Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country located in West Asia (Middle East) on the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Jordan, Iraq, and Kuwait to the north, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Oman to the east, and Yemen to the south. It has coastlines along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf.

Saudi Arabia covers an area of approximately 2,149,690 square kilometres and has a population of around 36 million people as of 2025–2026. The country is known for its vast deserts, oil wealth, and major religious significance as the birthplace of Islam.

Key Country Information

  • Capital City: Riyadh
  • Head of State: King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
  • Head of Government (Prime Minister): Mohammed bin Salman
  • Official Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)
  • International Dialing Code: +966

Population and Economy

Saudi Arabia has a population of approximately 36 million, including a large expatriate workforce. The economy is heavily based on oil and gas, but is rapidly diversifying under the Vision 2030 economic reform program.

Key industries include energy, construction, infrastructure, healthcare, logistics, tourism, manufacturing, and information technology. Saudi Arabia is one of the largest employers of foreign workers in the Middle East.

International Memberships

  • United Nations (UN): Member since 1945
  • G20: Member since 1999
  • Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC): Founding member since 1969
  • World Trade Organization (WTO): Member since 2005
  • Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Founding member since 1981

Living and Working in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia offers tax-free salaries, modern infrastructure, and large-scale development projects, especially in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. The cost of living varies by city, with housing often provided or subsidized by employers.

Foreign nationals require a valid work visa and residence permit (Iqama) sponsored by a Saudi employer. Millions of expatriates work in construction, healthcare, engineering, hospitality, oil and gas, and domestic services.

Summary

Saudi Arabia is a major Middle Eastern economy with strong demand for foreign labor and ongoing economic reforms under Vision 2030. As a member of the UN, G20, WTO, OIC, and GCC, it plays a central role in regional and global affairs.