Saudi Arabia: A 300-Year Journey From Founding To Modernization

The Palace of the ruler in Riyadh with the beginnings of the third Saudi state.
The Palace of the ruler in Riyadh with the beginnings of the third Saudi state.
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Saudi Arabia: A 300-Year Journey From Founding To Modernization

The Palace of the ruler in Riyadh with the beginnings of the third Saudi state.
The Palace of the ruler in Riyadh with the beginnings of the third Saudi state.

On the anniversary of the first founding of the Kingdom, the opinions of historians varied, exploring its depths and the secret of its steadfastness for three centuries until this day.

A small city that arose in the middle of the Arabian Peninsula, Al-Diriyah was not immune to the winds, hurricanes and developments that swept over the cities and towns, which scattered in the same valley of Hanifa (Wadi Hanifah).

Each of those cities formed what could be called an independent political entity that govern its own lands and exercise full sovereignty, and even expand at the expense of others.

However, it was not only through force that states were established and political, social and economic stability was achieved. Many other factors contributed to the consolidation of the state and its longevity.

Those included the charisma of governance, the strong attachment to the homeland, complete independence from the other, and finally, the presence of the constitution, which consolidated the idea of the state away from the tribal or sectarian cover.

The State of Al-Diriyah was founded by the twelfth grandfather of King Abdulaziz, Prince Mani’ Al-Muraydi in the year 850 AH - 1446 AD, nearly 600 years ago.

Prince Mani’ returned from the east of the Arabian Peninsula to the center of Najd, where the ancestors of the famous Bani Hanifa tribe lived. He carried with him the idea of establishing a central state.

The city-state had a long history in the peninsula region, and the founding of Al-Diriyah constituted a political shift.

In addition to its ideal location on Wadi Hanifa, where water flows, making it a suitable environment for agriculture and stability, the city sat on the crossroads of trade routes between the north and south of the Arabian Peninsula, which contributed to the promotion of trade movement in and out of the neighboring regions.

Prominent historian Rashid bin Ali bin Jerais, who lived in the 19th century AD and died in 1880 AD, recounted the establishment of Al-Diriyah with these words: “The idea of establishing an Arab state in the Arabian Peninsula is clear to Emir Mani’ Al-Muraydi, his son Rabi’ah, his grandson Musa bin Rabi’ah, and the grandson’s son Ibrahim bin Musa bin Rabi’ah, who was called the Emir of Najd... It is mentioned that they are independent princes, that is, they do not follow anyone…”

Those who followed the developments in the city-state of Al-Diriyah noted that its expansion depended on political stability. Imam Muhammad bin Saud bin Muhammad bin Muqrin, who was born in Al-Diriyah in 1090 AH - 1679 AD, and died there in 1179 AH - 1765 AD, witnessed the development of the city and understood the factors of its growth.

Imam Muhammad bin Saud never abandoned the struggle of leading the city. Thanks to his genius, he developed Al-Diriyah into the “first Saudi state”, the establishment of which constituted a major turning point in the Najd region.

The city extended its influence over most areas of the Arabian Peninsula. In fact, loyalty to the state reached areas in both Iraq and the Levant, where some tribes paid zakat to the new authority.

While the rulers succeeded in founding the pillars of the state and maintaining its stability, the city was threatened and opposed by foreign and local forces, up to the assassination of one of its spiritual leaders, Imam Abdulaziz bin Muhammad bin Saud.

He is considered one of the greatest rulers of the Arabian Peninsula in terms of military and administrative skill. His state’s influence extended to the regions of Najd, Al-Ahsa, Asir, parts of the Hijaz, and the coast of the Arabian Gulf, and his armies were able to repel the campaigns of the Ottoman Empire.

His son, Imam Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammad, who was known as Saud the Great, continued his father’s efforts to expand the influence of the state and consolidate reforms.

Imam Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammad died in 1229 AH - 1814 AD. He was succeeded by his son Abdullah, who fought against the Ottomans for seven consecutive years, during which the Saudis showed steadfastness and great courage.

After the arrival of Ottoman Leader Ibrahim Pasha to the capital of Al-Diriyah, he imposed a siege on the city that lasted more than six months, during which violent battles took place between the two sides, and ended with the surrender of Imam Abdullah bin Saud in 1233 AH - 1818 AD. The heroic imam was taken to Egypt, and then sent to the capital of the Ottoman Empire, Astana, where he was executed in the ugliest means that reflected hatred and inhumanity.

Following a period of chaos, Imam Turki bin Abdullah bin Mohammad bin Saud succeeded in retaking control over Riyadh after expelling the Ottoman forces in 1240 AH - 1824 AD. He established the second Saudi state, which ended with the departure of Imam Abdul Rahman bin Faisal, from Riyadh in 1309 AH - 1891 AD.

In the year 1319 AH - 1902 AD, King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman was able to restore Riyadh and announce the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The third founder has set the pillars of a modern state, which witnessed gradual development in various fields.

After King Salman bin Abdulaziz took over the reins of power as the seventh king of the state, and Prince Mohammad bin Salman becoming the Kingdom’s Crown Prince, the country witnessed rapid and remarkable changes that affected all political, economic and social fields. The progress was applauded at home and abroad.

Organizations flourished and major development projects were launched. Saudi Vision 2030 marked the beginning of the state of the future and made the Kingdom a key member in the international equation.



Kuwait Hands $2 Million to UNRWA for 2024

An internally displaced Palestinian girl fills containers with water, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 21 March 2024. (EPA)
An internally displaced Palestinian girl fills containers with water, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 21 March 2024. (EPA)
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Kuwait Hands $2 Million to UNRWA for 2024

An internally displaced Palestinian girl fills containers with water, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 21 March 2024. (EPA)
An internally displaced Palestinian girl fills containers with water, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, 21 March 2024. (EPA)

Kuwait has handed its annual $2 million contribution to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), the Kuwaiti state news agency KUNA reported on Thursday.

UNWRA said on Tuesday it had sufficient funds to run its operations until the end of May after many donors paused their funding over Israeli accusations that some staff took part in Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, which triggered war in Gaza.

UNRWA provides aid and essential services to Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli-occupied West Bank and across the wider region.


Kuwait Elections: Rise of Populist Rhetoric, Reform Demands Decline Before Polls

Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections
Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections
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Kuwait Elections: Rise of Populist Rhetoric, Reform Demands Decline Before Polls

Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections
Election rally for one of the candidates in Kuwait’s 2024 National Assembly elections

Kuwaiti authorities are investigating a case involving the manipulation of special elections targeting a specific group in Kuwaiti society ahead of the 2024 National Assembly (parliament) elections.

In a statement released on “X”, Kuwait’s Public Prosecution stated that it has ordered the arrest of two suspects and is in the process of apprehending the remaining individuals, with investigations ongoing.

Over the past two years, the Kuwaiti government has implemented reforms to curb political corruption and reduce the influence of powerful tribal groups, including cracking down on by-elections and enforcing voter registration through civil ID cards to prevent vote-buying.

Several candidates for the 2024 National Assembly elections have been disqualified for failing to meet eligibility criteria, including previous convictions related to by-elections.

Candidates must not have prior felony convictions or convictions for crimes compromising honor, integrity, or religious and royal entities, unless rehabilitated.

As Kuwait's National Assembly elections approach, candidates are using gatherings during Islam’s holy month of Ramadan to connect with voters.

These gatherings, usually held in diwaniyas, are fewer this time. Candidates talk about everyday concerns like financial support and debt relief, promising solutions.

While some discuss political reform and anti-corruption measures, most focus on appealing to voters with immediate promises.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Kuwaiti writer Nasser Al-Abdali expressed concern about the lack of serious agendas in the elections, blaming it on the absence of clear ideologies.

He pointed out that without strong political movements, proposals have become purely populist.

Al-Abdali criticized the government’s role in this trend, saying they now face a choice between meeting populist demands or risking the integrity of the parliamentary system.

He also noted a surge in young candidates offering fresh ideas based on their own experiences in various fields, unlike older deputies who tend to repeat past strategies.

According to lawyer Abdulaziz Boumajdad, there’s nothing groundbreaking in the candidates’ proposals.

“While each presents solutions in their own way, the overall approach remains similar,” Boumajdad told Asharq Al-Awsat.

It is noteworthy that these elections are the third in Kuwait within two years, following previous rounds in September 2022 and March 2023, which were invalidated due to legal issues.


Saudi Minister, EU Special Representative for GCC Region Discuss Economic Relations

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)
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Saudi Minister, EU Special Representative for GCC Region Discuss Economic Relations

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim met with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region Luigi Di Maio. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim discussed in Riyadh with the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for the GCC Region, Luigi Di Maio, the Saudi-European economic and commercial relations, the Saudi Press agency said on Thursday.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation in various fields between Saudi Arabia and the EU, and other topics of mutual interest.


Crown Prince Meets with Governors of Saudi Regions

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)
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Crown Prince Meets with Governors of Saudi Regions

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received in Jeddah the Governors of the Saudi regions to mark their 31st annual meeting, the Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday.
During the reception, the Crown Prince was briefed on the most prominent topics discussed at the annual meeting of the Governors of regions, lauding their efforts in serving the homeland, citizens and residents.
The meeting was attended by Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior.


43rd, 44th Saudi Relief Planes with Aid for Palestinians in Gaza Arrive in Egypt

The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)
The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)
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43rd, 44th Saudi Relief Planes with Aid for Palestinians in Gaza Arrive in Egypt

The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)
The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza. (SPA)

The 43rd and 44th Saudi relief planes, operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, arrived in Egypt on Wednesday.

The aircraft are carrying shelter items that will be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza.

The assistance is in keeping with Saudi Arabia's historic role in supporting the brotherly Palestinian people in times of crisis.


Saudi, British FMs Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
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Saudi, British FMs Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received on Wednesday a telephone call from UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron for talks on bilateral relations.

They also discussed regional and international issues of common concern, including developments in the Gaza Strip.


MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley

MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley
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MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley

MWL Condemns Israel for Confiscating 8,000 Dunums in Jordan Valley

The Muslim World League (MWL) strongly condemned on Wednesday Israel’s announcement that it was confiscating 8,000 dunams of land in the Jordan Valley in the occupied Palestinian territories.

It deemed the decision a flagrant violation of all international laws and relevant resolutions.

MWL Secretary General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa denounced the ongoing Israeli violations of the rights of the Palestinian people.

He considered it a blatant challenge to the international community and an impediment to the prospects of achieving just and comprehensive peace in the region.


Saudi Arabia ‘Strongly Condemns’ Israel’s Seizing of Palestinian Land

The flag of Saudi Arabia
The flag of Saudi Arabia
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Saudi Arabia ‘Strongly Condemns’ Israel’s Seizing of Palestinian Land

The flag of Saudi Arabia
The flag of Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has “strongly condemned” Israel’s seizing of 8,000 dunams of land in the Jordan Valley area of the occupied Palestinian territories.

It said in a statement that “such actions violate international laws and relevant resolutions, and undermine the chances of a just and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution.”

The Kingdom “called on the international community to halt the systematic violations by Israeli settlers and to ensure the return of confiscated Palestinian lands.”


Saudi, French FMs Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
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Saudi, French FMs Discuss Gaza Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has received a telephone call from Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Stephane Sejourne.
The two ministers discussed the latest developments in Gaza and the efforts exerted in this regard.


Saudi Crown Prince Receives Credentials of Ambassadors of Several Countries

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince Receives Credentials of Ambassadors of Several Countries

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. SPA

Deputizing for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah on Tuesday the credentials of a number of ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom.

The Crown Prince welcomed the ambassadors in the Kingdom and wished them all success in their missions to enhance and develop relations between Saudi Arabia and their countries.
For their part, the ambassadors conveyed the greetings of their leaders to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and to the Crown Prince, expressing their thanks for the warm welcome and generous hospitality.

The handing-over ceremony was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Chief of the Royal Court Fahd bin Mohammed Al-Issa.