10 Weird Facts About Saudi Arabia
In this article, the story of Saudi Arabia is narrated, focusing on how it transformed from a desolate area to a wealthy and powerful nation, largely through the influence of a single ruling family, the House of Saud. So let’s know facts about Saudi Arabia.
1) Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS, as the current leader of the country, while his father, King Salman, remains on the throne. The royal family consists of over 15,000 members, all descendants of the founder of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz bin Rahman Al Saud. Their combined wealth is estimated to be around 1.4 trillion dollars.
2) Initially, Saudi Arabia was reliant on pilgrimage fees from Muslims visiting its holy sites, Mecca and Medina. This changed dramatically with the discovery of the world’s second-largest reserves of oil and gas in 1938. King Abdulaziz licensed an American company to begin extraction, which led to immense economic growth and transformed Saudi Arabia into a major player in OPEC. By creating a strong economy based on oil exports, the kingdom gained influence on the world stage.
3) In the early 2000s, King Abdullah took steps to modernize the economy by developing new industries and diversifying its income sources. His initiatives included enhancing education and healthcare, which led to Saudi Arabia becoming a member of the World Trade Organization in 2005, solidifying its global trading presence.
4) In terms of military strength, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily and formed a coalition to respond to threats, notably by launching a military operation against Houthi rebels in Yemen in 2015. This effort demonstrated the kingdom’s military capabilities and reinforced its status among Arab nations. It became one of the largest military spenders globally, surpassing some traditional Western powers.
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5) Additionally, the plight of women in Saudi Arabia is presented as restrictive, described metaphorically as living in a gilded prison. Women in Saudi Arabia have faced significant restrictions and denial of basic rights such as driving, voting, and freedom of movement. They are often seen as dependents of male guardians, like fathers or husbands, and their movements can be monitored through mobile apps. Although women can pursue education, job opportunities are scarce. Many royal family princesses have reportedly spent their time on leisure activities instead of playing roles in governance or decision-making.
6) The current Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), is attempting to modernize the country by introducing significant changes, including lifting the ban on female driving in 2018. He has also worked to bring entertainment options to Saudi Arabia, which were previously prohibited.
7) However, MBS’s actions have been criticized as mostly symbolic, with concerns about his conservative stance and suppression of dissent. The assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, alleged to have been ordered by MBS, raises questions about his approach to leadership and reform in the kingdom, indicating that he may still maintain some of the authoritarian features of his predecessors.
8) The House of Saud has evolved from a tribal community to a powerful modern state by balancing modernization with their religious values. Their power relies on control of resources and religious authority in the Gulf region, ensuring their royal lineage remains influential. Nevertheless, their absolute control means that any internal or external challenges are quickly suppressed.
9) There is a concern about Saudi Arabia’s future, particularly concerning dwindling oil reserves and the challenge of achieving modernization without compromising Wahhabism values. Questions arise about whether Saudi Arabia can maintain its superpower status amid these issues.
10) In January 2019, Saudi Arabia raised $106 billion through an anti-corruption campaign led by MBS, targeting members of the royal family and other business figures. The campaign resulted in the detention of the accused in luxurious accommodations at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh, showcasing the complexity of power dynamics within the kingdom.
