Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is a country in West Asia and the Middle East. It covers the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula and has a land area of about 2150000 km2, making it the fifth-largest country in Asia and the largest in the Middle East. It is bordered by the Red Sea to the west; Jordan, Iraq, and Kuwait to the north; the Persian Gulf, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to the east; Oman to the southeast; and Yemen to the south. The Gulf of Aqaba in the northwest separates Saudi Arabia from Egypt and Israel. Saudi Arabia is the only country with a coastline along both the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, and most of its terrain consists of arid desert, lowland, steppe, and mountains. The capital and largest city is Riyadh; other major cities include Jeddah and the two holiest cities in Islam, Mecca and Medina. With a population of 32.2 million, Saudi Arabia is the fourth most populous country in the Arab world.
saudi-arabia

Some of the key events about Saudi Arabia

  • 1744
    The First Saudi State was established, marking the beginning of a strict interpretation of Islam
  • 1818
    The Ottoman Empire destroyed the First Saudi State, leading to its collapse
  • 1865
    The Second Saudi State fell, resulting in the exile of the Al Saud family
  • 1932
    The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was officially established, unifying various regions under one rule
  • 1938
    Oil was discovered in commercial quantities, transforming the country's economy
  • 1938
    Oil was discovered in Saudi Arabia, fundamentally altering the country's economy and society
  • 1960
    Saudi Arabia became a founding member of OPEC, influencing global oil markets
  • 1962
    Slavery was officially abolished in the kingdom
  • 1962
    Saudi Arabia abolished slavery, but faced criticism for the slow implementation of the decision
  • 1969
    The first television broadcast was aired in Saudi Arabia
  • 1973
    Saudi Arabia led an oil embargo against countries supporting Israel, causing a global oil crisis
  • 1975
    King Faisal University was established, expanding higher education opportunities
  • 1979
    The Grand Mosque in Mecca was seized by extremists, resulting in a violent two-week siege
  • 2000
    A series of terrorist attacks began targeting Western and Saudi interests in the country
  • 2005
    Saudi Arabia joined the World Trade Organization, integrating into the global economy
  • 2009
    King Abdullah University of Science and Technology opened, advancing research and innovation
  • 2011
    Saudi Arabia intervened militarily in Bahrain to suppress pro-democracy protests
  • 2015
    Women were allowed to vote and run in municipal elections for the first time
  • 2018
    The ban on women driving was lifted, marking a significant social reform
  • 2018
    The murder of a journalist in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul sparked international outrage

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Saudi Arabia Latest news

Trump Defends Controversial Activist's Role in Campaign

Trump Defends Controversial Activist's Role in Campaign

Right-wing activist Laura Loomer's growing influence in Donald Trump's campaign sparks concern. Trump defends her presence despite her history of controversial statements and conspiracy theories.

Society, Politics • September 13 2024, 11:31 PM  •  1060 views
Abraham Accords: A Beacon of Hope in Middle East Diplomacy

Abraham Accords: A Beacon of Hope in Middle East Diplomacy

The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, mark a significant shift in Middle East relations. Despite challenges, these agreements continue to foster economic growth and regional cooperation, offering a new path towards peace.

Economics, Politics • September 13 2024, 11:46 AM  •  445 views
Wizz Air Launches Budget Flights to Middle East with New Airbus Jets

Wizz Air Launches Budget Flights to Middle East with New Airbus Jets

Wizz Air introduces £135 flights from London to Saudi Arabia using new Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The budget airline expands its long-haul offerings while maintaining its no-frills approach.

Business, Economics • September 10 2024, 03:41 PM  •  278 views
UK Considers Proscribing IRGC Amid Labour Party Tensions Over Israel

UK Considers Proscribing IRGC Amid Labour Party Tensions Over Israel

The UK government is reviewing the case for proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as Labour faces internal divisions over its stance on Israel. Recent decisions have caused frustration among pro-Israel MPs.

Society, Politics • September 7 2024, 06:31 PM  •  244 views
Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Air Sparks Talent War for British Pilots

Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Air Sparks Talent War for British Pilots

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's new luxury airline, is intensifying competition for aviation talent, particularly targeting British pilots. This move is impacting major UK carriers and reshaping the industry's recruitment landscape.

Business, Economics • September 7 2024, 01:34 PM  •  258 views
Unearthed Pre-9/11 Video Raises Questions About Saudi Involvement

Unearthed Pre-9/11 Video Raises Questions About Saudi Involvement

A 25-year-old video showing a Saudi man filming Washington DC locations before 9/11 has surfaced. The footage, part of a civil case against Saudi Arabia, has reignited debates about potential foreign involvement in the attacks.

Society, Politics • September 6 2024, 04:23 PM  •  159 views
UK Halts Arms Exports to Israel Amid Controversy Over Middle East Sales

UK Halts Arms Exports to Israel Amid Controversy Over Middle East Sales

Britain suspends arms licenses to Israel, sparking debate on its weapons sales policies. The decision contrasts with larger arms deals to other Middle Eastern countries, raising questions about diplomatic priorities.

Politics • September 3 2024, 07:00 AM  •  279 views
Jude Tindall, 'Queen of Cosy Crime' TV Writer, Dies at 60

Jude Tindall, 'Queen of Cosy Crime' TV Writer, Dies at 60

Jude Tindall, renowned for creating beloved BBC crime series, passed away at 60. Her work on Father Brown and The Sister Boniface Mysteries brought gentle humor and picturesque settings to afternoon television.

Society, Culture • August 31 2024, 05:08 AM  •  204 views
Middle Eastern Airlines Battle for Dominance in Africa's Skies

Middle Eastern Airlines Battle for Dominance in Africa's Skies

Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines are expanding their presence in Africa's untapped aviation market. The move promises increased connectivity but raises concerns about foreign control of African airlines.

Business, Economics • August 29 2024, 04:10 PM  •  214 views
Saudi Arabia Tightens Local Hiring Rules for Foreign Law Firms

Saudi Arabia Tightens Local Hiring Rules for Foreign Law Firms

Saudi Arabia increases pressure on international law firms to hire more local talent, raising the quota from 50% to 70%. Firms face challenges in finding qualified Saudi lawyers amid fierce competition.

Business, Politics • August 27 2024, 07:24 PM  •  30 views
UK Scraps £800m Supercomputer Plan, Risking Tech Leadership

UK Scraps £800m Supercomputer Plan, Risking Tech Leadership

The UK government's decision to cancel funding for a new supercomputer has sparked concerns about the country's global standing in science and technology. Industry experts warn of potential setbacks in research and innovation.

Politics, Science • August 25 2024, 01:35 PM  •  13 views