Saudi Arabia is one of the richest Arab countries on the planet, but there is much more to the country than just this. This country has a long history, as it is the religious center for Muslims around the globe.
Recently, Saudi Arabia has been trying to make many strides to become more modern and make its own mark on the planet. This country extends from the Red Sea in the west to the Arabian Gulf in the east.
Saudi Arabia is famous as an oil-producing company and has some strict laws it imposes, though there are some interesting facts that you should know about this country.
So, in this article, we will discuss some amazing facts about Saudi Arabia.
- This country remains an absolute monarchy
Ibn Saud is thought to be the father of the Saudi nation. He united the four regions into just one state, and in 1932, after proclaiming independence for this country, he crowned himself king.
He is one of the few people in history to have a whole country named after him.
Saudi Arabia has been under the rule of the Al Saud family since then, and King Salman, bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is the current king. Also, he is the third richest monarch in the world with a total worth of $18 billion.
- Saudi Arabia is mostly a desert
About ninety-five percent of this country is classified as a semi-desert or a desert. The Rub Al-Khali, located in southern Saudi Arabia, is the world’s largest sand desert. Moreover, the Arabian Peninsula is the largest in the world.
Also, it is the largest country on the planet without a river. This country’s freshwater comes from underground reservoirs or desalinization plants.
- Saudi Arabia allowed women to vote in 2015
Saudi Arabia has been a little backward when it comes to women. However, in recent times, this country has been trying to give more rights to women. In 2015, Saudi Arabia was the last country to allow women the right to vote.
However, Saudi Arabia still restricts the rights of women. This is one of the more controversial facts about this nation. However, now women are getting rights like driving and traveling without a male guardian.
- In 1938, oil was discovered.
If there is one thing for which Saudi Arabia is famous worldwide, then it is its oil reserves. This natural source was found here in 1938, and this was a significant and defining moment for Saudi Arabia’s economy. Around half the GDP of Saudi Arabia comes from its oil resources.
- UNESCO declared Arabic Calligraphy was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage
Recently in 2021, UNESCO declared Arabic Calligraphy as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Arabic Calligraphy is, no doubt, a vital part of Saudi Arabia’s culture, along with falconry and several other things. This was a crucial step in furthering the culture of the nation internationally.
- In 1985, the first Muslim to travel in Space
Prince Sultan bin Salman was the first person to travel to space from Saudi Arabia. In 1985, he rode abroad on the U.S. Space Shuttle Discovery. Doing this also put this country, Saudi Arabia, more on the international news map.
- Saudi Arabia has to buy sand
Saudi Arabia is mostly desert, but still, it has to purchase sand from abroad. Seems like an ironic fact in this country. However, this is because the sand in the desert is not suitable for construction and glass making. Saudi Arabia needs to import sand from Australia to meet its construction requirements.
Moreover, this country also needs to import camels. As camels are a huge part of the diet here, Saudi Arabia needs to import them because of the shortage of these animals.
- The government is trying to build the world’s tallest building
The government of this country is trying to build the tallest building in the world to attract more international tourists. Due to this, they are constructing the Jeddah Tower, which will be more than 3280 feet in height.
- The birthplace of Islam is Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is famous as the birthplace of Islam. This country is home to many religious shrines, including Mecca and Medina. Each year, about two million people come to this country to perform Hajj. It is one of the five pillars of Islam that Muslims need to follow.
Non-Muslims are not given citizenship here. Also, this Islamic country bans any public religious worship from anyone who is not Muslim. However, people can practice their religion in private.
- An important cultural dish, Kabsa
Whenever you visit Saudi Arabia, you must try out one of the most famous dishes of this country, called Kabsa. This dish consists of aromatic rice and roast chicken that is served on a big platter. People of this country share this meal right from the platter and enjoy.
- The lost city of Mada’in Saleh
Mada’in Saleh is a lost city which is located in Saudi Arabia. This is a fact unknown to many people. The Romans once captured this city; however, today, it is a well-preserved lost city that visitors wish to visit, as it has more than 100 tombs carved of rocks.
- The tallest fountain in the world: King Fahd Fountain
Located in Jeddah, the King Fahd Fountain is one of the best sights you will enjoy. The fountain is 312 meters tall and gushes over 350 kilometers per hour. This fountain was completed in 1985, and many tourists come here to experience this alluring fountain.
- Al Habala Village can be accessed through cable car
Al Habala is an abandoned village that you will see on the side of a steep cliff. This is the reason why it is also famous as the hanging village. You can use a cable car to access and explore this village. Many paragliders also come here to have an adventurous experience.
- Explore a stunning shipwreck at Shoaiba Beach
If you go seventy kilometers south of Jeddah, you will see a haunting shipwreck that will leave to amaze. The Dutch created this ship in the late sixties, and it is located at Shoaiba Beach. Many people call this haunting shipwreck the Al Fahd Shipwreck.
- Witchcraft is a crime
Witchcraft is considered a serious crime in Saudi Arabia, so even Harry Potter books have been banned here. So, it would be best to not carry these books while visiting Saudi Arabia.
- Capital punishment exists here
In Saudi Arabia, capital punishment is still a thing. As of 2019, more than 180 people were executed here for breaking the law. In addition, here homosexuality is also punishable by death. On the other hand, several other crimes may result in the death penalty, including rape, using drugs, adultery, murder, and much more.
- Here, you will find Bedouins
Bedouins, also known as desert dwellers, can be seen here in the desert of Saudi Arabia. These people herd goats and camels. Besides that, these people are loyal to their families and tribes and don’t surrender to anyone else.
- Saudi Arabia’s 30% population is made up of immigrants
Another interesting fact about the society of Saudi Arabia is that 30% of the population is made up of immigrants. The reason is the labor force of this country comes from Southeast Asia and Africa. Almost 80% of the labor force of this desert country consists of non-nationals.
- Saudi Arabia has a religious force
This country has a religious force known as the Mutaween. The full name of this force is the “Committee for the Preservation of Virtue and for the Prevention of Vice.” The volunteers patrol many public places and enforce strict rules on segregation between the sexes, clothing, and daily prayer attendance.
- Al Asha Oasis
When in the desert of Saudi Arabia, one must visit an oasis. It is one of the oldest settlements on the Arabian Peninsula. Almost 95% of Saudi Arabia is desert, but this Al Asha bubbles with about 150 natural springs.
- The discovery of 400 ancient “gates”
In 2017, 400 ancient “gates” were found in the Arabian Desert. With Google Earth’s help, archaeologists could recognize these elusive stone structures. It is considered that those structures were built by nomadic tribes between 2000 and 9000 years ago.
- Riyadh is number 80 on the rich list
Regarding GDP or Gross Domestic Product, Riyadh is world’s one of the wealthiest cities. At 80, it is placed between China’s Qingdao and Jeddah.
The name Riyadh means ‘the garden.’ It is believed that the ancient name of this city refers to the small oasis towns scattered around this region around 500 years ago.
- The only national flag to display an inscription
This country has the only national flag inscribed as its principal design. Including the Shahada means that the flag needs a different design for each side. It is a characteristic that it shares with the flags of Moldova and Paraguay.
- A spear impaled Riyadh’s Masmak Fortress
In 1902, Ibn Saud raided Al Dira’s hulking fortress when a burly soldier lobbed a spear at its front door. It is still there even after 120 years.
Also, Jebel Fihrayan, also known as the edge of the world, is a popular tourist destination and a desert trek near Riyadh. The massive cliffs drop off to reveal a valley stretching towards an infinite-looking horizon.
- Home to the only wild Arabian Oryx
During the 1950s, hunting wiped out the wild population of Arabian Oryx of the Nafud region, but due to a reintroduction program, there are now about 500.
So, Saudi Arab is a country that can attract many tourists with its rich history, amazing cuisine, interesting practices, and many more.
At the end of this article, we have come to know 25 really fascinating facts about Saudi Arabia. These facts offer us a clear picture of this unique country. To get some additional amazing facts, you can see our website.
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