Saudi Arabia

The Heart of the Islamic World and a Visionary Powerhouse

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Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is the largest country in the Middle East, located on the Arabian Peninsula. Globally significant for being the birthplace of Islam, it is home to the two holiest cities — Makkah and Madinah. With massive oil reserves and an ambitious reform agenda under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is redefining its role both regionally and globally.

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Formation and Historical Background

• Unification led by King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, founding the kingdom on 23 September 1932.

• Historically composed of the regions of Hijaz, Najd, Eastern Province, and Asir.

• Rapid transformation after the discovery of oil in 1938 in Dhahran.

• In recent decades, the kingdom has become a central force in global energy, Islamic finance, and Arab geopolitics.

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Administrative Information

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Government and Leadership

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Administrative Divisions (Provinces)

Saudi Arabia is divided into 13 administrative provinces (manatiq), each headed by an Emir (Governor) appointed by the King.

Each province is subdivided into governorates (muhafazat) and municipalities (baladiyat).

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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).

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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)

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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)

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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

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Education & Institutions

• Leading Universities:

  • King Saud University

  • King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals

  • Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University

  • KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology)

• Programs aligned with Vision 2030:

  • Innovation & R&D

  • Women’s education

  • Digital & engineering specializations

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Healthcare

• Overseen by the Ministry of Health (MOH)

• Major facilities:

  • King Faisal Specialist Hospital (Riyadh)

  • National Guard Health Affairs

  • Specialized cardiac, oncology, and transplant centers

• Introduction of health insurance, digital health, and telemedicine post-COVID

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Transport & Connectivity

• Major Airports:

  • King Khalid International (Riyadh)

  • King Abdulaziz International (Jeddah)

  • King Fahd International (Dammam)

• Rail:

  • Haramain High-Speed Rail (Makkah–Madinah)

  • North–South Railway (Riyadh–Hail–Al Jawf)

• Mega Projects:

  • NEOM (futuristic smart city)

  • The Line (linear urban development)

  • Red Sea Global (luxury tourism)

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Tourism & Attractions

• Islamic Heritage:

  • Masjid al-Haram, Kaaba, Masjid an-Nabawi

• Nature & Culture:

  • AlUla – ancient Nabatean city (UNESCO site)

  • Edge of the World, Farasan Islands, Empty Quarter Desert

  • Diriyah Gate, Hegra, Jeddah Old Town (Al-Balad)

• New Events:

  • Riyadh Season, Jeddah Season, Formula E, Dakar Rally

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Culture & Lifestyle

• Rooted in Islamic values, tribal heritage, and modern Arab identity.

• Key traditions: Majlis hospitality, camel racing, falconry, Arabic coffee

• Cuisine: kabsa, mutabbaq, dates, Arabic bread, meat stews

• Shift toward:

  • Modern entertainment (cinemas, concerts, festivals)

  • Women in workforce and public life

  • Youth-driven tech & entrepreneurship culture

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Summary

Saudi Arabia stands at the crossroads of religion, royalty, and reform. As guardian of Islam’s holiest sites and a G20 economic powerhouse, it is transitioning toward a diversified, futuristic society led by Vision 2030. From oil wells to NEOM towers, and ancient souks to smart cities, the kingdom blends heritage with bold ambition.