2. Kingdom of oil: Saudi Arabia exerts its global energy dominance
Saudi Arabia holds 17% of the world’s oil reserves, ranks second globally in petroleum production behind the United States, and is the largest exporter of crude oil (2024 U.S. Energy Information Administration).
The Kingdom’s vast reserves and controlled production capacity give it significant influence in global oil markets. Its location in the Arabian Gulf enhances its strategic importance in the energy sector.
As a founding member of OPEC, Saudi Arabia plays a key role in stabilizing oil markets. By balancing supply and demand, it maintains its leadership in shaping the global energy landscape.
This leadership and leverage in “energy diplomacy” was demonstrated during the 1973 Oil Embargo, when Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, stopped oil exports to nations supporting Israel during the Yom Kippur War.
>> Discover how other nations like Brunei navigate oil rich economies.
![Picture of desert in Saudi Arabia with man standing on top of a hill. Fun Facts About Saudi Arabia]()
3. In 2016, the Saudi government launched Vision 2030, an economic diversification plan
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched Vision 2030 in 2016 to reduce reliance on oil through foreign investment in technology and build a more diversified private sector.
Vision 2030 goals:
- Increasing non-oil revenue to $266 billion
- Boosting private sector GDP contribution to 65%
- Raising female workforce participation to 30%
Female workforce participation in Saudi Arabia has already surpassed the initial Vision 2030 goal, with current estimates at 36,2%.
![Picture of Jeddah Road in Saudi Arabia (sunset). Fun Facts About Saudi Arabia]()
4. Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam
In 610 CE, Prophet Muhammad received revelations that laid the foundation for Islam in what is now Saudi Arabia. Northern Saudi Arabia is home to sites like AlUla and ancient Nabatean tombs, which have artifacts that date back to pre-Islamic times.
Modern Saudi Arabian governance is based on Islamic law (Sharia), drawn primarily from Sunni Islam teachings. The Quran is the constitution of the kingdom.
Saudi Arabia officially holds the title of “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques” because the holy cities of Mecca and Medina are in its territory.
Travel tip: The best time to travel to Mecca or Medina is from November to March, with cooler weather and lower humidity.
![Picture of Medina, Saudi Arabia with blue and cloudy sky and beautiful architecture. Fun Facts About Saudi Arabia]()
5. Saudi Arabia plays an outsized role in global regional security as the largest country in the Middle East
Saudi Arabia provided military bases and logistical support for Operation Desert Storm in 1990-91 when Iraq invaded Kuwait. Saudi Arabia led troops alongside multinational forces from 35 other countries to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.
Saudi Arabia is still a key player in security around the Persian Gulf region, addressing terrorism, piracy and diplomatic crises through the Gulf Cooperation Council.
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