History of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia was established in 1932 by King Abdulaziz al-Saud, who unified the four Saudi regions and was succeeded upon his death by the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1953. Since then, the country has undergone numerous political and social changes as its governments have shifted in power and influence. In the early 1990s, after unrest resulting from the Gulf War, the country began its modernisation process which saw the opening of government institutions, international trade, and educational reforms. It is today a regional superpower in the Gulf Cooperation Council, a member of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, and the leading member of OPEC.
Culture of Saudi Arabia
The culture of Saudi Arabia is significantly influenced by its religious tradition. The people of the country are predominantly Sunni Muslims of the Wahhabi interpretation, and this Islamic identity has been at the centre of Saudi culture since the establishment of the Kingdom. Religion plays a role in all aspects of life, and music and dancing are restricted by Islamic law. Other traditional art forms like textile work and calligraphy are celebrated, while modern painting and visual art are starting to be recognised in the country. Despite the prevalence of traditional culture, there is a thriving youth culture in the cities, and a vibrant music, food, and film scene that is quickly becoming a hallmark of contemporary Saudi society.
Politics of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy, ruled by the House of Saud. The King is the head of state, and the Prime Minister acts as the head of government. The King is advised by an appointed Council of Ministers, and legislation is derived from Islamic law, or Sharia. The Saudi Royal family holds the power to determine who can serve in government and local offices, and elections to choose the leaders are not commonplace in Saudi culture. This system of governance is controversial and it faces increasing criticism both internally and internationally. Recently, moves have been made to introduce more representative government, with a Shura Council being formed in 2013.
Economy of Saudi Arabia
The economy of Saudi Arabia is heavily reliant on oil exports, which account for around 70% of the country’s total exports. Oil is also the main source of income for the nation, and the economy is currently the second largest in the Middle East. This oil-based income has allowed the government to undertake extensive economic and social development, which has improved the lives of citizens significantly. Taxes are not implemented, and the government provides free healthcare and education for all citizens. In 2019, the government created a Vision 2030 reform plan which has sought to diversify the economy and reduce its reliance on oil as a source of income.
Social Values
Saudi Arabia is a highly hierarchical culture with a deep-rooted history of patriarchy. The codes of conduct, including dress code, are largely dictated by Islamic law. Women are granted more rights, such as the right to vote, in recent years, however the nation remains subject to widespread gender discrimination. This is best demonstrated by the guardianship system, which states that a woman is required to obtain permission from her male guardian to travel, marry, or go to university. The kingdom is socially conservative and cultural norms in terms of alcohol consumption, public displays of affection, and dress are far stricter than in many other countries.
Youth movements and Reforms
Recent years have seen an emergence of youth movements and calls for reform within the country. Women activists have campaigned for greater rights and freedoms, while others have called for increased democracy and a reduction in the influence of the religious police. The government has made small adjustments in some areas, however, reform has been hampered by disputes between the Royal family and sections of the population.
Education System
The education system in Saudi Arabia has undergone numerous reforms since the establishment of the Kingdom. Primary and secondary education is provided free of charge in either public or private schools, and a number of universities have been established in recent years. The vast majority of the population is literate and there is a growing interest in higher education among students. The government has recently invested heavily in distance learning, e-learning, and massive open online courses, allowing more students to access education.
Foreign Policy
Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy is heavily shaped by its close ties with the United States and its role within the Middle East as a regional power. Recently the country has been involved in a number of disputes with its neighbours and is the main backer of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. The government has been accused of human rights abuses and interference in other countries, and this has led to concerns about the kingdom’s foreign policy objectives.
Relations with US
The United States and Saudi Arabia have had a close relationship since World War II. Both countries have interests in maintaining stability in the Middle East and share mutual interests when it comes to energy policy. However, recent disagreements over human rights, terrorism, and the war in Yemen have caused tensions between the nations. The US has recently been more critical of Saudi Arabia’s policies and unilateral actions, and the two are now at a point where their relationship is heavily strained.
Current Challenges
Currently, the country faces many challenges, such as rising youth unemployment, environmental degradation, and the ongoing conflicts in Yemen and Syria. The youth population is becoming increasingly disenchanted with the government’s lack of reform and are calling for social change. There is also a growing concern about the nation’s dependence on oil revenues as the global demand for energy shifts. Additionally, the country is still subject to periodic terrorist attacks and so security remains a primary concern for the government and the population.
Economic Diversification
In recent years, the government has made efforts to diversify the economy away from its reliance on oil exports. Major reforms have been put in place, such as the Vision 2030 strategy, to encourage growth in sectors such as IT and tourism. This has led to a focus on improving infrastructure, diversifying the skilled workforce, and creating economic opportunities for citizens. The nation is now home to a number of major technology companies and its financial markets are flourishing in some areas.
Tourism Industry
The government has encouraged investment into the tourism industry and this has seen a rapid growth in the number of travelers visiting the country. The most popular destination is the city of Jeddah, which has become a regional hub for tourism. The Saudi government has made efforts to attract both domestic and international tourism and offers a range of cultural and recreational activities. Recently, the country celebrated its first ever music festival, which attracted musicians from around the world.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia is a country of great contrast and complexity. On the one hand, it has a long and proud history dating back to the establishment of the Kingdom. At the same time, it is a modern and rapidly evolving nation. Its culture, politics, economy, and social values are all changing and will continue to do so in the years to come. As the country deals with the current and future challenges, it will be interesting to see how these changes will shape the nation’s future.
