TLDR History of Saudi Arabia

TLDR: Saudi Arabia's history spans thousands of years, with early human activity traced back to prehistoric times. Ancient civilizations like the Nabataeans flourished, controlling trade routes across the region. In the 7th century, Saudi Arabia became the birthplace of Islam, transforming the area culturally and religiously. The Al Saud family rose to prominence in the 18th century, establishing the first Saudi state. In 1932, Abdulaziz Ibn Saud unified the Arabian Peninsula, forming modern Saudi Arabia. The discovery of oil in the 1930s revolutionized its economy. In recent years, reforms under Vision 2030 have focused on diversifying the economy, improving women's rights, and modernizing society, although challenges like human rights issues remain.

Ancient Civilizations

Saudi Arabia has been home to human activity for thousands of years, with evidence suggesting prehistoric settlements. The early inhabitants were mostly nomadic, relying on hunting and gathering. Over time, ancient civilizations like the Thamud and Nabataeans emerged. The Nabataeans, renowned for their rock-cut architecture in Petra, dominated trade routes, fostering economic and cultural exchanges across the Arabian Peninsula.

The oldest structure in Saudi Arabia is the Qasr al-Farid, a 1st-century Nabatean rock-cut tomb in Mada'in Saleh, features intricate carvings and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ali Lajami, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Birthplace of Islam

In the 7th century CE, the Arabian Peninsula became the birthplace of Islam with the life of the Prophet Muhammad, born in Mecca around 570 CE. His teachings formed the foundation of Islam, emphasizing social justice and moral values. Islam rapidly spread after Muhammad’s death in 632 CE, reshaping the region socially and politically. The cities of Mecca and Medina, Islam’s holiest sites, continue to attract millions of pilgrims annually for the Hajj pilgrimage.

Cave of Hira, where Prophet Muhammad received his ideas of Islam from the angel Gabriel, is located on this mountain, Jabal al-Nour (in pic), near Mecca. Adiput, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

How did Prophet Muhammad come up with the idea of Islam in the first place?
Prophet Muhammad's idea of Islam emerged from his spiritual experiences and revelations while meditating in the Cave of Hira near Mecca. At around age 40, he began receiving messages from the angel Gabriel, conveying the teachings of monotheism, morality, and social justice. These revelations formed the core tenets of Islam, which emphasized worship of one God (Allah) and guided ethical living. Muhammad's experiences were influenced by the socio-economic conditions of his time, including the inequalities in Arabian society.

Prophet Muhammad is buried in Medina (picture), within the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid al-Nabawi). His tomb is a significant pilgrimage site, attracting millions of Muslims who come to pay their respects.

The Rise of the Saudi State

Following the decline of the Islamic Caliphates, the Arabian Peninsula remained politically divided. In the 18th century, the Al Saud family allied with religious reformer Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, who called for a return to a stricter interpretation of Islam. This partnership established the first Saudi state, which expanded its influence in the region. Though the state faced challenges, including an 1818 defeat by the Ottoman Empire, the Al Saud family regrouped and regained control over the Najd region by the late 19th century.

The Formation of Modern Saudi Arabia

In the early 20th century, Abdulaziz Ibn Saud united the fragmented regions of the Arabian Peninsula. Capturing Riyadh in 1902, he gradually expanded his control, eventually declaring the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. The discovery of oil in the 1930s transformed the nation, making it a global economic player. Partnerships with American oil companies, notably Aramco, led to modernization and infrastructure development, elevating the standard of living for its citizens.

How is oil first discovered in Saudi Arabia in 1930s?
Oil was discovered in Saudi Arabia in 1938, near Dammam, after American geologists identified promising geological formations similar to those in Bahrain, where oil had been found in 1932. The Standard Oil Company of California (SOCAL) received exploration rights and began drilling, focusing on anticline structures that could trap oil. After several unsuccessful attempts, Dammam Well No. 7 finally struck oil, confirming vast reserves and transforming the region’s economy.

How did Saudi Arabia earn money from oil when it was first discovered?
The kingdom received a fixed royalty per barrel of oil produced (around $0.20 per barrel). In 1950, a more equitable profit-sharing agreement, known as the 50-50 split, was established, where Saudi Arabia received half of the profits from oil production. Over time, Saudi control increased, leading to the full nationalization of oil through the creation of Saudi Aramco in 1980.

Contemporary Saudi Arabia

The mid-20th century brought significant political and social shifts. King Saud struggled with governance, leading to King Faisal's ascension in 1964, who implemented modernization initiatives, improving healthcare and education. Saudi Arabia’s influence grew on the world stage, especially during the 1973 oil crisis when OPEC, led by Saudi Arabia, used oil as a political tool. Despite facing challenges from conflicts like the Iran-Iraq War and the Gulf War, Saudi Arabia solidified its alliance with Western powers.

Abraj Al Bait, in Mecca, is a massive complex featuring the world's tallest clock tower, hotels, and shopping. It was built for pilgrims and cost around $15 billion. Construction began in 2004 and was completed in 2012.

The 21st Century and Reforms

Under King Abdullah and King Salman, Saudi Arabia initiated reforms to reduce dependency on oil. Vision 2030, launched in 2016, aims to diversify the economy by promoting tourism, entertainment, and technology, and creating jobs. Significant social changes have also occurred, with reforms improving women's rights, such as allowing women to drive and increasing their participation in the workforce.

While Saudi Arabia has made strides in modernization and economic diversification, it continues to face challenges, including human rights concerns and political reform. The kingdom remains a key player in regional politics and the global economy, navigating its way through ongoing cultural and economic transformations.