Saudi Arabia

The Heart of the Islamic World

Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula, located in Western Asia. It is the birthplace of Islam and home to its two holiest cities — Makkah (Mecca) and Madinah (Medina). The Kingdom holds immense religious, cultural, and economic importance, with vast oil reserves and a rapidly diversifying modern economy under Vision 2030.

🏛️ Formation & Historical Background

The land that is now Saudi Arabia has been inhabited for thousands of years, serving as a crossroads of trade, faith, and civilization. The modern kingdom was founded in the early 20th century by King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, uniting the Arabian tribes into one nation under Islam.

Key Historical Timeline:

• 570 CE: Birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in Makkah

• 622 CE: Hijrah to Madinah — beginning of the Islamic calendar

• 1517–1918: Control under Ottoman Empire

• 1902: Abdulaziz Al Saud captured Riyadh, marking the start of unification

• 1932 (Sep 23): Kingdom of Saudi Arabia officially founded

• 1938: Discovery of oil in Dhahran — start of global energy era

• 2016–Present: Launch of Vision 2030 under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

🧭 Basic National Information

⚖️ Government and Leadership

The Saudi government is based on Islamic law (Sharia), with the King serving as both head of state and custodian of the Two Holy Mosques — a position of immense global religious significance.

🗺️ Administrative Structure

Saudi Arabia is divided into 13 administrative regions (mintaqat), each governed by a regional Emir (Governor).

Each region consists of several governorates, focusing on local administration and development projects under the central government’s strategic vision.

🌐 Geography & Environment

• Location: Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Oman, and Yemen

• Coastlines: Red Sea (west) & Arabian Gulf (east)

• Major Deserts: Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), Nafud, Dahna

• Mountains: Asir and Hejaz ranges

• Climate: Desert climate – extremely hot summers, mild winters

• Natural Resources: Oil, natural gas, gold, and phosphates

Saudi Arabia holds around 17% of the world’s proven petroleum reserves, making it one of the largest energy exporters globally.

Local Government Structure

• Each province is governed by an Emir (Governor) from the royal family or high-ranking officials.

• Local municipalities handle:

  • Urban planning & construction

  • Civil services

  • Municipal enforcement

• Special agencies like Royal Commissions manage strategic cities (e.g., NEOM, The Line, Red Sea Project).

Leadership & Governance

• Under Vision 2030, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is leading reforms in:

  • Economy diversification (beyond oil)

  • Women’s empowerment and social liberalization

  • Tourism and entertainment development

  • Green initiatives (Saudi Green & Middle East Green Initiatives)

Law Enforcement & Safety

• Managed by:

  • Ministry of Interior (general policing)

  • General Directorate of Public Security

  • Religious police (authority limited in recent years)

• Strong focus on:

  • Cybersecurity

  • Counterterrorism (notably via Naif Academy)

  • Hajj crowd safety

• Emergency Numbers:

  • 999 – Police

  • 997 – Ambulance

  • 998 – Civil Defense (fire, disaster response)

Economy & Industry

• Major sectors:

  • Oil & gas: ARAMCO (world’s largest oil company)

  • Mining: gold, phosphate, bauxite

  • Logistics & manufacturing (Vision 2030 Industrial Strategy)

  • Tourism: Hajj, Umrah, Red Sea resorts

• Sovereign Wealth Fund: Public Investment Fund (PIF)

• GDP (2023): Approx. $1.1 trillion USD

🕋 Religion, Language & Culture

Cultural Highlights:

• Islamic rituals and Hajj pilgrimage draw millions annually

• Traditional clothing: Thobe for men, Abaya for women

• Cuisine: Kabsa, dates, Arabic coffee (qahwa)

• Architecture blends modern skyscrapers with Islamic heritage (e.g., Makkah Clock Tower)

• Growing film, sports, and cultural sectors under Vision 2030

📈 Economy & Key Sectors

Saudi Arabia’s economy is the largest in the Middle East, powered by oil exports, but rapidly diversifying through Vision 2030 reforms.

The Vision 2030 initiative aims to make Saudi Arabia a global center for investment, tourism, and sustainable innovation.

🎓 Education & Healthcare

✈️ Transport & Infrastructure

Saudi Arabia is reshaping its infrastructure for a post-oil future with advanced smart cities and sustainable megaprojects.

🕋 Tourism & Attractions

Saudi Arabia offers both spiritual and modern experiences, combining Islamic heritage with futuristic architecture.

Top Destinations:

• Makkah: Masjid al-Haram, Kaaba, Zamzam Well

• Madinah: Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque)

• Riyadh: Kingdom Tower, National Museum, Diriyah Heritage City

• AlUla: Ancient rock tombs (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• NEOM & The Line: Futuristic smart city projects

• Abha & Asir Mountains: Nature, waterfalls, and cool climate

🌍 Global Role & Relations

Saudi Arabia plays a leading role in Islamic unity, energy markets, and humanitarian diplomacy.

📝 Summary

Saudi Arabia is the spiritual center of Islam, the economic heart of the Arab world, and a rising global powerhouse. Guided by faith and modernization, it blends the sacred with the futuristic — from the Kaaba in Makkah to NEOM’s futuristic vision — representing both tradition and transformation.

📢 News & Articles

• “Vision 2030: Redefining Saudi Arabia’s Future”

• “NEOM and The Line: The World’s Most Ambitious Smart City”

• “Hajj and Umrah: The Journey of Faith and Unity”

🎯 Our Mission

This profile seeks to provide a complete understanding of Saudi Arabia — its history, leadership, culture, and modernization — to promote education, awareness, and global understanding under the AFP Knowledge Hub.

📬 Contact Us

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