SAUDI ARABIA

The official language of Saudi is Modern Standard Arabic, but there are three regional dialects that are spoken: Hejazi, Najdi, and Gulf Arabic. These align close with MSA making them some of the easiest to learn. Additionally, Old languages, such as Faifi and Razihi [i], and Saudi Sign Language are spoken by smaller percentages of the populations. Due to Saudi’s high expatriate community, there are also numerous foreign languages spoken in the country, such as Tagalog, Urdu, Masry, Rohingya, and Indonesian. Additionally, English language schools began opening in the country in 1936 to prepare students to engage with the English-speaking education systems.

Saudi is one of the youngest states in the world, with over 50% of its population under the age of 25. Despite the population’s age, it has been slow to adopt non-Arab customs. This is evident in the adoption of the Gregorian calendar [ii] and its application in Saudi’s private and public business sectors. The main contributions to Saudi culture are Islamic heritage and Bedouin traditions, but modernity has found a place. Camel racing is conducted in areas closer to urban centers versus in Bedouin communities. Saudi has also steadily increased access in non-religious avenues, such as education and jobs for women.

Saudi practices a form of Sunni Islam called Salafism, with nearly all of Saudi’s citizens practicing this form of Islam, and a small minority practicing Shi’a Islam. Salafism was founded in the 18th century, and the consolidation of religious and political power by the al-Saud and the al-Wahhab families led to the Sunni sect gaining prominence in the region. However, with Mecca and Medina situated in its borders, Saudi Arabia interacts with multiple sects of Islam when Muslims come to the country and participate in the Hajj [iii] pilgrimage. Additionally, Saudi hosts many expats [iv] who practice various religions within the country’s borders.

Saudi is a Unitary Islamic Absolute Monarchy ruled by the House of Saud, which is comprised of the descendants of Muhammad bin Saud. Saudi’s king is also the country’s prime minister, and the leadership role combines legislative, judicial, and executive functions. Additionally, the king presides over the Ministers of Saudi Arabia and the Consultative Assembly of Saudi Arabia. Saudi is also an active and founding member of the following institutional bodies: The United Nations, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Arab League, and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) [v]. Saudi is also a major ally of NATO, though not a formal member.

With the use of the Saudi Riyal, Saudi has the largest economy in MENA and the 18th largest in the world, with most of its GDP coming from oil exports. Saudi is also considered to be an energy superpower, due to the extensive oil and natural gas preserves within its borders. Until recently, the country was very dependent on foreign workers, with about 80% of those in the private sector being non-Saudi. However, the country has put a plan in place to increase the amount of Saudis working in the private sector. This process is called ‘Saudization’ [vi] and started in 2006.

The current political structure started in 1744 with a pact [vii] between the al-Saud and al-Wahhab families, who still rule the political and religious spheres, respectively, today. The road to present day [viii] Saudi consisted of three incarnations: the First Saudi State (1744-1818), the Emirate of Nejd (1824-1891), and finally modern-Saudi (1902-Present). The country comprises the Hejaz, Najd, Al-Ahsa, and the Asir regions that were consolidated into one state in 1932 by Ibn Saud. Modern-day Saudi is situated on the site of many ancient cultures. It is also the birthplace of Islam, with multiple Caliphates coming from the Hajez region of the country.

As the fifth largest country by landmass in the world, Saudi [ix] sits in between the waters of the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf with most of its terrain consisting of desert, lowland, and mountainous areas. It is bordered by Oman, Yemen, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Iraq, and Yemen. Though Saudi is mostly desert, it does have hidden gems, like the gingerbread villages in the Asir region of the country, named Rijal Almaa [x]. Other frequented tourist destinations [xi] include the Jebel Fihrayn (the Edge of the World), multiple castles and forts, and monuments from the Nabatean ancient civilization.