Frequently asked questions

History

When was Saudi Arabia founded?

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was proclaimed on 23 September 1932 by King Abdulaziz ibn Saud, who had unified the regions of the Arabian Peninsula over the preceding three decades.
Who founded Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia was founded by Abdulaziz ibn Saud (c. 1875–1953), who unified the regions of the Arabian Peninsula and became the first King of the Kingdom in 1932.
When was oil discovered in Saudi Arabia?

Oil was discovered in commercial quantities at the Dammam No. 7 well near Dhahran on 3 March 1938, transforming the economy of the Kingdom.

How big is Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia has a land area of approximately 2,149,690 square kilometres, making it the largest country in the Middle East and the fifth-largest in Asia.
What is the capital of Saudi Arabia?

The capital of Saudi Arabia is Riyadh, the largest city in the Kingdom and its political and financial centre.
How many regions does Saudi Arabia have?

Saudi Arabia is divided into thirteen administrative regions, each headed by a governor appointed by the King.

What are the holiest cities of Islam in Saudi Arabia?

Makkah is the holiest city of Islam and Madinah is the second holiest. Both are in Saudi Arabia and are home to the Two Holy Mosques.
What is the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia?

Jeddah is the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia and its principal Red Sea port, the historic gateway for pilgrims travelling to Makkah.

What is the national dish of Saudi Arabia?

Kabsa is the national dish of Saudi Arabia, a spiced rice dish cooked with meat or chicken and often served with a tomato and chilli sauce.
What is Arabic coffee?

Arabic coffee, or qahwa, is a lightly roasted coffee flavoured with cardamom and saffron, served in small cups with dates as a symbol of hospitality.

What is Nabati poetry?

Nabati poetry is the vernacular poetic tradition of the Arabian Peninsula, composed in local dialect and often performed aloud, distinct from classical Arabic poetry.
Who are the most famous Saudi writers?

Prominent Saudi writers include Ghazi Al-Gosaibi, Abdulrahman Munif, Turki Al-Hamad and Raja Alem, whose works explore modern Saudi society.

What is the population of Saudi Arabia?

The population of Saudi Arabia is approximately 32 million, of whom a substantial minority are expatriate workers.
Can women drive in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. The ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia was lifted on 24 June 2018, one of the most visible social reforms of the Vision 2030 era.

What is Saudi Vision 2030?

Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia's strategic framework, launched in 2016, to diversify the economy away from oil and to reform society and government.
What is Saudi Aramco?

Saudi Aramco is the national oil company of Saudi Arabia and one of the largest companies in the world by revenue and market value.

What type of government does Saudi Arabia have?

Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy governed under the Basic Law of 1992, with the King as head of state and head of government.

What is the Hajj?

The Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, one of the five pillars of Islam, which every able-bodied Muslim is required to perform at least once.

Do tourists need a visa for Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Most foreign visitors need a visa, but a tourist visa was introduced in 2019 and can be applied for online or on arrival for many nationalities.
What are the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia?

Popular destinations include Al-Ula and Hegra, the historic districts of Jeddah and Diriyah, the Red Sea coast, and the deserts of the interior.

What is the most popular sport in Saudi Arabia?

Football is the most popular sport in Saudi Arabia, followed by motorsport, athletics and traditional sports such as camel racing and falconry.