Official government website of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

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Friday, February 28, 2025

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About the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia.. The heart of the Arab and Islamic worlds, the investment powerhouse, and the hub connecting three continents.

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System of Governance

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Crown Prince

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Location

Arabian Gulf

System of Governance

Kingdom

Capital

Riyadh

Area

2,215,000 square kilometres

Regions

Population mid year 2020

35,013,414

Language

Arabic is the official language of many Arab nations in the Middle East and northern Africa, including the Saudi Arabia, Yemen, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, Syria and Lebanon. Written Classical Arabic is the standard written language of all Arab nations. It is the language of the Holy Quran, the sacred book of the Islam, and has changed little over the centuries. A spoken form of written Arabic is used for formal speech, radio and TV news broadcasts and in films, plays and poetry. This form also serves as a commonly spoken language for Arabs from all parts of the Arabic-speaking world. Spoken Arabic appears in a variety of dialects one of which is the Gulf dialect (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE). English is also an important language in Saudi Arabia, widely spoken as a second language by educated Saudis.

Arab and Islamic Traditions

Saudi traditions are rooted in Islamic teachings and Arab customs. The highlights of the year are the holy month of Ramadan and the Hajj (pilgrimage) season, and the national holidays that follow them. The holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, culminates with the Eid Al Fitr holiday. The Pilgrimage season draws millions of Muslim pilgrims from around the world come to Makkah every year. It concludes with the Eid Al Adha holiday. Saudis’ valuable Arab traditions include generosity and hospitality. Arabic coffee (its preparation is also a form of cultural tradition) is often served in small cups along with dates and sweets as a hospitality gesture offered to visitors, friends or family.

Folk Music, Dance & Poetry

Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage celebrated at the annual Jenadriyah National Culture and Heritage Festival. One of Saudi Arabia's most compelling folk rituals is the "Al Ardha", the country's national dance. This sword dance base on ancient Bedouin traditions: drummers beat out a rhythm and a poet chants verses while sword-carrying men dance shoulder to shoulder. "Al sihba" folk music, from the Hejaz, has its origins in Al Andalus. In Makkah, Medina and Jeddah, dance and song incorporate the sound of the "Mizmar", an oboelike woodwind instrument in the performance of the "Mizmar" dance. The drum is also an important instrument according to traditional and tribal customs. "Samri" is a popular traditional form of music and dance in which poetry is sung especially in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. Poetry is of particular importance to Arab cultural life and has long been considered one of the highest expressions of literary art.

The Arts

The Ministry of Culture symbolizes the national and international advancement of culture in the Kingdom. The Ministry will preserve the Kingdom’s historical past and promote a culturally rich future that fosters art and culture. The Ministry has a crucial role to play in delivering Saudi Arabia’s ambitious transformation programme, Vision 2030. Our goal is to contribute towards building a vibrant, thriving, and ambitious nation.

Cultural Features

The culture of Saudi Arabia defines by its Islamic heritage, its historical role as an ancient trade center, and its Bedouin traditions. The Saudi society has evolved over the years, their values and traditions from customs, hospitality to their style of dressing, are adapting with modernization. The cultural aspect of Saudi Arabia represent in the following: 1.The depth of its Civilization that dates back to more than one million years, which confirm by the archaeological evidence and the heritage prevalent in this country. 2.It was the land of many kingdoms and states that prevailed in the evolution of human Civilization. 3.Its distinguish geographical location made it a point of intersection of international trade routes through all the ages 4.As a cradle of Arabism and Islam and the country of the two Holy Mosques. 5.Moreover, being a crossroads of cultures and a bridge for cultural communication.

Saudi National Heritage & Cultural Development Campaign

Saudi Arabia is a country of a deep-rooted cultural heritage, as well as an inherent of a series of civilisations that were crowned by Islam religion. Hence, the campaign seeks to highlight the cultural aspect of Saudi Arabia, which integrates, with its Islamic, political and economic aspects. The campaign’s programs and projects aim at highlighting the cultural importance of the national heritage. The Saudi government gives emphasis to the importance of preservation and care of the national archaeological and heritage treasures, highlighting them and being proud of them.

Saudi Archaeological Expo

Saudi Arabia enjoys great culture and heritage, affirming the depth of its civilization as well as its historical presence through the ages upon which the country stands today. The idea of this travelling exhibition, through some renowned museums in Europe and the United States, will acquaint the world with the Saudi culture and will highlight the particular importance of the antiquities of Saudi Arabia to understand the chain of human history and the current progress witnessed in Saudi Arabia. The exhibition showcases over 320 archaeological masterpieces, which cover many historical periods starting from the ancient Stone Age (One million years BC) until the Saudi Renaissance time.

Cultural Institutions

A variety of institutions has been established throughout the country to preserve Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage. One of the largest is the Department of Culture at the Ministry of Culture, which sponsors a wide range of cultural programs, including literary and drama clubs, folklore classes, library events, arts and crafts as well as science projects. These organisations cover a range of cultural activities. At the drama clubs, for example, participants engage in writing competitions and performances as part of a team. Other organisations offer Saudis the opportunity to develop various artistic talents. The Department of Culture regularly sponsors exhibitions, literary readings and symposia at its regional offices as well as its Riyadh headquarters. It also sponsors Saudis to participate in international art and cultural events, including poetry and essay competitions as well as exhibits of calligraphy and artwork.

Spring

February to June

The temperature ranges from 25 to 40 degrees Celsius

Summer

June to October

The temperature ranges from 35 to 50 degrees Celsius

Autumn

October to December

Moderate autumn weather with cooling temperatures

Winter

November to February

Temperature ranges from 1 to 20 degrees Celsius

Vital sectors in the Kingdom

Human resource

Incentives to investors

Emerging economy

Financial sector

Foreign trade

Saudi Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia: The Arab and Islamic Depth, a Leading Investment Power, and a Hub Connecting Three Continents. God has blessed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with numerous geographic, cultural, social, demographic, and economic advantages, enabling it to attain a prominent position among the world's leading nations.

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New Visitor

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the world's richest countries in history, religious heritage, culture, and humanity. It offers one of the most captivating environments for visitors seeking a unique tourism experience. As part of this diverse and enriching journey, the Kingdom warmly welcomes its guests and dedicates all resources and efforts year-round to ensure their visit is exceptional.

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