Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is situated in Western Asia and is considered to be the largest sovereign state in the Middle East and the 12th largest in the world. Based on the latest estimates from the United Nations, as of July 13, 2019, Saudi Arabia has a population of 34 million. This represents 0.44% of the world’s population. Saudi Arabia also has one of the world’s youngest population.

The Saudi economy is one of the top 20 economies in the world and is centered on the country large petroleum resources. Saudi Arabia is also the leading oil exporter and the second largest oil producer in the world. The petroleum sector accounts for approximately 42% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP. According to Saudi Arabia News, the country, which was once a male dominated society, now “plans to grant women the right to travel without a male guardian’s permission.” This is an attempt by the government to “relax social restrictions.”

Here are more facts about Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia Overview

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as it was officially known, was established in 1932 and is located in Western Asia. It is the fifth largest country in Asia, the second-largest in the Arab world, and the largest sovereign state in the Middle East. Some of the traces of the world’s earliest human activities are shown in the prehistory of Saudi Arabia.

The capital of Saudi Arabia is Riyadh, and it is one of the largest and most populated cities in the world. All political and administrative activities of Saudi Arabia take place in Riyadh. It is also the headquarters of the central government bodies.

Religion

The religion of Saudi Arabia is Islam and the law of Saudi Arabia requires that all citizens must be Muslim. Any other type of worship by believers of other religions is forbidden. Although there are millions of Christians, Buddhists, and Hindus living in Saudi Arabia, no house of worship or temples are permitted in the country. Furthermore, conversion from Islam to another religion is punishable by death.

In order to receive Saudi Arabian nationality, it is required that all non-Muslims be converted to Islam. Due to this, Saudi Arabia has come under many criticisms because of its Islamic laws.

Saudi Arabia Economy

Saudi Arabia is the world’s leading oil exporter. It is the second largest exporter of petroleum in the world and it falls in the top twenty economies worldwide. It also has the world’s fifth largest natural gas reserves and the second most valuable natural resources. In the Arab world, Saudi Arabia economy is the largest. Figures provided by Saudi Arabia’s government reveals that there is an estimate of 260 billion barrels of proven reserves. This represents approximately one-quarter of the world’s oil reserves. Because petroleum in Saudi Arabia is close to the earth’s surface, it is cheaper and more profitable to extract oil in Saudi Arabia than in other parts of the world. The petroleum sector accounts for 42% of Saudi Arabia GDP while the private sector is responsible for 40%. According to the Saudi Ministry of Commerce and Investment, by 2020 the country will witness an increase in GDP capita from US$20,700 to US$33,500. Saudi Arabia Prince The crown prince of Saudi Arabia is Mohammad bin Salman Abdulaziz Al Saud and he is currently the Deputy Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. He is second to the King and is the King’s designated successor. His position as the prince is the second most important position in Saudi Arabia. He was appointed as the prince of Saudi Arabia in June 2017 making him the world youngest prince at the time of his appointment. Saudi Arabia Prince is responsible for many successful reforms. For example, he was the one who removed the ban on female drivers, and the restriction of the religious police powers. He is also responsible for cultural reforms such as the first Saudi concert by a female singer, the first Saudi sports stadium to admit women, admitting more women in the workforce, and opening the country to international visitors and tourists. However, despite several praises for the new reforms, international commentators and human rights group still find fault about his leadership and criticize the shortfalls of his reform programs.

Saudi Arabia Professional League

The Saudi Arabia Professional League first season was held in 1976 and gained professional status in 2007. There were four qualifying teams for the AFC Championships as of 2008. This includes the top three winners of the team plus the winner of the Kings cup. The professional league is the top division of Association football league in Saudi Arabia. For six years, 2013-2019, the league was sponsored by Abdul Latif Jameel and was called the Abdul Latif Jameel League.

French-Saudi summit on two-state solution rescheduled to end of July, after delays from Iran war

The conference, scheduled to take place in New York, was initially planned for last month but was postponed due to the conflict between Israel and Iran.

 Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with French President Emmanuel Macron in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 2, 2024.
 A man installs a banner with a picture of late Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander-in-Chief Major General Hossein Salami, following the Israeli strikes on Iran, in Tehran, June 14, 2025.

After 12 days of war, Iran finds itself more isolated than ever

 SIGNING THE Abraham Accords (from L): Bahrain’s Foreign Affairs Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayan; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; US president Donald Trump; and the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at the White House, Sept. 15,

Israel must act now and end Gaza war or lose Arab support for peace - editorial

Here, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accompanied by Trump, speaks during a dinner in the Blue Room of the White House on Monday in Washington.

Israel at War day 643: What's going on in Israel, Gaza, West Bank?


'Gaza remains main obstacle to regional peace deal,' leading Saudi journalist tells 'Post'

Saudi and Syrian nationals spoke at a rare conference in the Knesset, with one telling the 'Post' that "Gaza is the main obstacle to regional peace".

 Conference at Knesset included rare speeches by Saudi and Syrian nationals.

Saudi crown prince meets Iranian foreign minister in Jeddah

The two discussed relations and the latest regional developments, Saudi state news agency SPA said.

 Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, July 8, 2025.

Netanyahu and Trump's meeting: a potential game changer for the Middle East - opinion

Netanyahu, Trump, and the Administration leadership to discuss the recent Israel-Iran war, ending the war in Gaza, and the return of the 50 remaining hostages.

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a signed hat reading 'Trump was right about everything' from US President Donald Trump

'The Man Who Would Be King': Saudi crown prince pushes for liberalization of his society - review

Everyone with an interest in the Middle East will welcome this study by Karen Elliott House of a man who is bound to play a vital role in the region’s future.  

 SAUDI CROWN Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at the Al Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2025.

Saudi Arabia's current priority is reaching permanent Gaza ceasefire, foreign minister says

Saudi's Foreign Minister also highlighted the need to return to diplomatic negotiations when it comes to Iran's nuclear program.

 Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud seen in Tehran, Iran, June 17, 2023

Several walled oases uncovered in Saudi Arabia shed light on ancient community investment

Evidence suggests the walled oasis phenomenon began around 3000 BC at Tayma and Qurayyah and spread to the Harrat Khaybar region by the end of the third millennium BC.

 3D reconstruction of the Late Iron Age western enclosure in Dumat al-Jandal walled oasis

Saudi Arabia activates US THAAD to deter looming Iran missile threat

The battery was reportedly purchased in a deal with US President Donald Trump during his first term, which includes an additional six THAAD batteries, 44 launchers, and 360 interceptors.

 Saudi Arabia’s Air Defense Forces announced the inauguration of its first battery of the THAAD missile defense system

US Syria envoy Barrack visits Saudi Arabia as Israel-Syria ties may warm - analysis

Barrack’s trip to Saudi Arabia is part of his trips to various countries in the region that care about Syria.

 US Syria Envoy Tom Barrack meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Israel reportedly knows location of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles, Saudi outlet claims

The status of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium is currently unclear following Israel’s 12-day campaign and US strikes.

 Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei visits the Iranian centrifuges in Tehran.

Iran preparing to strike US bases across Middle East if Trump joins war, NYT reports

Over 40,000 American troops have been put on high alert at bases throughout the region, the New York Times reported.

A man wears a US veteran-themed shirt, as smoke rises in the distance, following an Israeli attack on the IRIB building, the country's state broadcaster, in Tehran, Iran, June 16, 2025

Iran reaches out to Qatar, Oman in attempt to broker ceasefire with US, Israel - exclusive

Saudi Arabia is also working behind the scenes to promote a ceasefire framework, a source told The Jerusalem Post.

 Fire of Israeli attack on Shahran Oil depot is seen following the Israeli strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, June 15, 2025.