Saudi Arabia

Overview

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is located in Western Asia occupying the largest area of the Arabian Peninsula. It is the second-largest country in the Arab world. 95% of the country is desert; the country has no lakes and rivers hence use groundwater.

The country recorded a population of 33.7 million in 2018. It covers an area of 2.15 million km2.

The capital city is Riyadh.

Mecca city is the largest port at the Red Sea and modern business hub. It is the inlet for the pilgrims to Mecca and Medina cities.

Aerial view of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

History

It was formed after Hejaz and Nejd kingdoms which were ruled by King Abd-al-Aziz united in 1932.

Oil was discovered in the country in 1938.

It is also the country that formed the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in 1960.

Food & culture

Its culture is based on the Islamic heritage with Bedouin traditions.

The major crops grown in the country include sorghum, wheat, dates, olives, and alfafa.

The common dishes are seafood, camel meat, and kabsa which is rice served with meat and vegetables.

Wildlife

The main wildlife animals include Arabian wolf, tigers, tahr, red fox and fennec, caracal, striped hyena, cape hare, sand cat, and rock hyrax.

Festivals & events

Jenadriyah National Festival is a two weeks cultural event held in Jenadriyah near Riyadh.

Milad al-Nabi is celebrated to commemorate Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.

Jeddah Festival is held at Al Balad in Jeddah to celebrate the region’s culture and heritage.

Things to see

Masmak Fort has four watchtowers and very thick walls built of clay and mud-bricks. It has a history of being the area where Ibn Saud took back Riyadh.

Kingdom Centre is in Riyadh which is a 302.3 m high skyscraper with a bridge in the sky joining 2 towers. The Al Faisaliyah Centre was the first business skyscraper built in the country also located in Riyadh.

Rub al Khali the world’s largest desert is in Saudi Arabia. The country is 95% desert.

Night view of Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Interesting facts

It is the world’s second-largest Arab country after Algeria.

It is the second-largest producer of oil in the world after the US.

Mecca city is Islam’s Holiest City where Prophet Muhammad was born. Millions of Muslims gather in the city during the Hajj event. None-Muslims are prohibited from entering the city.

The King is the guardian of the two holy cities; Mecca and Medina.

Saudi Arabia

At a glance

Before you go