Tuesday , February 11 2025

The Rise of Kingdom Saudi Arabia: From Founding to Global Influence

Kingdom Saudi Arabia from Founding to Global

Kingdom Saudi Arabia’s transformation from a vast desert land to a global economic powerhouse is a remarkable story of resilience, strategic alliances, and visionary leadership (Lacey, 2009). Founded by Abdulaziz Ibn Saud in 1932, the country has navigated tribal unification, oil discoveries, and strategic diplomacy to become a dominant force in international affairs.

Key milestones include:

  • World’s largest oil exporter (13% of global supply)
  • Arab world’s largest economy (GDP: $803 billion)
  • Home to Islam’s holiest sites (Mecca and Medina)
  • Key player in G20, OPEC, and GCC

Early History (1744-1932)

In 1744, Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab and Muhammad ibn Saud formed an alliance, establishing the first Saudi state, the Emirate of Diriyah. The Saudi-Wahhabi partnership expanded control over Arabia through conquests, but faced setbacks, including the Ottoman Empire’s destruction of Diriyah in 1818. The second Saudi state, the Emirate of Najd, emerged in 1824 under Turki ibn Abdallah. However, the Al-Rashid dynasty seized control in 1891, forcing the Saudis into exile. Abdulaziz Ibn Saud reclaimed Riyadh in 1902, beginning a unified campaign. Key milestones include: the conquest of Al-Hasa (1913), Hijaz-Nejd conflict (1920), and the unification of the Arabian Peninsula (1924). By 1932, Ibn Saud consolidated power, establishing modern Saudi Arabia.

Key events during this period:

  • 1744: Formation of the Emirate of Diriyah
  • 1818: Ottoman Empire destroys Diriyah, leading to Saudi exile
  • 1824: Turki ibn Abdallah establishes the second Saudi state, the Emirate of Najd
  • 1891: The al-Rashid dynasty seizes control, forcing Saudi exile again
  • 1902: Abdulaziz Ibn Saud begins reconquest, capturing Riyadh
  • 1913: Ibn Saud conquers Al-Hasa region
  • 1920: Hijaz-Nejd conflict; Ibn Saud emerges victorious
  • 1924: Conquest of Hijaz; unification of Arabian Peninsula
  • 1927-1932: Consolidation of power and establishment of modern Saudi Arabia

Key Factors in Saudi Arabia’s Separation from the Ottoman Empire

The Kingdom Saudi Arabia’s separation from the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire’s decline during World War I weakened its control, while the Wahhabi movement rejected Ottoman authority. Tribal autonomy movements sought independence, and British support for Arab independence further eroded Ottoman control. Sharif Hussein’s Arab Revolt in 1916 and Abdulaziz Ibn Saud’s conquests ultimately led to Saudi Arabia’s separation in 1924 and the establishment of the modern Saudi state in 1932.

Ottoman Empire

Several factors contributed to Saudi Arabia’s separation:

  • Ottoman Empire’s Decline (19th-20th centuries): Weakened by internal strife, economic struggles, and external pressures.
  • Wahhabi Movement (1744): Emphasized Islamic purification, rejecting Ottoman authority and Sufi practices.
  • Tribal Independence: Arabian tribes sought autonomy from Ottoman control.
  • British Influence (19th-20th centuries): Britain’s strategic interests in the region led to support for Arab independence.
  • World War I (1914-1918): The Ottoman Empire’s entry into the war weakened its grip on Arabian territories.

Key Events:

  • 1802: Wahhabi forces capture Mecca, challenging Ottoman authority.
  • 1818: Ottoman Empire destroys Diriyah, leading to Saudi exile.
  • 1824: Turki ibn Abdallah establishes the second Saudi state, the Emirate of Najd.
  • 1913: Ibn Saud conquers the Al-Hasa region, expanding Saudi control.
  • 1916: Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire, led by Sharif Hussein.
  • 1920: Hijaz-Nejd conflict; Ibn Saud emerges victorious.
  • 1924: Conquest of Hijaz; unification of Arabian Peninsula.
Saudi and Ottoman War

Strategic Alliances:

British-Saudi Alliance (1915): Britain recognizes Ibn Saud’s authority.

Hashemite-Saudi Alliance (1916): Temporary alliance against Ottoman Empire.

Consequences:

  • Establishment of modern Saudi Arabia (1932).
  • End of Ottoman rule in Arabia.
  • Emergence of Saudi Arabia as a regional power.

Modern Saudi Arabia (1932-Present)

Since its founding, Saudi Arabia has transformed into a modern, oil-driven economy.

Key milestones include:

  • Discovery of oil reserves (1938)
  • Establishment of Saudi Aramco (1933)
  • Economic diversification efforts (1970s-1980s)
  • Membership in G20, OPEC, and GCC

Saudi Vision 2030

Launched in 2016, Vision 2030 aims to:

– Diversify economy (reduce oil dependence)

– Increase non-oil exports

– Boost tourism

– Enhance cultural and historical sites

– Develop renewable energy

– Increase women’s workforce participation

Key Objectives:

– Raise non-oil exports to 50% of GDP

– Increase private sector’s share of GDP to 65%

– Boost foreign direct investment

– Create 1.2 million jobs for citizens

– Increase women’s workforce participation to 30%.

Initiatives:

– National Transformation Program (NTP)

– Quality of Life Program

– Strategic Partnerships

– Investment in education and training.

Conclusion

Kingdom Saudi Arabia’s transformation from a desert land to a global economic powerhouse demonstrates its resilience, adaptability, and visionary leadership. Through strategic alliances, economic diversification, and reform, the kingdom has become a key international player.

References

Al-Rasheed, M. (2010). A History of Saudi Arabia. Cambridge University Press.

Lacey, R. (2009). The Kingdom: Arabia and the House of Saud. Hutchinson.

Standard Oil of California. (n.d.). History of Saudi Arabia’s Oil.

Saudi Vision 2030. (n.d.). Official Website.