Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia

In this Saudi Arabia Investor Immigration Permit guide, learn about:

Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is the largest country in the Middle East and the birthplace of Islam. It occupies most of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Jordan and Iraq to the north, Kuwait to the northeast, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman to the southeast, Yemen to the south, and the Red Sea to the west. The country covers approximately 2,150,000 square kilometers, making it the 13th largest country in the world.

Saudi Arabia is a hereditary monarchy. It is governed under Islamic law (Sharia), with the Quran and the Sunnah (traditions of the Prophet Muhammad) serving as the constitution. The King acts as the head of state and government, overseeing an administrative structure that includes a council of ministers and a consultative assembly (Shura Council). The kingdom is divided into 13 provinces, each administered by a governor appointed by the King.

The capital city is Riyadh, a sprawling metropolis that is the political, economic, and cultural hub of the country. Other major cities include Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, and Dammam. Saudi Arabia\'s economy heavily depends on oil, possessing the second-largest proven oil reserves and being the world\'s largest oil exporter.

This has made it one of the leading economies in the Middle East, with petroleum exports accounting for a significant portion of government revenue. The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is the official currency.

Saudi society is deeply conservative, rooted in tribal and Islamic traditions. Arabic is the official language, and Islam plays a central role in Saudi life, with millions of Muslims from around the world visiting Mecca and Medina for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all Muslims who have the means to do so.

In recent years, under the Vision 2030 initiative led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has undergone significant economic and social reforms aimed at diversifying the economy away from oil and developing public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism.

These reforms have also included efforts to increase the employment of Saudi nationals in the private sector, known as Saudization, and initiatives to promote arts, entertainment, and sports, alongside increasing the rights and visibility of women in Saudi society.

Saudi Arabia\'s cultural heritage is rich and varied, including traditional Arab poetry, music, dance, and cuisine. The government has invested in the arts and culture, establishing new institutions such as the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran.

The Kingdom\'s climate varies from region to region, generally characterized by high temperatures during the day and cool nights. The most hospitable weather is found during the winter months, from November to February, when temperatures are mild and conducive to outdoor activities.

As the country opens up more to tourism, visitors are increasingly attracted to its archaeological sites, such as Madain Saleh in Al-Ula, the ancient Hejaz Railway, and the Edge of the World in Riyadh, as well as its Red Sea coastline, which is renowned for its stunning coral reefs and marine life.

Saudi Arabia plays a key role in global energy markets, geopolitics, and Islamic affairs. Its vast desert landscapes, including the Rub\' al Khali (Empty Quarter), offer a glimpse into the heart of Arabian culture and the country\'s Bedouin roots, making it a unique destination for those interested in the Middle East.