Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is a country of immense historical, religious, and economic significance. Located on the Arabian Peninsula, it is bordered by Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen. As the birthplace of Islam and home to its two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia holds a central place in the Muslim world. This essay explores Saudi Arabia’s historical background, key political developments, socio-economic conditions, and its role in regional and international affairs.

The discovery of oil in 1938 in the Eastern Province transformed Saudi Arabia from a largely agrarian society to a global economic powerhouse. The vast oil reserves propelled the country into significant wealth, facilitating rapid modernization and development. The establishment of the Arabian American Oil Company (Aramco) marked the beginning of Saudi Arabia’s strategic partnership with the United States and its emergence as a key player in the global energy market.

King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, laid the foundations for the kingdom’s political and economic structures. His successors have continued to build on these foundations, navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the country’s oil wealth.