History of Saudi Arabia

Including most of the Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia is a Middle Eastern country. Besides oil, its history is long and flexible, beginning thousands of years ago. Early known occupants were nomadic tribes hunting and herding, the people living in Saudi Arabia today.

Arrival of Islam

Prophet Muhammad founded Islam in Mecca in the seventh century; it is still followed in Saudi Arabia today. Many Arab tribes embraced Islam and united as the Ummah. Muslim troops seized Mecca in CE 630 without causing any violence. This started with Islamic predation over the Arabian Peninsula.

Saudi Arabia's Formation

Over the subsequent centuries, a succession of dynasties has dominated distinct areas of modern-day Saudi Arabia. Among the most famous were the caliphates Rashidun, Umayyad, and Abbasid. Still, it was the eighteenth century before a strong tribal leader, Muhammad bin Saud, made a contract with a cleric, Muhammad ibn Abdu al-Wahhab, forming the basis of modern Saudi Arabia. Inspired by Islamic principles and exact allegiance to Wahhabi Islam, they founded the first Saudi state in 1744. This coalition of political and religious leaders kept its undisputed control over the area.

Etymology

The Al Saud family named Saudi Arabia after having governed it since the 18th century. King Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud was awarded the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. The nation has been run under a succession of Al Saud family kings.

The Middle Ages and the rise of Islam

Empires and dynasties broke up the Arabian Peninsula during the Middle Ages. Beginning with Islam at Mecca in the seventh century, the Prophet Muhammad profoundly transformed the area. The Ummah, a cohesive society, collected and grew from the birth of Islam over the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. It might expand quickly during consecutive caliphs, stretching from India in the East to Spain in the West.

Ottoman Hejaz 

The Ottoman Empire dominated the Hejaz area in western Arabia (including Mecca and Medina) in the sixteenth century.  In 1925, the Al Saud family seized this area; the Ottoman family had governed it for generations. But this resulted in the fall of the contemporary Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Saud Dynasty and Unification

Founding the first Saudi state, Muhammad bin Saud associated himself in the 18th century with religious scholar Muhammad ibn Abdu al-Wahhab. Under the reign of the Al Saud family, Saudi Arabia continued under till King Abdul-Aziz al-Saud united numerous territories of the region under one country in 1932.

The 20th century 

Saudi Arabia changed rather clearly throughout the twentieth century. The country's economy evolved to reflect quick modernisation and urbanisation once oil was discovered in the 1930s. Apart from being a major player in regional and international politics, the Kingdom was important for the geographical distribution of the oil reserves. Saudi Arabia has been developing and changing as a nation ever since the Middle of the 20th century. It has made modest improvements in infrastructure, health services, and education despite political unrest and tension between two sizable neighbours with whom it has frequently had disputes. Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia is an Eastern political and financial player currently.

The 21st century

King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have recently overseen an amazing transformation in their nation. The nation has aimed to modernise its civilisation, diversify its economy from reliance on oil, and mend relations with neighbouring nations. The world community both praises and questions these developments.

Geography

Saudi Arabia is the largest nation in the Middle East, at more than 2 million square kilometres. Most of its geography is desert, though some mountainous areas lie in the southwest. Summers have high temperatures and a dry, heated feel.

Biodiversity

Saudi Arabia boasts many plant and animal species despite its hostile climate. There are around 2,000 identified plant species, some of which are unique to this nation. Moreover, birds also migrate over the Arabian Peninsula.

Politics and government 

Under absolute monarchy, in which the king controls the government as well as the economy, the legal system of Saudi Arabia is based on Islamic principles, so implemented laws are called Shariah. The king exercises sole authority over the nation but consults with other royal family members and religious leaders to make decisions. Saudi Arabia boasts a highly unpopular king and no political parties, elections, or freedom of speech. 

Monarchy and the royal family 

Saudi Arabia has been run under the Al Saud royal authority for millennia. Monarch Salman is the monarch of today; he came to rule in 2015 when his half-brother, King Abdullah, passed away. Saudi Arabian law dictates that succession of the king flows from brother to brother rather than father to son. However, the system might change since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched measures to modernise and diversify the nation.

Al ash-Sheikh and the ulema's

The Al Ash-Sheikh family members are a well-known religious family with a long history in Saudi Arabia. Descended initially by Muhammad ibn Abd al Wahhab, they occupy significant government positions not so much by-election as by an old right, especially in issues of religion. The ulema, or religious scholars, have always possessed great authority and influence in Saudi Arabian society. For the royal family, they are crucial interpreters of Islamic law and advisers. 

Legal system 

Since these form the cornerstone of the legal system, most laws, including the Quran and Sunnah, are drawn from Islamic law. The court is split into two primary branches: the government court and the Sharia court. Government courts handle criminal and civil issues; Sharia courts attend to personal and family concerns. Among the penalties are crimes punishable by flogging, limb amputation, and even public execution—that is, death.

Administrative divisions

With thirteen provinces managed under governors selected by the king, Saudi Arabia is. We are referring to the smaller districts and areas inside these provinces. There are significant variances in customs and traditions from province to province and regionally.

Foreign relations 

With immigrant and refugee populations substantially impacting the motherland, Saudi Arabia is a very significant actor in the global community and the Middle East overall. Among the worldwide organisations it associates with are the United Nations, OPEC, and the Arab League.  Although the US and the UK have close connections, other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members have strong ties to their neighbours. 

State-sponsored terrorism

Saudi Arabia has been claimed to have funded and promoted widespread worldwide terrorism since the September 11 attacks in the United States. The nation refutes these claims and has acted against radicalism, but it is still under international community criticism and observation.

Military 

Saudi Arabia claims a robust and well-equipped military with divisions for the army, navy, air force, and Special Forces. The nation has negotiated several arms deals simultaneously with France, the United States, and other nations to boost its military might.

Sanitation and the water supply 

One of Saudi Arabia's main issues is limited water supplies. Although the nation depends on desalination plants, this business is dirty, has adverse environmental effects, and has high costs. Projects in development comprise more sustainable water supply and sanitation solutions, as well as renewable energy funding and conservation initiatives.

Human rights 

Saudi Arabia has been accused of a bad human rights record on women's rights and the treatment of migrant labour. Limitations on women's daily life include, for some events, requiring male supervision and, until recently, the inability to drive. 

Economy

Saudi Arabia has lately been trying to diversify its economy, even if it has great oil reserves. This entails technological, healthcare, and tourism investments. Social reforms are also underway to increase the national people's quality of life by creating more employment for women and enabling more access to healthcare and education.

Agriculture

Saudi Arabia's dry temperature makes it not a farming nation. Still, the nation has funded creative crop farming methods, including desalination and hydroponics, to boost food production. This comes from its large coasts across the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, so Saudi Arabia also boasts a sizable fishing industry.

Tourism 

By giving tourist passports, developing luxurious resorts, etc., the country is flooding money into wooing visitors. Two of Saudi Arabia's most significant locations of religious and cultural activity are Mecca and Medina.  However, only the severe rules and customs in Saudi Arabia might prevent visitors from visiting all the nations, especially those from Western countries.

Demographics

Saudi Arabia is, therefore, unique in terms of demography since one-third of its people are expats. Most foreigners work in low-paying professions like construction and domestic work and come from South Asian nations. Of the national population, roughly half are less than 25 years old. Consequently, the government faces possibilities and difficulties regarding social welfare projects and jobs.

Language

Arabic is the official language of administration, education, and media in this Middle Eastern nation, as in many others. However, English also rules in business.

Culture

Islamic beliefs and practices form the solid basis of Saudi Arabian society. Significant rules and etiquette are derived from religious beliefs, promoting hospitality and giving. Poetry, music, and calligraphy are among the arts and legacies the nation inherits. 

Education 

Like many other nations, Saudi Arabia highly values education. The nation has advanced significantly toward greater male and female access to education. Given the above 95% literacy rate, the nation boasts various colleges and universities. 

Health care

Saudi Arabia possesses a modern healthcare system; yet, every Saudi enjoys either sponsored or free treatment. The nation also provides sophisticated medical care centres. 

Religion in society

Almost all of Saudi Arabian everyday life and social rituals are influenced by Christianity. Based on Islamic ideas, religion takes centre stage in society. Strict rules and customs in this nation also help to maintain religious purity. Though it seems limiting, most of the population's culture and value system reflect this. 

 Women in society

Saudi Arabia has been pushing lately to provide women additional rights and possibilities. Women can drive, travel to sporting events, and hold top government and corporate leadership positions. Nevertheless, women still suffer great limitations on their liberties, including the need for male guardianship for numerous events and little opportunity for women to work in some professions.

Heritage sites 

The medieval city of Jeddah and the rock art at Al-Hijra are two among the world-class UNESCO sites in Saudi Arabia. The nation is also working to protect its cultural legacy by supporting traditional crafts and repairing initiatives.

Dressing

Saudi Arabian women hide their heads with the abaya, a wide black garment, the hijab, or another headpiece. Men typically wear a ghutra or scarf, and a thobe—a white robe extended quite long. There is no clear clothing code for tourists or expats in the nation. The required attire is moderate, and most places welcome Western wear.

Cuisine 

Saudi Arabian cuisine has evolved over the years, influenced by several Persian, Ottoman, and Indian cuisines. Typical kebabs, shawarma, and kabs—a rice and meat meal—exist there. Some people have lately started dining out at restaurants; practically all kinds of world cuisine are available.

Entertainment and Arts 

Saudi Arabia has removed limitations on public performances and reopened movie theatres, expanding the arts and entertainment scene in just a few years. Ironically, tight censorship rules forbid a wide range of entertainment judged against Islamic doctrine.

TV and media 

Subject to rigorous censorship rules requiring everything to have Islamic content, news, and entertainment are mostly provided in Saudi Arabia on state-owned television. However, alongside increasing internet platforms offering alternate types of information, we have seen an increase in privately owned media sources.

Sports

Saudi Arabia is the top petrol nation in the world; nonetheless, it boasts the most popular sport, soccer, and has an internationally active national soccer team. Additionally, basketball, tennis, and motorsports are very popular. Although males have always participated in sports, women's athletic facilities have been the target of government projects and funding.