Early Civilizations
The region that is now known as Saudi Arabia has been inhabited and birthplace to many ancient civilizations which includes Thamud, Babylonians, Assyrians and Greek civilizations. These early settlers of the region influenced the culture and beliefs of the area. It is believed that the region was known as Arabia Felix or the ‘Happy Arabia’ due to its fertile land and natural resources. It had trade relations with other early civilizations in the region and around the world.
In the 3rd century CE, the Nabataeans kingdom was established in the region. The Nabataeans worshipped their respective Arab deities and were also popular among traders and merchants from different parts of the world. They influenced the culture and way of life of the region, including its architecture and language.
In the 4th century, Prophet Muhammad and his followers re-introduced Islam in the region, and the Muslim rulers took over the area of present day Saudi Arabia in the 7th century. They named the region’s western part as Al-Quraydah which means “quarters” in Arabic.
Formation of Saudi Arabia
In the 17th century, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established by the Saudi tribe under the leadership of Muhammad bin Saud who was a descendant of the Muhammad’s family. This kingdom was called the Emirate of Diriyah, which was later renamed to Saudi Arabia in the early 19th century.
The Kingdom had formed following the division of the lands in the region among different tribes, in particular the Saud’s tribe, the Al Rashid’s tribe and the Al Wahhab’s tribe. These tribes controlled large parts of the region and established the alliances and rivalries that would shape the region’s modern identity.
In the beginning of the 20th century, Abdul-Aziz al-Saud had reunited the Saudi region and established the Royal family of Saudi Arabia. He was then succeeded by his sons, the King Saud and King Faisal, who had ruled over the kingdom in the 1920s and 30s.
Meaning of Name
The name Saudi Arabia is derived from the House of Saud, which is the royal family of the region. In Arabic, the word ‘saud’ means ‘peace’. The full name of the country translates to ‘The Kingdom of Peace’ and is meant to symbolize the peaceful nature of the Saudi state and its people.
The House of Saud is believed to have been descended from an ancestoral-line of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad, and hence, is an important part of Saudi Arabia’s national and religious identity.
Apart from its religious significance, the name Saudi Arabia places significant emphasis on regional culture and traditions. It is a name that is imbued with national pride and signifies the country’s rich culture and civilizational significance.
Conclusion of Abdullaziz Al-Saud
Abdullaziz Al-Saud had achieved a number of milestones in the formation of Saudi Arabia. He had united the region and ratified the constitution of the state in 1932. He had also created the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the government. His most significant accomplishment was the King Saud City, which became the federal capital of Saudi Arabia.
Further, Abdullaziz Al-Saud had assumed the status of custodian of the two most sacred cities in Islam, namely Mecca and Medina. He had also initiated the establishment of a well-trained police force, which had improved public safety in the country.
In addition, he had established Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education and spearheaded its national modernization programs. He had also enabled the growth of major industries in the country, including energy and automotive sectors.
Modern Saudi Arabia
Today, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the largest economies in the world and has the world’s largest reserves of petroleum and natural gas. It is also one of the most powerful militaries in the region and a major theocratic state. The government is run by an absolute monarchy under the rule of the House of Saud.
The country has made significant strides in recent years to diversify its economy with the introduction of Vision 2030. This includes the introduction of economic, educational, and social reforms to boost the country’s growth. Saudi Arabia is also actively engaging in international trade and investments.
It is an important regional ally, one of the major powers in the Gulf region, and a key player in Middle Eastern politics and security.
Culture of Saudi Arabia
Saudi culture is steeped in tradition. Saudis believe in the concept of Wahhibition, which puts limitations on social displays of affection and freedom of speech. The Wahhabi influence is strong in Saudi culture and it is largely based on the teachings of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab.
Saudi culture is also strongly focused on religion. Islam is an intrinsic part of Saudi culture and serves as an important source of inspiration and guidance for its values and beliefs. The practice and observance of Islamic rituals is deeply entrenched in Saudi culture, and the Islamic teachings have an effect on the country’s laws, culture, and traditions.
Apart from that, Saudi culture is a mixture of Bedouin, urban and modern influences. It is an open and accepting culture which has seen significant progress and reforms in recent years, including greater freedom and access to its citizens.
Influence of Saudi Aramco, The National Oil Company
Saudi Aramco, the kingdom’s national oil company and the world’s largest oil producer, is the major source of revenue for Saudi Arabia. It is estimated to be worth well over $1 trillion, and with access to more than 25% of the world’s oil reserves, it is expected to remain one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies for years to come.
Saudi Aramco has significant influence not just in the Middle East, but also in world energy markets. The company is able to dictate production and pricing of oil, thus influencing the flow of certain resources and affecting supply and demand of oil and oil-related products around the world.
Furthermore, Saudi Aramco has been investing heavily in overseas projects to strengthen its global presence. These investments are primarily in oil and gas production, and they contribute to economic growth in other countries as well as Saudi Arabia.
Relationship with the US
The US has a long standing strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia and considers it a strong ally in the Middle East region. Their joint interests involve security, economics and international policy.
The US relies on Saudi Arabia for its access to the Persian Gulf and for its security, while Saudi Arabia seeks American military and political support to maintain its regional influence. Bilateral ties between the two countries are strong and cooperation between both countries has been increasing in many areas.
The two nations have agreed to cooperate on a number of initiatives, ranging from oil policies to counter-terrorism, and have signed a number of agreements that have increased the economic relationship between them.
Urbanisation & Development of Riyadh
Saudi Arabia has been undergoing a significant transformation in recent decades to make itself a competitive contender in the global economy. This includes the rapid urbanization and development of its cities, particularly in Riyadh, its capital.
Riyadh has seen an unprecedented amount of construction and development since the turn of the millennium, including the development of skyscrapers, a light rail transit system, and a metro system. The city has also seen a subsequent influx of foreign investments, which have further strengthened its economy.
The city’s development has also made it more attractive to tourists and other travelers. The city boasts numerous cultural and historical sites , including museums, parks, gardens, and monuments which reflect the city’s vibrant culture.
Media Freedom
Saudi Arabia has also made significant progress in expanding media freedom in the country, in particular through the introduction of internet-based media outlets such as Twitter and YouTube. This has enabled citizens to express their opinion and share their stories with the wider world.
The government also made changes to its media laws, allowing more freedom of expression and allowing for the publication of independent newspapers. The Saudi media landscape has also evolved significantly, with the introduction of a number of newspapers, radio stations and news websites.
Overall, these changes have been welcomed by international and domestic audiences, as it gives them access to uncensored, unbiased and accurate news and information.
Infrastructure & Automation
In recent years, the Saudi government has undertaken various initiatives to improve its infrastructure and develop its human capital. These initiatives have included large-scale construction projects, the development of educational and healthcare facilities, and the introduction of new technologies, to name a few.
One of the most significant transformations in the Saudi economy has been the introduction of automation and robotics in various sectors, including manufacturing and logistics. This has enabled the country to improve its productivity and create an environment more conducive to new businesses and investments.
Furthermore, the government has allowed the introduction of new technologies to support the development of the technology industry. These initiatives have enabled the country to experience a shift from traditional industries towards technology-based industries, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and robotics.
These transformations are making Saudi Arabia an attractive destination to entrepreneurs and investors from around the world, and are helping to diversify and strengthen the country’s economy.
