Saudi Arabia flag

Saudi Arabia

History

The first Saudi state was founded at Diriyah with Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab.
The second Saudi state was established at Riyadh after Diriyah's destruction.
Ibn Saud retook Riyadh, beginning the third Saudi state.
Ibn Saud took al-Hasa from the Ottomans and reached the Gulf coast.
Ibn Saud defeated the Rashidis and took the title Sultan of Nejd.
The Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd emerged, giving the area a defined monarchical state structure.
Nejd and Hejaz were united as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The current constitution came into force, setting the basic framework for today's Saudi Arabia.
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CapitalRiyadh
Population35.3M
Area2,149,690 km2
CurrencySaudi riyal

Short facts

RegionWestern Asia / Middle East / Arabian Peninsula
LanguageArabic
Time zoneAST (UTC+3)
Drives onRight

Worth seeing

  • Mecca & Medina: The two holiest cities of Islam, the destination of the Hajj pilgrimage for 1.8 billion Muslims.
  • Al-Ula: Ancient Nabataean ruins of Hegra, dramatic rose-red rock formations, and an emerging arts scene.
  • Jeddah Old Town: UNESCO-listed historic centre with coral-stone buildings and vibrant Red Sea waterfront.

Find a city in Saudi Arabia

Showing all cities

Mecca thumbnailMeccaCityRiyadh thumbnailRiyadhCity

Planning questions

What is Saudi Arabia known for?Mecca & Medina, Al-Ula, Jeddah Old Town.
What is the capital?Riyadh.
Which language is useful?Arabic.
When is the national day?23 September.
How should I browse it here?Start with the facts, jump to linked cities, then check events and topics.

Upcoming events

LIV Golf Riyadh2026-02-04 - 2026-02-07 - Riyadh - LIV Golf

Use Riyadh as the first planning anchor for Saudi Arabia, then compare the city, food and worth-seeing notes on this page.

Food & drink

Kebab thumbnailKebabSignature dishCoffee thumbnailCoffeeLocal drink

Known for

Mecca & MedinaAl-UlaJeddah Old TownRiyadhKebabCoffee
Eurovision Song Contest thumbnailMusic & CultureFestivals, concerts and cultural calendars.Asia thumbnailAsia outdoorsLandscapes, routes, seasons and protected nature.