360Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom's story, from the First Saudi State to Expo 2030.
History · 30
- 2000–today
The 21st century so far: smartphones, Vision 2030 and AI
In the 21st century, smartphones and social media put the internet in billions of pockets, and artificial intelligence began to change everyday work. Saudi Arabia launched Vision 2030 in 2016, opening to tourism and investment and winning Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The world also faced a global pandemic.
- 11 December 2024
Saudi Arabia is confirmed as host of the 2034 World Cup
On 11 December 2024, FIFA's Congress confirmed Saudi Arabia as host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the world's most watched sporting event. It will be the first men's World Cup hosted by Saudi Arabia, with matches planned in cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha and NEOM.
- 28 November 2023
Riyadh wins the right to host Expo 2030
On 28 November 2023, member states of the Bureau International des Expositions voted in Paris to award World Expo 2030 to Riyadh. The Saudi capital won 119 votes, far ahead of Busan and Rome. Expo 2030 Riyadh will run from October 2030 to March 2031, welcoming visitors from around the world.
- 21 May 2023
Saudi astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali AlQarni fly to the space station
On 21 May 2023, Saudi astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali AlQarni launched from Florida on the Ax-2 mission and became the first Saudis to visit the International Space Station. Barnawi, a biomedical researcher, became the first Saudi woman in space. During about eight days on the station, they carried out 14 scientific experiments.
- 2020–today
The 2020s so far: the pandemic, AI and Riyadh's global stage
The decade opened with the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccines developed in record time. Saudi Arabia hosted the G20 summit in 2020, celebrated its first Founding Day in 2022, won Expo 2030 and was confirmed as host of the 2034 World Cup. The James Webb telescope and AI chatbots marked new eras in science and technology.
- 27 September 2019
Saudi Arabia opens its doors to tourists from around the world
On 27 September 2019, Saudi Arabia launched tourist visas for the first time, letting visitors from 49 countries apply online or on arrival. As part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom invited the world to discover its heritage sites, such as AlUla and Diriyah, its Red Sea coast and its cities. Tourism has since become one of its fastest-growing industries.
- 25 April 2016
Saudi Arabia launches Vision 2030
On 25 April 2016, Saudi Arabia announced Vision 2030, a national plan led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to diversify the economy beyond oil. It aims for a vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation. Since then, the Kingdom has opened to tourism, expanded entertainment and sport, and launched giga-projects.
- 2010–2019
The 2010s: Vision 2030 and a changing Kingdom
King Salman began his reign in 2015, and in 2016 Saudi Arabia launched Vision 2030 to diversify its economy. Women began driving in 2018, and tourist visas were introduced in 2019. Worldwide, scientists found the Higgs boson, photographed a black hole, and nations signed the Paris climate agreement.
- 2000–2009
The 2000s: the human genome and the smartphone
The Human Genome Project was completed in 2003. Social media and YouTube appeared, and the iPhone launched in 2007. King Abdullah began his reign in 2005, Saudi Arabia joined the World Trade Organization, and KAUST opened in 2009. A financial crisis in 2008 caused a global recession.
- 1900–1999
The 20th century: flight, world wars and the digital age
The 20th century brought powered flight, two world wars, space travel and computers. King Abdulaziz unified the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932, and oil discovered in 1938 transformed it. Antibiotics and vaccines lengthened lives, people walked on the Moon, and the World Wide Web connected the world by the century's end.
- 1990–1999
The 1990s: the World Wide Web goes public
The World Wide Web opened to the public, and by the decade's end millions were online. Saudi Arabia issued its Basic Law of Governance in 1992 and established the Shura Council. The Soviet Union dissolved, Nelson Mandela became South Africa's president, Dolly the sheep was cloned, and the euro was launched.
- 17–24 June 1985
Prince Sultan bin Salman becomes the first Arab in space
On 17 June 1985, Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz flew aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery, becoming the first Arab astronaut. During the seven-day mission, the crew deployed a communications satellite for Arabsat. The flight was a proud moment for Saudi Arabia, and he later led the Saudi Space Commission.
- 1970–1979
The 1970s: development plans and the first microchips
Saudi Arabia launched its first five-year development plan in 1970, building roads, ports, schools and industry. SABIC was founded in 1976. Elsewhere, the microprocessor and the first personal computers arrived, Concorde began supersonic passenger flights, and the world's first baby conceived by IVF was born in 1978.
- 1960–1969
The 1960s: the first astronaut and the Moon landing
Yuri Gagarin became the first person in space in 1961, and Apollo 11 landed on the Moon in 1969. Saudi Arabia co-founded OPEC in 1960, and King Faisal began his reign in 1964, launching major development and the Kingdom's first television service. Satellites began relaying television across oceans.
- 1950–1959
The 1950s: DNA, Everest and the space age
In 1953, scientists revealed the double-helix structure of DNA, and climbers first reached the summit of Everest. King Saud succeeded King Abdulaziz that year. A polio vaccine was approved in 1955, and in 1957 the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, starting the space age.
- 24 October 1945
The United Nations is founded
On 24 October 1945, the United Nations came into existence, with 51 founding members, to maintain world peace and promote cooperation. Saudi Arabia was among the founding nations, and Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz, later King Faisal, signed the UN Charter for the Kingdom. The UN now has 193 member states.
- 1940–1949
The 1940s: the Second World War and the United Nations
The Second World War, the deadliest conflict in history, ended in 1945. Nations founded the United Nations that October to keep the peace. King Abdulaziz met President Roosevelt in 1945, and Saudi oil production grew. Penicillin became a mass-produced medicine, and the first electronic computers and the transistor were built.
- March 1938
Oil is discovered at Dammam No. 7
In March 1938, after years of searching, the Dammam No. 7 well in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province struck oil in commercial quantities. Six earlier wells had disappointed, but geologist Max Steineke urged the team to keep drilling. The discovery transformed the Kingdom's future, and the well later earned the name Bir Al-Khair, the Prosperity Well.
- 23 September 1932
King Abdulaziz unifies the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
On 23 September 1932, King Abdulaziz Al Saud proclaimed the unification of his lands under one name: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The royal decree joined the Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd and its dependencies into a single state. The day marked the end of three decades of unification and is celebrated every year as Saudi National Day.
- 1930–1939
The 1930s: hard times, a new kingdom and a world at war
The 1930s began in the Great Depression, as factories closed and millions lost their jobs worldwide. In 1932, King Abdulaziz unified the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and in 1938 oil was found at Dammam. New technology spread, from radio to the first television services. The decade ended when the Second World War began in September 1939.
- 1920–1929
The 1920s: insulin, penicillin and the first television
The 1920s brought insulin to treat diabetes and, in 1928, the discovery of penicillin. John Logie Baird demonstrated television, Charles Lindbergh flew alone across the Atlantic, and films learned to talk. King Abdulaziz's realm grew into the Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd. The decade ended with the Wall Street Crash.
- 15 January 1902 (5 Shawwal 1319 AH)
Abdulaziz recovers Riyadh
On 15 January 1902, the young Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud and a small band of companions recovered Riyadh, the capital of his forefathers. It was the first step in three decades of unification that led to the proclamation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932.
- 1900–1909
The 1900s: Riyadh recovered and the first powered flight
In 1902, the young Abdulaziz Al Saud recovered Riyadh, beginning the journey that created the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In 1903, the Wright brothers made the first powered aeroplane flight. Albert Einstein published his theory of relativity in 1905, and Henry Ford's Model T brought cars to ordinary families.
- 1800–1899
The 19th century: railways, electricity and the modern world
The 19th century built the modern world. Railways and steamships shrank distances, the telegraph and telephone carried messages in moments, and electric light began to replace flames. Medicine discovered germs and anaesthesia. In 1824, Imam Turki bin Abdullah founded the Second Saudi State with Riyadh as its capital.
- 1 May 1851
The Great Exhibition opens in London's Crystal Palace
On 1 May 1851, the Great Exhibition opened in the Crystal Palace in London's Hyde Park. The huge glass and iron hall held more than 100,000 exhibits from around the world, from steam engines to diamonds. About six million visitors came, and it inspired the world's fairs and expos that followed, including Expo 2030 in Riyadh.
- 1824 (1240 AH)
Imam Turki bin Abdullah founds the Second Saudi State
In 1824, Imam Turki bin Abdullah founded the Second Saudi State and made Riyadh its capital. He restored stability to central Arabia and renewed the legacy of the First Saudi State. Riyadh's choice as capital shaped the future, and the city is today the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- 1820–1829
The 1820s: the Second Saudi State and the first railway
In 1824, Imam Turki bin Abdullah founded the Second Saudi State and made Riyadh its capital. In England, the Stockton and Darlington Railway opened in 1825 as the first public railway using steam locomotives. The first surviving photograph was taken, and Louis Braille created his reading system for blind people.
- 1700–1799
The 18th century: Enlightenment, steam and a new Saudi state
The 18th century was the age of the Enlightenment, when thinkers championed reason and knowledge. In 1727, Imam Muhammad bin Saud founded the First Saudi State in Diriyah. In Britain, steam engines and spinning machines launched the Industrial Revolution. The century ended with new nations and new ideas about government.
- 1727 (1139 AH)
Imam Muhammad bin Saud founds the First Saudi State
In 1727, Imam Muhammad bin Saud took leadership in Diriyah and founded the First Saudi State, the beginning of the nation that became the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Diriyah grew into a centre of stability, trade and culture. Since 2022, Saudi Arabia has celebrated this beginning every year on 22 February as Founding Day.
- 1720–1729
The 1720s: the First Saudi State is founded
In 1727, Imam Muhammad bin Saud founded the First Saudi State in Diriyah, a moment Saudi Arabia now celebrates as Founding Day on 22 February. Elsewhere, a financial bubble burst in London, Isaac Newton died, and Vitus Bering set out to explore the waters between Asia and America.
On this day · 10
- 11 December 2024
Saudi Arabia is confirmed as host of the 2034 World Cup
On 11 December 2024, FIFA's Congress confirmed Saudi Arabia as host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. It will be the first men's World Cup hosted by Saudi Arabia, with matches planned in Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha and NEOM.
- 21 May 2023
Saudi astronauts launch to the International Space Station
On 21 May 2023, the Saudi astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali AlQarni launched from Florida on the Ax-2 mission. They became the first Saudis to visit the International Space Station, and Barnawi became the first Saudi woman in space. They carried out 14 experiments in about eight days.
- 28 November 2023
Riyadh wins the right to host Expo 2030
On 28 November 2023, member states of the Bureau International des Expositions voted in Paris to award World Expo 2030 to Riyadh. The Saudi capital won 119 votes in the first round, far ahead of Busan and Rome. Expo 2030 Riyadh is planned to open on 1 October 2030.
- 22 November 2022
Saudi Arabia beats Argentina at the World Cup
On 22 November 2022, Saudi Arabia beat Argentina 2–1 at the FIFA World Cup, one of the biggest upsets in the tournament's history. After Argentina led at half-time, Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari scored early in the second half. Argentina went on to win the tournament.
- 21 November 2020
Saudi Arabia hosts the G20 leaders' summit
On 21 and 22 November 2020, Saudi Arabia hosted the summit of the G20, the world's major economies, chaired by King Salman. Held online because of the pandemic, it was the first G20 summit hosted by an Arab country. Leaders focused on the COVID-19 response and supporting the global economy.
- 25 April 2016
Saudi Arabia launches Vision 2030
On 25 April 2016, Saudi Arabia announced Vision 2030, a national plan led by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to diversify the economy beyond oil, develop tourism, culture and sport, and open new opportunities for young Saudis. It has since driven giga-projects, reforms and major international events.
- 17 June 1985
Prince Sultan bin Salman becomes the first Arab in space
On 17 June 1985, HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz launched aboard the space shuttle Discovery, becoming the first Arab and first Saudi in space. During the seven-day mission, he helped deploy the Arabsat satellite and carried out experiments.
- 23 September 1932
Saudi National Day: the Kingdom is unified
On 23 September 1932, King Abdulaziz Al Saud proclaimed the unification of his lands as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudis celebrate the date every year as National Day, with green flags, fireworks and festivities across the Kingdom.
- 15 January 1902
The young Abdulaziz recovers Riyadh
On 15 January 1902, Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud and a small band of companions recovered Riyadh. The young leader, later King Abdulaziz, began three decades of unification that led to the proclamation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932.
- 22 February 1727
Founding Day: the First Saudi State is founded
Every 22 February, Saudi Arabia celebrates Founding Day. It marks 1727, when Imam Muhammad bin Saud founded the First Saudi State in Diriyah, laying the foundations of the nation. Saudis celebrate with traditional dress, heritage events and festivities across the Kingdom.
Future · 9
- 7 January – 5 February 2027 · Confirmed
Saudi Arabia hosts the AFC Asian Cup
From 7 January to 5 February 2027, Saudi Arabia hosts the AFC Asian Cup, the championship of Asian national football teams, for the first time. Twenty-four teams will play in eight stadiums in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar. It is the first of several major tournaments the Kingdom will host on the road to the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
- 22 February 2027 · Anniversary
300 years since the founding of the First Saudi State
Founding Day 2027 marks 300 years since Imam Muhammad bin Saud founded the First Saudi State in Diriyah in 1727. Three centuries on, the Kingdom celebrates its deep roots every 22 February with heritage, traditional dress and national pride.
- 2 August 2027 · Predicted
The century's longest total solar eclipse on land
On 2 August 2027, the Moon will completely cover the Sun along a path crossing Spain, North Africa, Egypt and western Saudi Arabia, including Jeddah and Makkah. Near Luxor in Egypt, totality will last about six minutes and 23 seconds, the longest total eclipse on land this century.
- 2030 · Planned
Saudi Vision 2030 reaches its target year
2030 is the target year of Saudi Vision 2030, the national plan launched in 2016 to diversify the economy, grow tourism, culture and sport, and raise quality of life. Many of its goals, from new industries to giga-projects such as NEOM and the Red Sea destinations, are measured against this year.
- 1 October 2030 – 31 March 2031 · Confirmed
Expo 2030 opens in Riyadh
World Expo 2030 is planned to open in Riyadh on 1 October 2030 and run for six months, under the theme 'The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow'. Countries from around the world will present ideas and innovations, and the Kingdom expects tens of millions of visits.
- 23 September 2032 · Anniversary
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia turns 100
On 23 September 2032, Saudi National Day marks 100 years since King Abdulaziz Al Saud proclaimed the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. A century after its founding, the Kingdom celebrates its journey from unification to a modern nation with a growing global role.
- 2034 · Confirmed
Riyadh hosts the Asian Games
In 2034, Riyadh hosts the Asian Games, the largest multi-sport event after the Olympics, with thousands of athletes from across Asia. The Olympic Council of Asia awarded the Games to Riyadh in December 2020. They will be the first Asian Games held in Saudi Arabia.
- 2034 · Confirmed
Saudi Arabia hosts the FIFA World Cup
In 2034, Saudi Arabia hosts the FIFA World Cup, the world's most watched sporting event. Forty-eight teams are expected to play in 15 stadiums across Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha and NEOM. It will be the first men's World Cup hosted by Saudi Arabia.
- 2060 · Planned
Saudi Arabia's net zero target
Under the Saudi Green Initiative, announced in 2021, the Kingdom has set a target of reaching net zero emissions by 2060. The initiative also aims to plant 10 billion trees across Saudi Arabia and greatly expand renewable energy such as solar and wind power.