Travel to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is a vast monarchy occupying about four-fifths of the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia. It is the birthplace of Islam and home to its two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina. Rich in petroleum, it wields major influence in global energy markets and Middle Eastern geopolitics.

The modern kingdom was founded on September 23, 1932, by King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, uniting the regions of Hejaz and Najd. Rule remains within the Saud dynasty, which governs according to Sharia (Islamic law). The monarch exercises absolute authority, advised by a 150-member Consultative Council (Majlis ash-Shura). National Day is celebrated annually on September 23 to mark unification.

Islam is the official religion, shaping law and daily life. The country has undertaken gradual social reforms, notably expanding women’s rights and leisure sectors. Traditional hospitality, Arabic language, and customs such as serving dates and coffee remain central. Urbanization is high, with Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina as major cities.

Oil, discovered in 1938, underpins the economy; Saudi Arabia controls roughly one-fifth of global proven reserves and is a key member of OPEC. The Vision 2030 program seeks to diversify beyond hydrocarbons promoting tourism, technology, and renewable energy and includes megaprojects such as NEOM.