Area Total | 2,149,690 sq km |
Climate | harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes |
Natural Resources | petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper |
Imports | China 15.4%, US 13.6%, UAE 6.5%, Germany 5.8%, Japan 4.1%, India 4.1%, South Korea 4% (2017) – machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, motor vehicles, textiles |
Government | absolute monarchy |
Capital | Riyadh |
Population | 33,091,113 (July 2018 est.) |
Ethnicity | Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10% |
Language | Arabic (official) |
Exports | Japan 12.2%, China 11.7%, South Korea 9%, India 8.9%, US 8.3%, UAE 6.7%, Singapore 4.2% (2017) – Exports – commodities field listing petroleum and petroleum products 90% (2012 est.) |
News about Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli violations at Al-Aqsa Mosque and UN clinic in Gazaon April 2, 2025
Saudi Gazette reportRIYADH — Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the recent Israeli actions in Jerusalem and Gaza, denouncing what it described as blatant violations of international law and humanitarian
- Saudi Arabia posts SR49.8 billion travel surplus in 2024 as visitor spending hits SR153.6 billionon April 2, 2025
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia recorded its highest-ever annual travel surplus in 2024, reaching SR49.8 billion in the balance of payments, according to data from the Saudi Central Bank.The
- 911 emergency centers handle over 2.8 million calls in Marchon April 2, 2025
Saudi Gazette reportRIYADH — The National Center for Security Operations announced that unified emergency number 911 centers across Riyadh, Makkah, and the Eastern Province received a total of 2,879,325
- Saudi Arabia urges stronger global action to protect children in cyberspace at UNon April 2, 2025
Saudi Gazette report GENEVA — Saudi Arabia has delivered a unified international call for enhanced protection of children in cyberspace during the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Speaking
- Saudi Arabia welcomes trilateral border treaty between Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistanon April 2, 2025
Saudi Gazette reportRIYADH — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Saudi Arabia’s welcome of the trilateral treaty signed between Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan regarding the definition
- White House confirms Trump will visit Saudi Arabia in Mayon April 1, 2025
WASHINGTON — The White House confirmed on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump will visit Saudi Arabia in May, clarifying his earlier remarks about a “next month” trip to the Middle East.White
- Visitors welcomed with Eid initiative at Thee Ain Heritage Village in Al-Bahaon April 1, 2025
Saudi Gazette reportALBAHA — The Heritage Commission, in partnership with the Emirate of Al-Baha Region, launched a special Eid Al-Fitr initiative to welcome visitors to the historic Thee Ain Heritage
- Over 1 million pilgrims benefit from golf cart service at Grand Mosque during Ramadanon April 1, 2025
Saudi Gazette reportMAKKAH — More than one million worshippers benefited from the electric golf cart service at the Grand Mosque in Makkah during Ramadan, according to the General Authority for the Care
- Saudi Falak research mission successfully launched into spaceon April 1, 2025
Saudi Gazette reportFLORIDA — Saudi Arabia’s Falak Space and Research nonprofit organization announced the successful launch of its pioneering space research mission aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket
- Tebuk emir reviews rain response in Taymaon April 1, 2025
Saudi Gazette reportTABUK — Prince Fahd bin Sultan, Emir of Tabuk region and Chairman of the region’s Civil Defense Committee, conducted an inspection tour of Tayma Governorate on Tuesday to assess
- Saudi Arabia considers rent cap as part of major real estate reformson April 1, 2025
Saudi Gazette reportRIYADH — Saudi Arabia is studying the implementation of a cap on residential and commercial rent increases to tackle soaring prices, the CEO of the Real Estate General Authority (REGA),
- Civil Defense urges caution over swimming pool safetyon April 1, 2025
Saudi Gazette reportRIYADH — The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued a public advisory urging citizens and residents to exercise caution around swimming pools at homes and public venues,
- Saudi Arabia launches pavilion at Bologna International Book Fair 2025on March 31, 2025
Saudi Gazette reportBOLOGNA — Saudi Arabia launched its national pavilion at the Bologna International Book Fair 2025, which runs from March 31 to April 3 at the Bologna Fiere Exhibition Center in Italy.The
- Rare Kaaba interior coverings showcased at Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddahon March 31, 2025
Saudi Gazette reportJEDDAH — The Islamic Arts Biennale showcasing two rare masterpieces from the Kaaba’s interior kiswa, offering a remarkable window into the rich heritage of Islamic craftsmanship
- Haramain High-Speed Railway transports over 1.2 million passengers during Ramadanon March 31, 2025
Saudi Gazette reportJEDDAH — The Haramain High-Speed Railway transported more than 1.2 million passengers during the holy month of Ramadan 1446 AH, marking a 21% increase compared to the previous year,
- Albania hosts MWL chief for Eid sermon at largest mosque in the Balkanson March 31, 2025
Saudi Gazette reportTIRANA — Albania hosted Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) and President of the Association of Muslim Scholars, to deliver the Eid Al-Fitr
- Expat kills wife and another woman in Makkah acid attack; police launch investigationon March 30, 2025
Saudi Gazette reportMAKKAH — Authorities in Makkah have arrested a Bangladeshi resident after he fatally attacked his wife and another woman with a sharp object and acid, injuring others before attempting
- Only vaccinated pilgrims can book Hajj packages as registration opens for domestic pilgrimson March 30, 2025
Saudi Gazette reportMAKKAH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the availability of Hajj 1446H packages for citizens and residents within the Kingdom through the Nusuk app and the official
- Defense, interior, and national guard ministers extend Eid greetings, praise efforts of military and security personnelon March 30, 2025
Saudi Gazette reportMAKKAH — Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman received commanders and senior officials from the Ministry of Defense at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah on Sunday, who came to greet
- Worshippers in Makkah and Madinah perform Eid Al-Fitr prayeron March 30, 2025
Saudi Gazette reportMAKKAH — Amidst an atmosphere of faith, joy, security, and tranquility, thousands of worshippers gathered at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Sunday's morning to perform the Eid