Saudi Arabia, a West Asian nation covering most of the Arabian Peninsula, stands as the fifth largest country in Asia. With a vast landmass exceeding 2,150,000 sq km, it's bordered by the Red Sea, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, the Persian Gulf, Qatar, the UAE, Oman, Yemen, and geographically separated from Egypt and Israel by the Gulf of Aqaba. Its unique location grants it coastlines along both the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Dominated by arid deserts, lowlands, steppes, and mountains, Saudi Arabia houses Riyadh, its capital and largest city, alongside Islam's holiest cities, Mecca and Medina.
1902: Ibn Saud Reclaims Riyadh
Continuing his father's efforts, Abdul Aziz, later known as Ibn Saud, recaptured Riyadh in 1902, restoring the Al Saud's control over Nejd and establishing the third "Saudi state".
1902: Ibn Saud Captures Riyadh
The unification of Saudi Arabia began in 1902 when Ibn Saud captured Riyadh, the historical home of the House of Saud.
1912: Rise of the Ikhwan
The Ikhwan, a tribal army driven by Wahhabism, emerged in 1912 and rapidly grew in strength. This group played a critical role in supporting Ibn Saud's unification campaign.
1913: Capture of Al-Ahsa
With the support of the Ikhwan, Ibn Saud captured Al-Ahsa from the Ottomans in 1913, further consolidating his power in the region.
1916: Arab Revolt Against Ottoman Rule
In 1916, during World War I, Sharif Hussein bin Ali of Mecca, with British support, initiated the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire, aiming to establish a unified Arab state. Despite its ultimate failure, the revolt led to the decline of Ottoman control in Arabia.
1920: Founding of Al Fallah Newspaper
Al Fallah, the first newspaper in Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf region, was launched in 1920.
1921: Ibn Saud Becomes Sultan of Nejd
Following a victory against the Al Rashid, Ibn Saud assumed the title of Sultan of Nejd in 1921, strengthening his authority and influence.
1924: Conquest of the Kingdom of Hejaz
From 1924 to 1925, the Kingdom of Hejaz was conquered with the support of the Ikhwan.
1925: Establishment of Regional Health Departments
In 1925, the first regional health department was established in Makkah, marking the early origins of Saudi Arabia's national health care system.
January 1926: Ibn Saud Crowned King of Hejaz
After conquering the Hejaz, Ibn Saud declared himself King of Hejaz on January 10, 1926, marking a significant step towards the unification of Saudi Arabia. He ruled the Hejaz and Nejd separately for the next five years.
1929: Battle of Sabilla
Tensions between Ibn Saud and the Ikhwan, stemming from differing views on modernization and foreign influence, culminated in the Battle of Sabilla in 1929. The conflict ended with Ibn Saud's forces defeating the Ikhwan.
September 1932: Unification of Saudi Arabia
On September 23, 1932, Prince Faisal, representing Ibn Saud, formally announced the unification of the kingdoms of Hejaz and Nejd, marking the birth of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This date is celebrated annually as Saudi National Day.
September 1932: Naming of the Kingdom
On September 23, 1932, the newly unified state was officially named "al-Mamlaka al-ʿArabiyya as-Suʿūdiyya" by King Abdulaziz bin Saud, which translates to "the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia".
1932: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Founded
In 1932, King Abdulaziz, known in the West as Ibn Saud, founded the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, uniting the regions of Hejaz, Najd, parts of Eastern Arabia (Al-Ahsa), and South Arabia ('Asir).
1938: Discovery of Oil in Al-Ahsa
In 1938, the discovery of vast oil reserves in the Al-Ahsa region along the Persian Gulf transformed Saudi Arabia's economy, propelling it towards significant economic growth and international influence.
1938: Discovery of Petroleum
Petroleum was discovered in Saudi Arabia in 1938, marking a turning point for the nation's economy. This discovery would lead Saudi Arabia to become one of the world's leading oil producers and exporters.
1941: Full-Scale Oil Development Begins
Full-scale development of Saudi Arabia's oil fields commenced in 1941 under the US-controlled Aramco (Arabian American Oil Company).
1950: Formation of the Ministry of Health
In 1950, various healthcare institutions in Saudi Arabia were merged to form the Ministry of Health, creating a centralized body for managing the country's health care services.
1950: Rapid Population Growth
Since 1950, Saudi Arabia experienced rapid population growth, with its population estimated at 3 million at the time.
1951: Non-Signatory to 1951 UN Refugee Convention
Saudi Arabia is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, which affects its policies regarding refugees.
1953: Saud becomes King
Saud became the King of Saudi Arabia in 1953.
1954: Introduction of Television
Television was introduced in Saudi Arabia in 1954.
1962: Abolition of Slavery in Saudi Arabia
In 1962, Saudi Arabia officially abolished slavery, which was significant given the country's slave population was estimated at 300,000 as recently as the early 1960s.
1964: Saud deposed, Faisal becomes King
After an intense rivalry and doubts about his competence, King Saud was deposed in 1964. His half-brother, Faisal, became the new King.
1966: Discovery of Dilmunite Burial Field
In 1966, an excavation in Tarout, Saudi Arabia, revealed an ancient burial ground from the Dilmunite period (mid-3rd millennium BC). The discovery included a large statue showcasing Mesopotamian artistic influence on Dilmun.
1970: Urbanization of Saudi Arabia
As late as 1970, most Saudis lived a subsistence life in rural provinces. However, in the latter half of the 20th century, the kingdom urbanized rapidly, shifting the population significantly towards urban metropolitan areas.
1970: Implementation of Five-Year Development Plans
Since 1970, Saudi Arabia has implemented five-year "Development Plans" aimed at guiding economic and social development. These plans have included initiatives like establishing "economic cities" to diversify the economy and generate employment opportunities.
1972: Saudi Arabia gains control of Aramco
Saudi Arabia gained a 20% controlling stake in Aramco in 1972, decreasing US control over Saudi oil.
1973: Saudi Arabia leads oil boycott
In 1973, Saudi Arabia led an oil boycott against Western countries that supported Israel in the Yom Kippur War against Egypt and Syria, quadrupling oil prices.
1974: Start of the King's Camel Race
The annual King's Camel Race, a major event in the sport, began in 1974, attracting participants from across the region.
1975: Launch of Arab News
Arab News, the first English-language newspaper in Saudi Arabia, launched in 1975.
1975: Faisal assassinated, Khalid becomes King
King Faisal was assassinated by his nephew, Prince Faisal bin Musaid, in 1975. Faisal's half-brother, Khalid, succeeded him as King.
1976: Saudi Arabia becomes largest oil producer
Saudi Arabia became the largest oil producer globally in 1976.
1979: Closure of Cinemas and Theaters
As a political response to the Grand Mosque seizure in Mecca during the Islamic revival movement, the government closed all cinemas and theaters in 1979.
1979: Era Before Iranian Revolution
Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's 2017 promise aimed to return Saudi Arabia to the 'moderate Islam' of the era before the 1979 Iranian revolution.
1979: Iranian Revolution and Grand Mosque Seizure
Two significant events occurred in 1979: the Iranian Islamic Revolution and the Grand Mosque Seizure in Mecca. The former raised concerns about potential unrest amongst Saudi Arabia's Shi'ite minority, while the latter, orchestrated by Islamist extremists, highlighted discontent with the government's perceived corruption.
1980: Saudi Arabia takes full ownership of Aramco
Saudi Arabia completed the buyout of all American interests in Aramco in 1980.
1980: OPEC and Saudi Oil Reserves
Since 1980, Saudi Arabia's published oil reserves remained relatively stable, with a notable exception being a significant increase between 1987 and 1988, raising questions about the accuracy of the reported figures.
June 1982: King Khalid dies, Fahd becomes King
King Khalid died of a heart attack in June 1982, and his brother, Fahd, ascended to the throne.
1984: AFC Asian Cup Victory
The Saudi Arabia national football team won the AFC Asian Cup in 1984, one of their three victories in this tournament.
1986: Fahd adopts "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques" title
In 1986, King Fahd, responding to fundamentalist pressure, added the title "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques" to his name, avoiding the use of "majesty" for anyone other than God.
1987: Significant Increase in Oil Reserve Reporting
Between 1987 and 1988, Saudi Arabia reported a substantial increase in its proven oil reserves of approximately 100 billion barrels, marking a significant deviation from the generally consistent figures reported since 1980.
1988: End of Significant Increase Reporting
Following a period of significant increase reported between 1987 and 1988, Saudi Arabia's reported oil reserves stabilized, returning to the relatively consistent levels observed since 1980.
1988: AFC Asian Cup Victory
Saudi Arabia's national football team achieved victory at the AFC Asian Cup in 1988.
1990: Expulsion of Yemenis
In 1990, Saudi Arabia expelled 800000 Yemenis due to growing pressure for 'Saudization' and built a barrier against illegal immigrants and smuggling.
1990: Iraq invades Kuwait, Saudi Arabia condemns invasion
Saudi Arabia condemned the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990 and called for US intervention, allowing US and coalition troops to be stationed in the country.
1991: Saudi Arabia participates in the liberation of Kuwait
In 1991, Saudi Arabian forces participated in bombing raids on Iraq and the ground invasion that liberated Kuwait.
1991: Continued Expulsion of Yemenis
The expulsion of 800000 Yemenis continued in 1991, as part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to replace foreign workers with Saudis.
March 1992: King Fahd introduces the "Basic Law"
King Fahd introduced the "Basic Law" in March 1992, emphasizing the roles and responsibilities of a ruler.
December 1993: Consultative Council established
The Consultative Council, composed of a chairman and 60 members appointed by the King, was inaugurated in December 1993.
1994: FIFA World Cup Debut
The Saudi Arabia national football team made their debut at the FIFA World Cup in 1994, reaching the round of 16.
1994: Osama bin Laden stripped of Saudi citizenship
Osama bin Laden was stripped of his Saudi citizenship in 1994.
1995: Fahd suffers stroke, Abdullah becomes de facto regent
King Fahd suffered a debilitating stroke in 1995, leading Crown Prince Abdullah to assume the role of de facto regent, although facing challenges from Fahd's full brothers.
1996: AFC Asian Cup Victory
The Saudi Arabia national football team secured their third victory in the AFC Asian Cup in 1996.
1998: US embassy bombings in East Africa
The US embassy bombings in East Africa occurred in 1998, orchestrated by Osama bin Laden.
1999: Saudi Arabian National Basketball Team's Asian Championship Bronze
The Saudi Arabian national basketball team won a bronze medal at the 1999 Asian Championship.
2000: Establishment of Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority
In 2000, the Saudi government established the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) to attract foreign direct investment as part of its economic diversification strategy.
2000: Expansion of Higher Education
Since 2000, higher education in Saudi Arabia has expanded rapidly, with many universities and colleges being established. This includes institutions such as King Saud University and the Islamic University at Medina.
2000: USS Cole bombing in Yemen
The USS Cole bombing near the port of Aden, Yemen, took place in 2000, attributed to Osama bin Laden.
2001: Widespread Internet Censorship
Since 2001, Saudi Arabia has engaged in extensive internet censorship. This includes blocking immoral content, such as pornographic and LGBT-supportive websites, and blacklisting sites critical of the Saudi regime.
2003: King Abdullah's Concerns Post-2003 Invasion
In 2003, the aftermath of the invasion and the Arab Spring heightened the Saudi monarchy's concerns about Iran's growing regional influence. King Abdullah privately urged the United States to take military action against Iran, referring to it as "cutting off the head of the snake," reflecting these fears.
2003: Privatization of Key Services
Beginning in 2003, Saudi Arabia embarked on a privatization drive, encompassing crucial sectors like municipal water supply, electricity, and telecommunications. This initiative also extended to aspects of education, healthcare, traffic control, and accident reporting.
2003: Bombings and armed violence erupt in Saudi cities
A series of bombings and armed violence erupted in Riyadh, Jeddah, Yanbu, and Khobar in 2003.
2004: Water and Sanitation Access Census
The 2004 census, the most recent reliable source, showed that 97% of Saudi Arabia's population had access to improved drinking water and 99% to improved sanitation.
2004: Bombings and armed violence continue
The wave of bombings and armed violence continued in Saudi Arabia in 2004.
April 2005: First-ever nationwide municipal elections held
Saudi Arabia held its first-ever nationwide municipal elections in February-April 2005, excluding women from participation.
November 2005: Saudi Arabia Joins World Trade Organization
Saudi Arabia was approved as a member of the World Trade Organization in November 2005 after negotiations focused on increasing market access to foreign goods.
2005: Ratification of WHO Tobacco Control Convention
In 2005, Saudi Arabia became one of the first nations to ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, marking a significant commitment to reducing tobacco use.
2005: King Fahd dies, Abdullah becomes King
King Fahd died in 2005, and Abdullah succeeded him, continuing policies of minimal reform and suppressing protests.
2006: Saudi Women's Weak Status
In 2006, Saudi feminist Wajeha al-Huwaider highlighted the weak status of Saudi women, leading to the implementation of an anti-domestic violence law in 2014.
February 2009: Abdullah announces modernization reforms
In February 2009, King Abdullah announced reforms to modernize the judiciary, armed forces, and ministries, including appointing more moderate individuals and the nation's first female deputy minister.
2009: Smoking Statistics
In 2009, a study found that the lowest median percentage of smokers in Saudi Arabia was among university students (~13.5%), while the highest was among elderly people (~25%). The percentage of male smokers was significantly higher than that of females.
2009: Founding of KAUST
In 2009, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) was founded as the first mixed-gender university campus in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step towards modernizing the educational system.
2010: Lack of Smoking Policies
Before 2010, Saudi Arabia had no policies banning or restricting smoking, indicating a need for regulatory measures to address smoking-related health issues.
January 2011: Protests erupt in Jeddah
Hundreds of people protested in Jeddah in January 2011, criticizing the city's poor infrastructure after deadly floods. Police dispersed the protest and arrested dozens.
February 2011: King Abdullah announces economic benefits
King Abdullah announced $36 billion in benefits for citizens in February 2011 in response to Arab Spring protests.
September 2011: Male-only municipal elections held
Male-only municipal elections were held in September 2011 in Saudi Arabia.
December 2011: Crackdown on Poverty Discussion
In December 2011, Saudi authorities arrested three reporters for posting a YouTube video about poverty in the kingdom. This incident highlighted the sensitivity surrounding the issue of poverty and the government's reluctance to acknowledge its existence.
2011: Study Reveals Early Human Migration Route
A 2011 study revealed that modern humans migrated from Africa to Asia approximately 75,000 years ago. They crossed the Bab-el-Mandeb, a strait connecting the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
2012: Depletion of Groundwater Reserves
By 2012, Saudi Arabia had lost an estimated four-fifths of its total groundwater reserves due to unsustainable consumption, highlighting the environmental consequences of its agricultural practices.
2012: Saudi Arabia as a Tourism Destination
In 2012, Saudi Arabia welcomed approximately 14.3 million visitors, ranking it as the 19th most visited country globally, with religious pilgrimages constituting a significant portion of tourism.
November 2013: Expulsion of Illegal Ethiopian Residents
In November 2013, Saudi Arabia expelled thousands of illegal Ethiopian residents from the kingdom, drawing criticism from various Human Rights entities.
2013: Foreign-Born Domestic Workers
As of 2013, there were more than half a million foreign-born domestic workers in Saudi Arabia, primarily from Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia, often paying large sums to recruitment agencies.
2013: CIA Factbook Foreign Population Estimate
In 2013, the CIA Factbook estimated that foreign nationals made up about 21% of Saudi Arabia's population.
2013: End of Privatization Period
By 2013, Saudi Arabia's privatization efforts, which began in 2003, had largely concluded, resulting in various key services being transferred to private entities, eliciting mixed reactions from the public.
March 2014: Accusations of Saudi Sponsorship of Terrorism
In March 2014, Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki accused Saudi Arabia, along with Qatar, of supporting terrorism against the Iraqi government. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad also attributed the ideology of ISIS and other extremist groups to Wahhabism supported by the Saudi royal family.
June 2014: Heritage Protection Law
In June 2014, the Saudi Council of Ministers approved a law to protect the kingdom's ancient relics and historic sites.
2014: Foreign Population Estimate
At the end of 2014, the Central Department of Statistics & Information estimated that 33% of Saudi Arabia's population, or 10.1 million people, were foreigners.
2014: Anti-Domestic Violence Law Implementation
In 2014, Saudi Arabia implemented an anti-domestic violence law, improving protection for women.
2014: Strained U.S.-Saudi Relations Post-9/11
In 2014, relations between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia were strained due to accusations of Saudi support for terrorism after the 9/11 attacks. A leaked U.S. Department of State memo indicated that Saudi Arabia and Qatar were providing clandestine support to ISIS and other radical groups.
March 2015: Saudi Intervention in Yemen Civil War
In March 2015, Saudi Arabia mobilized 150,000 troops and 100 fighter jets to intervene in the Yemen civil war. By early 2016, Saudi and coalition forces captured Aden and parts of southwest Yemen, although the Houthis continued to control northern Yemen and the capital Sanaa.
2015: Saudi Arabia’s Military Spending
Between 2015 and 2019, Saudi Arabia was the world's largest arms importer, receiving half of all U.S. arms exports to the Middle East. The country significantly increased its defense and security spending during this period.
2015: UNESCO World Heritage Sites Requests
In 2015, Saudi Arabia submitted requests for ten additional sites to be recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
2015: Women allowed to vote and run in municipal elections
Women were allowed to vote and run in Saudi Arabia's 2015 municipal elections, marking a significant step towards female political participation.
2015: Estimated Increase in Sanitation Access
By 2015, access to improved sanitation in Saudi Arabia was estimated to have reached 100%, primarily through on-site solutions, with around 40% of the population connected to sewer systems.
September 2016: Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act Passed
In September 2016, the U.S. Congress passed the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act. This legislation allows relatives of the 9/11 attack victims to sue Saudi Arabia for its alleged role in the attacks.
2016: Saudi Arabian Government Implements Reforms
In 2016, the Saudi government enacted reforms to modernize the country, diminishing the influence of the Wahhabi religious establishment, restricting the morality police, and introducing policies like the Saudi Vision 2030 economic program.
2016: National Transformation Programme
Under the 2016 National Transformation Programme, also known as Saudi Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia allocated 900 million euros to preserve its historical and cultural heritage.
2016: Formation of the General Entertainment Authority
The General Entertainment Authority (GEA) was formed in 2016 to oversee the expansion of the Saudi entertainment sector.
2016: Saudi Arabia's Shift from Islamist Ideologies
Since 2016, Saudi Arabia began distancing itself from Islamist ideologies. Reforms included curbing religious police powers, reducing Islamic education in schools, halting foreign mosque funding, and hosting its first mixed-gender concert performed by women.
2016: End of Domestic Wheat Production
In 2016, to conserve dwindling water resources, Saudi Arabia halted domestic wheat production, a commodity it previously exported.
2016: Saudi Arabia's Natural Resource Valuation
In 2016, Saudi Arabia's natural resources were estimated to be worth US$34.4 trillion, making it the country with the second-highest estimated value of natural resources globally, solidifying its position as an "energy superpower".
2016: Launch of the Ada'a Project
In 2016, Saudi Arabia launched the Ada'a project, a nationwide performance indicator for health services and hospitals, which significantly improved waiting times and other key measurements across the kingdom.
2016: Saudi Arabia's Human Rights Violations
In 2016, Saudi Arabia faced international condemnation for human rights violations, including mass executions. The kingdom, governed by Sharia law, has been criticized for its treatment of detainees and harsh judicial punishments.
2016: Curbing of Religious Police Powers
In 2016, Saudi Arabia curbed the powers of its religious police, barring them from pursuing, questioning, or arresting suspects.
2016: Overweight and Obesity Statistics
In 2016, 69.7% of the adult population in Saudi Arabia was overweight, and 35.5% was obese.
2016: Saudi Military Campaign in Yemen
By early 2016, Saudi Arabia's ground forces and coalition allies captured Aden and parts of southwest Yemen. However, the Houthis maintained control over northern Yemen and the capital, Sanaa, and launched cross-border attacks into Saudi Arabia.
March 2017: International Heritage Protection Contribution
In March 2017, Saudi Arabia contributed 18.5 million euros to the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas.
November 2017: Discovery of Earliest Dog Depictions
In November 2017, archaeologists discovered 8,000-year-old rock engravings in Shuwaymis, Saudi Arabia. These engravings depict domesticated dogs resembling the Canaan Dog breed and are considered the world's oldest depictions of dogs.
2017: Social Reforms for Women's Rights
Since Mohammed bin Salman was appointed Crown Prince in 2017, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a series of social reforms regarding women's rights.
2017: Religious Freedom Concerns
In 2017, the U.S. State Department named Saudi Arabia a Country of Particular Concern in its religious freedom report, highlighting systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom in the country.
2017: Implementation of Health Tax
In 2017, Saudi Arabia implemented a tax increase on unhealthy food, drink, and cigarettes as part of its Diet and Physical Activity Strategy (DPAS) to improve public health. Additionally, women-only gyms were allowed to open, offering sports like bodybuilding, running, and swimming.
2017: Tobacco Reduction Plan
In 2017, Saudi Arabia set a goal to reduce tobacco use from 12.7% to 5% by 2030, demonstrating its commitment to improving public health through stringent tobacco control measures.
2017: Saudi Arabia's Domestic Uranium Extraction Plans
In 2017, Saudi Arabia announced plans to domestically extract uranium as part of its nuclear power program. This initiative marked a move towards self-sufficiency in producing nuclear fuel.
2017: Declaration of Return to Moderate Islam
In 2017, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman declared a return to "moderate Islam" as part of Saudi Arabia's broader reforms moving away from extremist ideologies.
2017: Return to Moderate Islam
In 2017, Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman promised to return Saudi Arabia to 'moderate Islam' and established the King Salman Complex for the Prophet's Hadith to monitor interpretations of hadiths.
2017: Addressing Women's Rights Issues
Between 2017 and 2020, Saudi Arabia addressed issues of mobility, sexual harassment, pensions, and employment-discrimination protections for women.
March 2018: Interfaith Dialogue Promotion
In March 2018, the Crown Prince pledged to promote interfaith dialogue during a visit to the UK, meeting with the Archbishop of Canterbury.
August 2018: Saudi Arabia-Canada Diplomatic Dispute
In August 2018, Saudi Arabia halted new trade and investment dealings with Canada and suspended diplomatic ties. This escalation followed Canada's criticism of the kingdom's arrest of women's rights activist Samar Badawi.
October 2018: Saudi Arabia's Economic Standing
As of October 2018, Saudi Arabia secured its position as the Middle East's largest economy and the 18th largest globally.
2018: Women Permitted in Sport Stadiums
Women were granted permission to enter sports stadiums in 2018, with segregated seating arrangements developed in three major city stadiums.
2018: Saudi Arabia's Debut at Cannes and Venice Biennale
Saudi Arabia made its debut appearances at the Cannes Film Festival and the Venice Biennale in 2018.
2018: Life Expectancy Data
Saudi Arabia has a life expectancy of 74.99 years in 2018, with males at 73.79 years and females at 76.61 years, according to the World Bank.
2018: High-Quality Research Output
In 2018, Saudi Arabia was ranked 28th worldwide in terms of high-quality research output by the scientific journal Nature, making it the best-performing Middle Eastern, Arab, and Muslim country in this regard.
2018: US Lobbying Campaign for Sportswashing
Documentation of a 2018 US-based lobbying campaign by Saudi Arabia, published online, allegedly revealed a sportswashing strategy.
2018: Language Diversity in Saudi Arabia
According to 2018 data, Saudi Arabia is home to large expatriate communities speaking various languages, including Bengali, Tagalog, Punjabi, Urdu, and others. This reflects the country's diverse cultural and linguistic landscape.
2018: Growth Potential in Religious and Non-Religious Tourism
A 2018 report by BMI Research highlighted the significant potential for expanding both religious and non-religious tourism in Saudi Arabia.
2018: First Public Cinema Opens
In 2018, after a 35-year ban, the first public cinema opened, with plans to have over 2,000 screens running by 2030.
May 2019: Award for Combatting Smoking
In May 2019, Saudi Arabia received a global award for its efforts in combatting smoking through social awareness, treatment, and application of regulations. The award was presented during the 72nd session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva.
July 2019: UNESCO Heritage Preservation Donation
In July 2019, Saudi Arabia pledged US$25 million to UNESCO for the preservation of heritage, signing a letter of agreement with the Saudi Minister of Culture.
August 2019: Criticism of Sportswashing Strategy
Saudi Arabia's strategy of bringing international sporting events to the kingdom faced criticism in August 2019, as it was seen as a method of sportswashing.
2019: Amendment of Male Guardian Law
In 2019, Saudi Arabia partially amended the law requiring a male guardian for women over 21, granting them more rights, such as travelling abroad and applying for official documents without male permission.
2019: Infant Mortality Rate
In 2019, the infant mortality rate in Saudi Arabia was recorded at 5.7 per 1000.
2019: Premium Residency Visa Introduction
In 2019, Saudi Arabia introduced a specialized Premium Residency visa, though foreigners still cannot apply for permanent residency.
2019: Calorie Labels Introduction
In 2019, Saudi Arabia introduced calorie labels on some food and drink products as part of its ongoing efforts to tackle obesity and inform citizens about healthier lifestyle choices.
2019: Mass Executions and Human Rights Condemnations
In 2019, Saudi Arabia carried out mass executions, drawing condemnation from international human rights groups. The kingdom's adherence to Sharia law and its punitive judicial practices have been widely criticized.
2019: Expansion of Tourist Visa Eligibility
In 2019, Saudi Arabia announced plans to expand tourist visa eligibility, allowing citizens from around 50 countries to apply for visas, signaling a more open approach to tourism.
2019: Improvement in Global Innovation Index
By 2019, Saudi Arabia's ranking in the Global Innovation Index had improved to 68th, indicating progress in the country's innovation landscape.
2019: Saudi Arabia's Defense Spending
By 2019, Saudi Arabia's defense and security spending reached approximately US$78.4 billion, reflecting a significant increase since the mid-1990s. The nation possesses the second-best military equipment in the region, after Israel.
April 2020: Abolishment of Flogging in Saudi Justice System
In April 2020, the Saudi Supreme Court issued a directive to eliminate flogging as a punishment. This marked a significant shift in the Saudi justice system, replacing flogging with imprisonment or fines.
November 2020: Launch of the First Saudi Women's Premier League
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation announced the launch of the first nationwide Saudi women's premier league in November 2020.
2020: High Percentage of Internet Users
In 2020, the World Bank reported that 98% of Saudi Arabia's population were internet users, ranking it 8th globally.
2020: Saudi Arabia's Military Expenditure
In 2020, Saudi Arabia was identified as the world's third-largest military spender and the largest arms importer from 2015 to 2019. The country spent around 8% of its GDP on its military, making it one of the most densely armed nations.
2020: Visa on Arrival for US, UK, and Schengen Visa Holders
Furthering its efforts to attract tourists, Saudi Arabia introduced visa-on-arrival facilities in 2020 for holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas, simplifying entry requirements and boosting tourism from these regions.
2020: Continued Women's Rights Reforms
By 2020, Saudi Arabia had made significant progress in addressing women's rights issues, including mobility, sexual harassment, and employment protections.
2020: Literacy Rates in Saudi Arabia
By 2020, the literacy rate in Saudi Arabia had reached 99% among males and 96% among females, showcasing significant progress in the country's educational achievements.
May 2021: Discovery of An Nasim
In May 2021, archaeologists announced the discovery of An Nasim, a 350,000-year-old Acheulean site in Saudi Arabia's Hail region. This site, with its hand axes and stone tools, is believed to be the oldest human habitation site in northern Saudi Arabia.
2021: Textbook Revisions
In 2021, Saudi Arabia made significant revisions to its textbooks, removing antisemitic and sexist content and toning down expressions that demonized Jews, Christians, and Shiites. These changes were welcomed by international observers.
2021: E-commerce Market Revenue
The e-commerce market in Saudi Arabia reached US$8 billion in revenue in 2021, making it the 27th largest market.
2022: Mass Executions and Human Rights Criticism
In 2022, Saudi Arabia was condemned by international rights groups for mass executions. The kingdom's strict adherence to Sharia law and its judicial practices, including capital punishment, have long been subjects of international criticism.
2022: Reform on Capital Punishment
In 2022, the Saudi Crown Prince stated that capital punishment would be limited to homicide cases, as specified in the Quran. This reform signifies a shift in the application of the death penalty in Saudi Arabia.
2022: Global University Rankings
In 2022, five Saudi institutions were ranked among the top 500 universities globally by the Academic Ranking of World Universities, and several universities were recognized in the QS World University Rankings and U.S. News & World Report Best Global University Ranking.
2022: Women's Right to Divorce
In 2022, Saudi Arabia granted women the right to divorce without needing approval from a legal guardian under the new Personal Status Law.
2022: Saudi Arabia's Population
As of 2022, Saudi Arabia's reported population reached 32,175,224, making it the fourth most populous nation in the Arab world, with a substantial portion (42%) comprising immigrants primarily from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
2022: Reporters Without Borders Press Rating
As of 2022, Reporters Without Borders rated the kingdom's press a "very serious" situation.
June 2023: Women's Rights Advancements
In June 2023, Saudi Arabia made significant strides in women's rights, reversing its ban on women entering professions like law, engineering, and geology. The kingdom also implemented affirmative action programs, leading to a doubling of female workforce participation. This period saw the appointment of the first female newspaper editors, diplomats, TV anchors, and public prosecutors, along with women taking leadership roles in the stock exchange and Saudi Aramco.
2023: Saudi Arabia’s Military Composition in 2023
As of 2023, Saudi Arabia's military forces include 127,000 active personnel in the Armed Forces, 130,000 in the National Guard, and 24,500 in paramilitary security forces. The country maintains security relationships with the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.
2023: Urban Population in Saudi Arabia
By 2023, about 85% of Saudis were living in urban metropolitan areas, specifically in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, indicating a significant shift from rural to urban living over the past decades.
2023: Global Innovation Index Ranking
In 2023, Saudi Arabia was ranked 48th in the Global Innovation Index, reflecting a significant improvement from its 68th position in 2019.
2030: Future Tobacco Use Reduction Goal
By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to reduce tobacco use to 5%, down from 12.7% in 2017, as part of its long-term public health strategy.
2030: Saudi Vision 2030
Saudi Vision 2030, initiated in 2016, includes plans to preserve the kingdom's historical and cultural heritage by 2030.
2030: Challenges to Vision 2030
The COVID-19 pandemic and concerns about Saudi Arabia's human rights record presented unexpected challenges to the kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030 development plan, impacting some of its programs.
2030: Tourism in Vision 2030
Tourism features prominently in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan, aiming to diversify the economy and reduce its reliance on oil.