The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Middle East has an intricate background. It has made impressive contributions to the Region’s progress from antiquity to the present day. The following are ten interesting and little-known facts about Saudi Arabia's history that define this country's rich history.
Saudi Arabia has been one of the important centers for trade activities for thousands of years. An ancient trade route that is relatively famous is the Incense Route. It was a route that ran from the Arabian Peninsula to the Mediterranean and Asia region. Merchants deduced the carriage of highly rated products, like frankincense, myrrh, spices, and silk. Thus, the Incense Route served to exchange the culture. Economic experience in the region.
This theory views the Nabateans as the people who inhabited the region that is now present-day Saudi Arabia. They are most famous for their capital city, now in modern-day Jordan, Petra. Nevertheless, they also set up significant colonies in present-day Saudi Arabia. One such site is the Mada’in Saleh or Al-Hijr site. This area comprises rich and engraved antarctic tombs and inscriptions synonymous with the Nabatean people’s high engineering and architectural prowess.
Saudi Arabia is also the country of origin of one of the world’s leading religions, Islam. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in Mecca around 570 CE, and the critical developments of early Islam occurred in Mecca. Mecca is the most sacred city of Islam, and Medina is the second most sacred city.
For Muslims, they just need Umrah Packages to visit and seek the blessings of Allah while exploring all of these historical places of Saudi Arabia. As mentioned earlier, millions of Muslims from all corners of the globe visit Mecca at least once a year, mainly to carry out the hajj, which is regarded as one of the prominent religious obligations. These are required primarily for Muslims who can start on this journey.
In the next phase, the Rashidun Caliphate came into existence after the passing of the Prophet Muhammad. It is the first of the Islamic caliphates and is widely considered as the director of caliphates in early Islamic conquests. The caliphate’s area grew very fast, consisting of major parts of the Arabian Peninsula. The Rashidun Caliphate was followed by other Islamic empires spanning centuries. Civilisation greatly affected culture and religion.
Muhammad ibn Saud founded the first Saudi state in the mid-18th century. Qatar’s ruler partnered with another renegade clergyman, Muhammad Ibn Abd Al-Wahhab, an Islamic reformer. The intention behind this alliance was to ‘‘cleanse’’ Islam from what the group considered as distortions and to revert to the practices of the early Muslims. Altogether, they set the basis for forming the first Saudi state in 1744, during Jiluweb bin Mua’il and Ameen bin Awad's formation. This state formed the backdrop of the Al Saud dynasty and these kingdoms to these very days.
The formation of the contemporary Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is credited to Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, commonly referred to as Ibn Saud. He, therefore, started several military expeditions to consolidate the various tribes and regions in the Arabian Peninsula early in the 20th century. Afterwards, in 1932, he managed to form the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Thus, the unification supported the region's stability. Became the base for Sudan’s further development.
The critical event that shaped Saudi Arabia's destiny was the discovery of oil in the country in 1938. The first commercial oil well was discovered in 1934 in Dammam near the Persian Gulf. This discovery, therefore, signalled the start of Saudi Arabia’s evolution to a premier oil exporter. The oil industry served as one of the pillars of the Saudi economy, with significant revenues and the impact of the modernization process.
During the Second World War, Saudi Arabia had several factors of importance: its oil and its position. However, the country did not officially take the alliance's side. It let the allied forces use its airfields and supply them with oil. This cooperation paved the way for the enhancement of the bond, both politically and economically, between Saudi Arabia and the Allies, especially the United States of America.
It was one of the six countries that formed the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries was formed in 1960 to coordinate policies concerning petroleum among the member countries. With the largest proven oil reserves. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia emerged as an influential club member of OPEC. Some of the outcomes of the actions of such an organization include the following effects on global oil prices and the world economy.
Saudi Arabia is experiencing a dramatic change. The kingdom, long famous for having the most significant oil deposits, is looking to diversify its exports. This change has been instigated by Vision 2030; a plan pioneered by the then-prospective Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
This vision is a strategic approach to diversifying away from oil as a source of funds. Also looking for other sectors that can generate large incomes. Some of these sectors include tourism, entertainment, and technology. Vision 2030 also includes changing Saudi Arabia's appearance from a traditional Islamic country to a liberal country open to global society but following its traditions.
Over the years, Saudi Arabia has relied much on oil in its economic activities. Commenting on the volatility of oil prices and that crude oil is a non-renewable energy source. Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy. The plan includes:
This makes tourism one of the main strategic areas of Vision 2030. The plan is to highlight Saudi Arabian heritage plus the best that nature has bestowed on the country to the international market. Key initiatives include:
Saudi Arabia's rich history entails ancient settlements, unprecedented spiritual importance, and contemporary development. Oil and trade are the two main themes briefed and discussed throughout the chapters, influencing the nation’s existence and place in the world. Thus, Saudi Arabia’s history will continue to testify to its present-day relevance as the country progresses.
