaS Accelerates Expansion in Saudi Arabia with Elaf Group Partnership  Hospitality Net

New cruise rules: Saudi Arabia targets Red Sea boom - Gulf NewsNew cruise rules: Saudi Arabia targets Red Sea boom  Gulf News

Saudi oil exports to China to rise to over two-year high in August, sources say - ReutersSaudi oil exports to China to rise to over two-year high in August, sources say  Reuters

Despite reforms, Saudi Arabia remains dependent on oil - NZZDespite reforms, Saudi Arabia remains dependent on oil  NZZ

Saudi Arabia Executed More Than 100 Foreigners In 2025 So Far: AFP - Iran Front Page - Iran Front PageSaudi Arabia Executed More Than 100 Foreigners In 2025 So Far: AFP - Iran Front Page  Iran Front Page

UN and Saudi Arabia Partner to Fight Malnutrition in Syria - Enab BaladiUN and Saudi Arabia Partner to Fight Malnutrition in Syria  Enab Baladi

Saudi Arabia’s Hotel Boom Accelerates as Elaf Group Partners with IDeaS to Supercharge Revenue Growth and Meet Vision 2030’s Massive Hospitality Ambitions - Travel And Tour WorldSaudi Arabia’s Hotel Boom Accelerates as Elaf Group Partners with IDeaS to Supercharge Revenue Growth and Meet Vision 2030’s Massive Hospitality Ambitions  Travel And Tour World

Escalation of executions in Saudia Arabia for drug-related offences - Amnesty InternationalEscalation of executions in Saudia Arabia for drug-related offences  Amnesty International

Saudi Arabia Raises Oil Prices - Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.comSaudi Arabia Raises Oil Prices  Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com

Major new archaeological excavations to trace early Islamic history in Saudi Arabia - University of ExeterMajor new archaeological excavations to trace early Islamic history in Saudi Arabia  University of Exeter

I visited Saudi Arabia and realised that everything I thought I knew about the country was wrong - Vogue IndiaI visited Saudi Arabia and realised that everything I thought I knew about the country was wrong  Vogue India

Watch: Sacred washing of Kaaba held in Saudi Arabia - Siasat.comWatch: Sacred washing of Kaaba held in Saudi Arabia  Siasat.com

Saudi Arabia debuts cultural showcase at Expo Osaka with Doraemon - Travel Daily News Asia-PacificSaudi Arabia debuts cultural showcase at Expo Osaka with Doraemon  Travel Daily News Asia-Pacific

Lionel Messi could reignite rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia amid uncertain future with Inter M - India.ComLionel Messi could reignite rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia amid uncertain future with Inter M  India.Com

Optima opens new Office in Saudi Arabia - Packaging South AsiaOptima opens new Office in Saudi Arabia  Packaging South Asia

Saudi Arabia multiple-entry eVisa for GCC expats 2025: Application process, costs, all you need to know - The Times of IndiaSaudi Arabia multiple-entry eVisa for GCC expats 2025: Application process, costs, all you need to know  The Times of India

Saudi Arabia Real Estate Market Valued at USD 74.99 Billion - openPR.comSaudi Arabia Real Estate Market Valued at USD 74.99 Billion  openPR.com

Saudi plays short and long game with OPEC+ production gamble - ReutersSaudi plays short and long game with OPEC+ production gamble  Reuters

BIT network expansion in fast lane: India in talks with 12+ nations; Saudi Arabia, Russia among priority - The Times of IndiaBIT network expansion in fast lane: India in talks with 12+ nations; Saudi Arabia, Russia among priority  The Times of India

An Early Look at Amansamar: Aman’s First Branded Residences in Saudi Arabia - Luxury Travel AdvisorAn Early Look at Amansamar: Aman’s First Branded Residences in Saudi Arabia  Luxury Travel Advisor

At what cost? Saudi Arabia and soccer - The Athletic - The New York TimesAt what cost? Saudi Arabia and soccer - The Athletic  The New York Times

Lionel Messi could reportedly join Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia amid uncertain future at Inter Miami - FirstpostLionel Messi could reportedly join Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia amid uncertain future at Inter Miami  Firstpost

Teledyne GFD and IDS launch gas detection sensor manufacturing in Saudi Arabia - compressortech2.comTeledyne GFD and IDS launch gas detection sensor manufacturing in Saudi Arabia  compressortech2.com

Saudi Arabia launches free stopover visa for these passengers, allowing Umrah during layovers - The Economic TimesSaudi Arabia launches free stopover visa for these passengers, allowing Umrah during layovers  The Economic Times

France, Germany, Brazil, Australia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan Among Seventy four Nations Now Eligible for 30-Day Visa-Free Travel to China in Landmark Policy Shift to Boost Global Tourism and Strengthen International - Travel And Tour WorldFrance, Germany, Brazil, Australia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan Among Seventy four Nations Now Eligible for 30-Day Visa-Free Travel to China in Landmark Policy Shift to Boost Global Tourism and Strengthen International  Travel And Tour World

Saudi Arabia Real Estate Market 2025–2033: Drivers, Segments & Future Outlook - VocalSaudi Arabia Real Estate Market 2025–2033: Drivers, Segments & Future Outlook  Vocal

Saudi Arabia to introduce AI education at all grade levels starting this year - Arab NewsSaudi Arabia to introduce AI education at all grade levels starting this year  Arab News

Saudi Arabia's new work permits to improve flexibility in hiring talent from overseas - thenationalnews.comSaudi Arabia's new work permits to improve flexibility in hiring talent from overseas  thenationalnews.com

Amazon Payment Services Partners With Tamara to Offer Seamless Split Payments for Merchants in the UAE and Saudi Arabia - Fintech FinanceAmazon Payment Services Partners With Tamara to Offer Seamless Split Payments for Merchants in the UAE and Saudi Arabia  Fintech Finance

Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Sector Transforms With TDF’s Unstoppable Growth Programs, Paving The Way For Future Global Leadership - Travel And Tour WorldSaudi Arabia’s Tourism Sector Transforms With TDF’s Unstoppable Growth Programs, Paving The Way For Future Global Leadership  Travel And Tour World

Exploited in Saudi Arabia, Dharmavaram man returns home - The HinduExploited in Saudi Arabia, Dharmavaram man returns home  The Hindu

Saudi Arabia Industrial Output Growth Accelerates to 1.5% - TradingViewSaudi Arabia Industrial Output Growth Accelerates to 1.5%  TradingView

Iran FM visits Saudi Arabia as kingdom makes push for regional diplomacy - AL-MonitorIran FM visits Saudi Arabia as kingdom makes push for regional diplomacy  AL-Monitor

Saudi Arabia suspends two Umrah firms over accommodation violations - Gulf NewsSaudi Arabia suspends two Umrah firms over accommodation violations  Gulf News

Navantia lays keel for Saudi Arabia’s new Avante 2200 corvette - Naval TodayNavantia lays keel for Saudi Arabia’s new Avante 2200 corvette  Naval Today

PIF-backed Savvy Games partners with Side to nurture gaming ecosystem in Saudi Arabia - Arab NewsPIF-backed Savvy Games partners with Side to nurture gaming ecosystem in Saudi Arabia  Arab News

Emirates’ Airbus A350 debuts in Dammam, Saudi Arabia - Aeronews GlobalEmirates’ Airbus A350 debuts in Dammam, Saudi Arabia  Aeronews Global

UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Oman, Jordan, and Egypt Set to Transform Middle East into a Tourism Powerhouse in Next Five Years with Mega Airport, New Hotel Expansions and More - Travel And Tour WorldUAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Oman, Jordan, and Egypt Set to Transform Middle East into a Tourism Powerhouse in Next Five Years with Mega Airport, New Hotel Expansions and More  Travel And Tour World

Saudi communications minister meets with international leaders to advance Saudi role in AI - Arab NewsSaudi communications minister meets with international leaders to advance Saudi role in AI  Arab News

Pickl Enters Saudi Arabia - RLI - Retail & Leisure InternationalPickl Enters Saudi Arabia  RLI - Retail & Leisure International

New Labour Law: Expats to face new skill-based work permit rules in Saudi Arabia - Gulf NewsNew Labour Law: Expats to face new skill-based work permit rules in Saudi Arabia  Gulf News

Saudi Arabia to host 8th Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh in October - Arab NewsSaudi Arabia to host 8th Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh in October  Arab News

Asked about normalization with Israel, Saudi FM says Gaza ceasefire takes priority - The Times of IsraelAsked about normalization with Israel, Saudi FM says Gaza ceasefire takes priority  The Times of Israel

Saudi Arabia Enacts New Real Estate Foreign Ownership Law: A Calibrated Opening for Foreign Investors - The National Law ReviewSaudi Arabia Enacts New Real Estate Foreign Ownership Law: A Calibrated Opening for Foreign Investors  The National Law Review

Saudi crown prince meets Iranian foreign minister in Jeddah - ReutersSaudi crown prince meets Iranian foreign minister in Jeddah  Reuters

‘Unjustifiable, unacceptable’: Saudi Arabia condemns Iran attack on Qatar, says ‘deploying its capabilities for support’ - Mint‘Unjustifiable, unacceptable’: Saudi Arabia condemns Iran attack on Qatar, says ‘deploying its capabilities for support’  Mint

‘Saudi Arabia: A Modern History’ by David Commins review - History Today‘Saudi Arabia: A Modern History’ by David Commins review  History Today

Blacklane And EVIQ Partner To Accelerate Saudi Arabia’s EV Future - Construction Business News Middle EastBlacklane And EVIQ Partner To Accelerate Saudi Arabia’s EV Future  Construction Business News Middle East

Gold price in Saudi Arabia: Rates on July 10 - FXStreetGold price in Saudi Arabia: Rates on July 10  FXStreet

Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia discuss implementation of offshore wind energy project - Latest news from AzerbaijanAzerbaijan, Saudi Arabia discuss implementation of offshore wind energy project  Latest news from Azerbaijan

What Retegui’s Saudi Arabia move means for Italy national team selection - Football ItaliaWhat Retegui’s Saudi Arabia move means for Italy national team selection  Football Italia

Saudi Arabia temporarily suspends this visa for 14 countries; India on the list - key details - The Times of IndiaSaudi Arabia temporarily suspends this visa for 14 countries; India on the list - key details  The Times of India

Saudi Arabia Rolls Out Skills-based Visa System - Aviation Business Middle EastSaudi Arabia Rolls Out Skills-based Visa System  Aviation Business Middle East

Lucid to Expand EV Charging Infrastructure in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province - eletric-vehicles.comLucid to Expand EV Charging Infrastructure in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province  eletric-vehicles.com

Former Barcelona director hints Saudi Arabia may target more La Masia players - Barca UniversalFormer Barcelona director hints Saudi Arabia may target more La Masia players  Barca Universal

?? Official: a key Deschamps player signs in Saudi Arabia - OneFootball?? Official: a key Deschamps player signs in Saudi Arabia  OneFootball

Saudi Arabia's Crude Oil Exports Jumped by 400,000 Bpd in April - Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.comSaudi Arabia's Crude Oil Exports Jumped by 400,000 Bpd in April  Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com

Saudi Arabia stocks higher at close of trade; Tadawul All Share up 0.63% - Investing.comSaudi Arabia stocks higher at close of trade; Tadawul All Share up 0.63%  Investing.com

Ambassador to Saudi Arabia - Australian Minister for Foreign AffairsAmbassador to Saudi Arabia  Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs

What Retegui’s Saudi Arabia move means for Italy national team selection - OneFootballWhat Retegui’s Saudi Arabia move means for Italy national team selection  OneFootball

Saudi Arabia’s Dammam to London Heathrow Unveils New Nonstop Service Beginning November 2025 - Travel And Tour WorldSaudi Arabia’s Dammam to London Heathrow Unveils New Nonstop Service Beginning November 2025  Travel And Tour World

Israel-Iran strikes: ‘Violation of international laws’, says Saudi Arabia - The HinduIsrael-Iran strikes: ‘Violation of international laws’, says Saudi Arabia  The Hindu

Saudi Arabia strengthens ties with international partners to boost its role in advancing AI - Economy Middle EastSaudi Arabia strengthens ties with international partners to boost its role in advancing AI  Economy Middle East

Shipping to Saudi Arabia? Pallets now mandatory for loading imported goods - Hapag-LloydShipping to Saudi Arabia? Pallets now mandatory for loading imported goods  Hapag-Lloyd

Saudi Arabia rolls out skill-based work permits to attract global talent - Arab NewsSaudi Arabia rolls out skill-based work permits to attract global talent  Arab News

Saudi Arabia to open property market to foreigners in 2026 - Gulf NewsSaudi Arabia to open property market to foreigners in 2026  Gulf News

As Iran threatens retaliation, US Embassy issues travel warning in Saudi Arabia - Hindustan TimesAs Iran threatens retaliation, US Embassy issues travel warning in Saudi Arabia  Hindustan Times

Saudi Arabia to allow expats to buy property from 2026? What we know - daily-sun.comSaudi Arabia to allow expats to buy property from 2026? What we know  daily-sun.com