Brief History of Saudi Arabia

Early History

• The Arabian Peninsula has a long history of tribal societies, with various groups living in the region for thousands of years. The region is important for trade routes linking Europe, Asia, and Africa, with cities such as Mecca and Medina becoming major centres of commerce.
• 7th century: The Islamic prophet Muhammad is born in Mecca and begins preaching a new religion, which later becomes known as Islam.
• 622: Muhammad and his followers flee from Mecca to Medina in what is known as the Hijra, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
• After Muhammad's death, his successors, known as the caliphs, expand the Islamic empire, bringing the Arabian Peninsula under their control.
• Until the 16th century, the area that is now Saudi Arabia is ruled by various Arab tribes, including the Rashidun, Umayyad, and Abbasid dynasties. The region is known for its trade in spices, textiles, and other goods, with merchants travelling long distances to sell their wares.
• The pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj, is a major source of income for the region during this time, with pilgrims from all over the Muslim world travelling to the holy city to perform religious rituals.

Ottoman Era

• 16th century: The Ottoman Empire takes control of the region, ruling over it until the 20th century. Ottoman control begins with Selim I’s acquisition of Medina and Mecca in 1517, and the Empire soon controls the regions along the Red Sea and Persian Gulf coasts. They also lay claim to the interior, although this remains a nominal suzerainty. 

House of Saud 

• 1727: Muhammad ibn Saud, a local tribal leader, establishes the First Saudi State in the area around Riyadh. The fortunes of the Saud family rise and fall over the next 150 years as they vie for control of region with the Ottoman Empire, Egypt, and other Arabian dynasties.
• 1744: Muhammad ibn Saud combines forces with Muhammad ibn Abd-al-Wahhab, a scholar and founder of the Wahhabi religious movement. This alliance forms the ideological basis for the expansion of the House of Saud. Wahhabism remains Saudi Arabia's dominant faith.
• 1786–1816: The Saud family briefly controls most of the present-day territory of Saudi Arabia, including Mecca and Medina, through conquests.
• 1818: Concerned at the growing power of the Saudis, the Ottoman orders his viceroy in Egypt to reconquer the area, and the Saudi forces are routed.
• 1824: The Al Saud returns to power, during a period that becomes known as the Second Saudi State (although the area they control is limited to the Saudi interior). During this period, the Saudis are challenged by the powerful Al Rashid dynasty.
• 1891: The Al Saud are conclusively defeated and driven into exile in Kuwait.
• 1902: Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, leader of the Al Saud, returns from exile to resume the conflict with the Al Rashid. He seizes Riyadh, the first of a series of conquests, and creates the Third Saudi State, ultimately leading to the creation of Saudi Arabia in 1930.
• 1932–1953: Abdul-Aziz is recognised as the founder of modern Saudi Arabia and rules as king during this period. Subsequently, six of his sons in succession have reigned over the kingdom.

Modern Saudi Arabia

• 1938: The discover of oil transforms the country's economy and allows for rapid modernisation.
• World War II: Saudi Arabia supports the Allied powers and provides oil to the US and UK.
• 1960: Saudi Arabia is one of the founding members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), giving it significant influence in global oil markets.
• 1979: The Grand Mosque in Mecca is seized by Islamic militants, leading to a two-week siege and a crackdown on religious extremism.
• 1980s: Saudi Arabia is a key player in supporting the mujahideen in Afghanistan against the Soviet Union.
• 1990: Saudi Arabia plays a major role in the Gulf War, which expels Iraqi forces from Kuwait.
• 2001: In the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, it is revealed that the majority of the attackers were of Saudi nationality. This puts a strain on the relationship between the two countries.
• 2005: King Fahd dies and is succeeded by his half-brother, King Abdullah.
• 2011: Saudi Arabia sends troops to Bahrain to help quell protests.
• 2015: King Salman ascends to the throne and launches a series of economic and social reforms under the banner of Vision 2030.
• 2017: Saudi Arabia cuts diplomatic ties with Qatar over allegations of support for terrorism.
• 2018: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launches a crackdown on corruption, arresting dozens of high-profile businessmen and officials.
• 2019: Women in Saudi Arabia are allowed to drive for the first time.
• 2020: The Covid-19 pandemic makes headlines worldwide. Although Saudi Arabia swiftly enforces lockdown across the country, 500,000 cases of the virus were reported with a death toll of at least 8,000.
• 2021: Saudi Arabia hosts the G20 summit, showcasing its efforts to diversify its economy and promote cultural openness.