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Saudi Arabia

Middle East · Riyadh · absolute monarchy

What Saudi Arabia means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.

Map showing the location of Saudi Arabia

$10.5B

U.S. imports, 2025

-18.4%

change in one year

$14.1B

U.S. exports, 2025

37M

Population

$1.2T

GDP

In your house

What you buy that Saudi Arabia makes

America bought $10.5B in goods from Saudi Arabia in 2025 — down 18.4% in a single year. Of every $100 of it, here's where the money went.

Crude oil

$6.9B65.4%

Petroleum products, other

gasoline and petroleum products

$1.1B10.9%

Fuel oil

fuel oil

$933M8.9%

Chemicals-fertilizers

$445M4.2%

U.s. goods returned, and reimports

$266M2.5%

Bauxite and aluminum

aluminum for cans and autos

$232M2.2%

Chemicals-organic

$110M1%

Industrial supplies, other

$55M0.5%

Nonferrous metals, other

$50M0.5%

Synthetic cloth

$41M0.4%

2026 so far (through April): $4.4B in imports. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade in Goods (customs basis).

The other direction

What America sells to Saudi Arabia

$14.1B in 2025 — a trade rupture cuts both ways, for American producers as well as American prices.

Passenger cars, new and used

$1.9B

new and used cars

Industrial engines

$969M

Industrial machines, other

$827M

Telecommunications equipment

$814M

phones, routers, networking gear

Pharmaceutical preparations

$670M

medicines and pharmacy items

Electric apparatus

$587M

Chemicals-other

$574M

Tanks, artillery, missiles, rockets, guns and ammunition

$519M

Civilian aircraft, engines, equipment, and parts

$480M

Where you stand

U.S. tariff posture toward Saudi Arabia

No U.S. tariff action singles this country out. Its goods face the universal 10% temporary import surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act (which replaced the IEEPA reciprocal baseline in February 2026) plus the sectoral Section 232 duties — steel and aluminum at 50% — that apply to all countries. The Section 122 surcharge is statutorily temporary — scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 (a 150-day cap) unless extended or replaced.

Reciprocal tariff (universal baseline)

10%

The universal 10% floor — a Section 122 import surcharge since February 2026, previously the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — applies to nearly all U.S. imports. This country has no higher assigned rate of its own.

Policy in motion

Tariff status: a moving target

No U.S. tariff action names Saudi Arabia. These are the universal measures — applied to every country without a country-specific arrangement — that set its treatment.

  1. 2026-04-06

    Section 232 metals coverage expanded

    In effect

    The April 2026 proclamation strengthening Section 232 actions on aluminum, steel, and copper expanded derivative-product coverage for all countries, keeping the general metals rate at 50%.

    91 FR 18201 →

  2. 2026-02-24

    IEEPA reciprocal tariffs terminated — replaced by 10% Section 122 surcharge

    In effect

    Executive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions) terminated the IEEPA tariff duties — including the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — effective February 24, 2026. A flat 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge (Proclamation 11012 of February 20, 2026) replaced them, leaving the universal rate unchanged at 10% on a different statutory basis. Section 122 caps such surcharges at 150 days, so this 10% surcharge is scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 absent further action (the administration has signaled it could raise the rate toward the 15% statutory maximum).

    91 FR 9437 →

  3. 2025-11-13

    Agricultural products exempted from reciprocal tariffs

    In effect

    Executive Order 14360 of November 14, 2025 removed reciprocal duties from certain agricultural products listed in its annexes (coffee, cocoa, bananas, and other goods the U.S. does not produce in sufficient quantity), retroactive to November 13, 2025 — for all countries subject to the reciprocal tariff.

    90 FR 54091 →

  4. 2025-06-04

    Section 232 steel and aluminum duties doubled to 50%

    In effect

    The June 3, 2025 proclamation raised Section 232 duties on steel and aluminum articles and derivatives from 25% to 50% for all countries, effective June 4, 2025.

    90 FR 24199 →

  5. 2025-04-05

    Universal 10% reciprocal baseline takes effect

    In effect

    Executive Order 14257 (signed April 2, 2025) imposed a 10% ad valorem reciprocal duty on imports from all trading partners, effective April 5, 2025. Countries without a higher Annex I rate remain at this baseline.

    Federal Register · 2025-06063 →

  6. 2025-03-12

    Section 232 steel and aluminum duties set at 25% for all countries

    In effect

    Proclamations of February 10, 2025 terminated all country exemptions and quota arrangements and applied 25% Section 232 duties to steel and aluminum imports from every country, effective March 12, 2025.

    90 FR 9817 →
Compare all countries’ tariffs →Your tariff impact →

Reference

The country itself

Middle East · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.

Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to Islam's two holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina. The king's official title is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman AL SAUD (Ibn Saud) founded the modern Saudi state in 1932 after a 30-year campaign to unify most of the Arabian Peninsula. One of his male descendants rules the country today, as required by the country's 1992 Basic Law. After Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, Saudi Arabia took in the Kuwaiti royal family and 400,000 refugees, while allowing Western and Arab troops to deploy on its soil and liberate Kuwait the following year. Major terrorist attacks in 2003 spurred a strong ongoing campaign against domestic terrorism and extremism. US troops returned to the Kingdom in 2019 after attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure. From 2005 to 2015, King ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud incrementally modernized the Kingdom through a series of social and economic initiatives that included expanding employment and social opportunities for women, attracting foreign investment, increasing the private sector's role in the economy, and discouraging the hiring of foreign workers. Saudi Arabia saw some protests during the 2011 Arab Spring but not the level of bloodshed seen in protests elsewhere in the region; Riyadh took a cautious but firm approach, arresting and quickly releasing some protesters and using its state-sponsored clerics to counter political and Islamist activism. The government held its first-ever elections in 2005 and 2011, when Saudis voted for municipal councilors. King ABDALLAH's reforms accelerated under King SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz, who ascended to the throne in 2015 and lifted the Kingdom's ban on women driving, implemented education reforms, funded green initiatives, and allowed cinemas to operate for the first time in decades. In 2015, women were allowed to vote and stand as candidates for the first time in municipal elections, with 19 women winning seats. King SALMAN initially named his nephew, MUHAMMAD BIN NAYIF bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, as the Crown Prince, but a palace coup in 2017 resulted in King SALMAN's son, Deputy Crown Prince MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, taking over as Crown Prince. King SALMAN appointed MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN as prime minister in 2022. In 2015, Saudi Arabia led a coalition of 10 countries in a military campaign to restore Yemen's legitimate government, which had been ousted by Houthi forces. The war in Yemen has drawn international criticism for civilian casualties and its effect on the country’s dire humanitarian situation. The same year, MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN announced that Saudi Arabia would lead a multi-nation Islamic Coalition to fight terrorism, and in 2017, Saudi Arabia inaugurated the Global Center for Combatting Extremist Ideology (also known as "Etidal"). The country remains a leading producer of oil and natural gas and holds about 17% of the world's proven oil reserves as of 2020. The government continues to pursue economic reform and diversification -- particularly since Saudi Arabia's accession to the WTO in 2005 -- and promotes foreign investment in the Kingdom. In 2016, the Saudi Government announced broad socio-economic reforms known as Vision 2030. Low global oil prices in 2015 and 2016 significantly lowered Saudi Arabia’s governmental revenue, prompting cuts to subsidies on water, electricity, and gasoline; reduced government-employee compensation; and new land taxes. In coordination with OPEC and some key non-OPEC countries, Saudi Arabia agreed to cut oil output in 2017 to regulate supply and help boost global prices. In 2020, this agreement collapsed, and Saudi Arabia launched a price war by flooding the market with low-priced oil before returning to the negotiating table to agree to a major output cut that helped buoy prices.

Regional map of Saudi Arabia

Geography

Location
Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, north of Yemen
Area
2,149,690 sq km
Climate
harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes
Terrain
mostly sandy desert
Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper
Coastline
2,640 km
Natural hazards
frequent sand and dust storms volcanism: little activity in the past few centuries, despite many volcanic formations; volcanoes include Harrat Rahat, Harrat Khaybar, Harrat Lunayyir, and Jabal Yar

People & society

Population
36,544,431 (2024 est.)
Nationality
Saudi(s)
Ethnic groups
Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%
Languages
Arabic (official)
Religions
Muslim (official; citizens are 85-90% Sunni and 10-12% Shia), other (includes Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh) (2020 est.)
Median age
32.8 years (2025 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
77.2 years (2024 est.)
Literacy
97.9% (2024 est.)

Economy

Economic overview
high-income, oil-based Middle Eastern economy; OPEC founding member; Vision 2030 strategy prioritizing economic diversification, increased private sector involvement, and projects funded by sovereign wealth fund and foreign investment; young labor force; falling but significant poverty rate despite lack of official statistics
Industries
crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic petrochemicals, ammonia, industrial gases, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), cement, fertilizer, plastics, metals, commercial ship repair, commercial aircraft repair, construction
Agricultural products
milk, dates, chicken, wheat, tomatoes, watermelons, potatoes, olives, eggs, onions (2023)
Exports - partners
China 21%, India 12%, Japan 12%, USA 6%, UAE 4% (2023)
Imports - partners
China 21%, UAE 8%, USA 7%, India 6%, Germany 5% (2023)

Government

Government type
absolute monarchy
Capital
Riyadh
Independence
23 September 1932 (unification of the kingdom)
Constitution
1 March 1992 -- Basic Law of Government, issued by royal decree, serves as the constitutional framework and is based on the Qur'an and the life and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad
Executive branch
King SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 23 January 2015)
Legislative branch
Shura Council (Majlis Ash-Shura)

Full reference data

Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.

Introduction
Background
Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to Islam's two holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina. The king's official title is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman AL SAUD (Ibn Saud) founded the modern Saudi state in 1932 after a 30-year campaign to unify most of the Arabian Peninsula. One of his male descendants rules the country today, as required by the country's 1992 Basic Law. After Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, Saudi Arabia took in the Kuwaiti royal family and 400,000 refugees, while allowing Western and Arab troops to deploy on its soil and liberate Kuwait the following year. Major terrorist attacks in 2003 spurred a strong ongoing campaign against domestic terrorism and extremism. US troops returned to the Kingdom in 2019 after attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure. From 2005 to 2015, King ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud incrementally modernized the Kingdom through a series of social and economic initiatives that included expanding employment and social opportunities for women, attracting foreign investment, increasing the private sector's role in the economy, and discouraging the hiring of foreign workers. Saudi Arabia saw some protests during the 2011 Arab Spring but not the level of bloodshed seen in protests elsewhere in the region; Riyadh took a cautious but firm approach, arresting and quickly releasing some protesters and using its state-sponsored clerics to counter political and Islamist activism. The government held its first-ever elections in 2005 and 2011, when Saudis voted for municipal councilors. King ABDALLAH's reforms accelerated under King SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz, who ascended to the throne in 2015 and lifted the Kingdom's ban on women driving, implemented education reforms, funded green initiatives, and allowed cinemas to operate for the first time in decades. In 2015, women were allowed to vote and stand as candidates for the first time in municipal elections, with 19 women winning seats. King SALMAN initially named his nephew, MUHAMMAD BIN NAYIF bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, as the Crown Prince, but a palace coup in 2017 resulted in King SALMAN's son, Deputy Crown Prince MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, taking over as Crown Prince. King SALMAN appointed MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN as prime minister in 2022. In 2015, Saudi Arabia led a coalition of 10 countries in a military campaign to restore Yemen's legitimate government, which had been ousted by Houthi forces. The war in Yemen has drawn international criticism for civilian casualties and its effect on the country’s dire humanitarian situation. The same year, MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN announced that Saudi Arabia would lead a multi-nation Islamic Coalition to fight terrorism, and in 2017, Saudi Arabia inaugurated the Global Center for Combatting Extremist Ideology (also known as "Etidal"). The country remains a leading producer of oil and natural gas and holds about 17% of the world's proven oil reserves as of 2020. The government continues to pursue economic reform and diversification -- particularly since Saudi Arabia's accession to the WTO in 2005 -- and promotes foreign investment in the Kingdom. In 2016, the Saudi Government announced broad socio-economic reforms known as Vision 2030. Low global oil prices in 2015 and 2016 significantly lowered Saudi Arabia’s governmental revenue, prompting cuts to subsidies on water, electricity, and gasoline; reduced government-employee compensation; and new land taxes. In coordination with OPEC and some key non-OPEC countries, Saudi Arabia agreed to cut oil output in 2017 to regulate supply and help boost global prices. In 2020, this agreement collapsed, and Saudi Arabia launched a price war by flooding the market with low-priced oil before returning to the negotiating table to agree to a major output cut that helped buoy prices.
Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to the threat of missile and drone attacks. Exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia due to terrorism, the risk of arrest based on social media activity, and importation of prohibited items. Some areas have increased risk. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
[966] (11) 488-3800; US Embassy in Riyadh, PO Box 94309, Riyadh 11693, Saudi Arabia; RiyadhACS@state.gov; https://sa.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations.html
Telephone Code
966
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 997; Fire: 998; Police: 999
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Saudi Arabia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, anthrax, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19. http://www.who.int/
Climate
Harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes
Currency (Code)
Saudi riyals (SAR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): G
Major Languages
Arabic
Major Religions
Muslim (85-90% Sunni and 10-15% Shia), other (includes Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh); note: most forms of public religious expression inconsistent with the government-sanctioned interpretation of Sunni Islam are restricted
Time Difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Yes, but some opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
National Museum of Saudi Arabia; Jamaraat Bridge; Mada’in Salih; King's Fountain; Dumat al-Jandal; Al-Turaif District
Major Sports
Soccer, camel racing, wrestling
Cultural Practices
Only use your right hand for shaking hands or for handing anything. It's considered rude to use your left hand in Islam. Respect the religion. Shops, cafes, etc. will close for a short while during prayer times.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping 10-15% is expected for good service. Tip a porter/bellhop $1-2 (USD) per bag and a housekeeper $2 (USD) per day.
Souvenirs
Oud perfume, dried dates, olive oil, woven wool prayer rugs, oil lamps or incense burners, frankincense and myrrh incense
Traditional Cuisine
Kabsa — water used to cook meat or fish is re-used to cook rice to impart flavor; the dish can be made with chicken, lamb, camel meat, fish, or shrimp; the meat or fish is usually placed on top of the rice and served on a large platter
CIA source last updated
Thursday, May 09, 2024
Travel resources

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Thursday, May 09, 2024

Geography
Location
Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, north of Yemen
Geographic coordinates
25 00 N, 45 00 E
Map references
Middle East
Area - total
2,149,690 sq km
Area - land
2,149,690 sq km
Area - water
0 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly more than one-fifth the size of the US
Land boundaries - total
4,272 km
Land boundaries - border countries
Iraq 811 km; Jordan 731 km; Kuwait 221 km; Oman 658 km; Qatar 87 km; UAE 457 km; Yemen 1,307 km
Coastline
2,640 km
Maritime claims - territorial sea
12 nm
Maritime claims - contiguous zone
18 nm
Maritime claims - continental shelf
not specified
Climate
harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes
Terrain
mostly sandy desert
Elevation - highest point
As Sarawat range, 3,000 m
Elevation - lowest point
Persian Gulf 0 m
Elevation - mean elevation
665 m
Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper
Land use - agricultural land
80.8% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 1.6% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 79.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
1.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
17.9% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
7,575 sq km (2022)
Major watersheds (area sq km) - Indian Ocean drainage
(Persian Gulf) Tigris and Euphrates (918,044 sq km)
Major aquifers
Arabian Aquifer System
Population distribution
historically a population that was mostly nomadic or semi-nomadic, the Saudi population has become more settled since oil was discovered in the 1930s; most of the country's population is now concentrated in a wide area across the middle of the peninsula, from Ad Dammam in the east through Riyadh in the interior to Mecca-Medina in the west near the Red Sea
Natural hazards
frequent sand and dust storms volcanism: little activity in the past few centuries, despite many volcanic formations; volcanoes include Harrat Rahat, Harrat Khaybar, Harrat Lunayyir, and Jabal Yar
Geography - note
Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the world without a river; extensive coastlines on the Persian Gulf and Red Sea allow for considerable shipping (especially of crude oil) through the Persian Gulf and Suez Canal
People and Society
Population - total
36,544,431 (2024 est.)
Population - male
20,700,838
Population - female
15,843,593
Nationality - noun
Saudi(s)
Nationality - adjective
Saudi or Saudi Arabian
Ethnic groups
Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%
Languages - Languages
Arabic (official)
Languages - major-language sample(s)
كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Muslim (official; citizens are 85-90% Sunni and 10-12% Shia), other (includes Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh) (2020 est.)
Religions - note
note: despite having a large expatriate community of various faiths (more than 30% of the population), most forms of public religious expression inconsistent with the government-sanctioned interpretation of Sunni Islam are restricted; non-Muslims are not allowed to have Saudi citizenship and non-Muslim places of worship are not permitted (2013)
Age structure - 0-14 years
22.9% (male 4,266,720/female 4,097,270)
Age structure - 15-64 years
72.7% (male 15,577,133/female 10,994,061)
Age structure - 65 years and over
4.4% (2024 est.) (male 856,985/female 752,262)
Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio
37.5 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio
31.5 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio
6.1 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - potential support ratio
16.5 (2024 est.)
Median age - total
32.8 years (2025 est.)
Median age - male
34.6 years
Median age - female
29.3 years
Population growth rate
1.72% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
13.41 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
3.51 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
7.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
historically a population that was mostly nomadic or semi-nomadic, the Saudi population has become more settled since oil was discovered in the 1930s; most of the country's population is now concentrated in a wide area across the middle of the peninsula, from Ad Dammam in the east through Riyadh in the interior to Mecca-Medina in the west near the Red Sea
Urbanization - urban population
85% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
1.69% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
7.682 million RIYADH (capital), 4.863 million Jeddah, 2.150 million Mecca, 1.573 million Medina, 1.329 million Ad Dammam, 872,000 million Hufuf-Mubarraz (2023)
Sex ratio - at birth
1.05 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 0-14 years
1.04 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 15-64 years
1.42 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 65 years and over
1.14 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - total population
1.31 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
7 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate - total
11.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate - male
12.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Infant mortality rate - female
10.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth - total population
77.2 years (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth - male
75.6 years
Life expectancy at birth - female
78.8 years
Total fertility rate
1.84 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.9 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: urban
urban: 98.4% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: rural
rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: total
total: 98.6% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: urban
urban: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: rural
rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: total
total: 1.4% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
6% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
12.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
3.41 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Hospital bed density
2.2 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: urban
urban: 99.7% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: rural
rural: 99.7% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: total
total: 99.7% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: urban
urban: 0.3% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: rural
rural: 0.3% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: total
total: 0.3% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
35.4% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita - total
0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - beer
0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - wine
0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - spirits
0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - other alcohols
0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use - total
17.6% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - male
28.3% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - female
2% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
3.5% (2020 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
55.3% (2022 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% GDP)
5.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% national budget)
14.8% national budget (2024 est.)
Literacy - total population
97.9% (2024 est.)
Literacy - male
98.6% (2024 est.)
Literacy - female
96.7% (2024 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - total
17 years (2022 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - male
16 years (2022 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - female
18 years (2022 est.)
Government
Country name - conventional long form
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Country name - conventional short form
Saudi Arabia
Country name - local long form
Al Mamlakah al Arabiyah as Suudiyah
Country name - local short form
Al Arabiyah as Suudiyah
Country name - etymology
named after the ruling dynasty of the country, the House of Saud; the name Arabia can be traced back at least as far as the ancient Romans, who referred to the peninsula as "Arabia Felix" (Arabia the Fortunate)
Government type
absolute monarchy
Capital - name
Riyadh
Capital - geographic coordinates
24 39 N, 46 42 E
Capital - time difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Capital - etymology
the name derives from the Arabic word riyadh , meaning "gardens;" the city was built around a small oasis
Administrative divisions
13 regions ( manatiq , singular - mintaqah ); Al Bahah, Al Hudud ash Shamaliyah (Northern Border), Al Jawf, Al Madinah al Munawwarah (Medina), Al Qasim, Ar Riyad (Riyadh), Ash Sharqiyah (Eastern), 'Asir, Ha'il, Jazan, Makkah al Mukarramah (Mecca), Najran, Tabuk
Legal system
Islamic (sharia) system with some elements of Egyptian, French, and customary law; commercial disputes handled by special committees
Constitution - history
1 March 1992 -- Basic Law of Government, issued by royal decree, serves as the constitutional framework and is based on the Qur'an and the life and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad
Constitution - amendment process
proposed by the king directly or proposed to the king by the Consultative Assembly or by the Council of Ministers; passage by the king through royal decree
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship - citizenship by birth
no
Citizenship - citizenship by descent only
the father must be a citizen of Saudi Arabia; a child born out of wedlock in Saudi Arabia to a Saudi mother and unknown father
Citizenship - dual citizenship recognized
no
Citizenship - residency requirement for naturalization
5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal for municipal elections
Executive branch - chief of state
King SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 23 January 2015)
Executive branch - head of government
Crown Prince and Prime Minister MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 27 September 2022)
Executive branch - cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch every 4 years and includes many royal family members
Executive branch - election/appointment process
none; the monarchy is hereditary; an Allegiance Council created by royal decree in 2006 established a committee of Saudi princes who have a voice in selecting future Saudi kings
Legislative branch - legislature name
Shura Council (Majlis Ash-Shura)
Legislative branch - legislative structure
unicameral
Legislative branch - number of seats
151 (all appointed)
Legislative branch - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - term in office
4 years
Legislative branch - most recent election date
9/2/2024
Legislative branch - percentage of women in chamber
19.9%
Legislative branch - expected date of next election
August 2028
Judicial branch - highest court(s)
High Court (consists of the court chief; organized into circuits with 3-judge panels, except for the criminal circuit, which has a 5-judge panel for cases involving major punishments)
Judicial branch - judge selection and term of office
High Court chief and chiefs of the High Court Circuits appointed by royal decree on the recommendation of the Supreme Judiciary Council, a 10-member body of high-level judges and other judicial heads; new judges and assistant judges serve 1- and 2-year probations, respectively, before permanent assignment
Judicial branch - subordinate courts
Court of Appeals; Specialized Criminal Court, first-degree courts composed of general, criminal, personal status, and commercial courts; Labor Court; a hierarchy of administrative courts
Political parties
none
Diplomatic representation in the US - chief of mission
Ambassador Reema Bint Bandar Bin Sultan AL SAUD (since 8 July 2019)
Diplomatic representation in the US - chancery
601 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037
Diplomatic representation in the US - telephone
[1] (202) 342-3800
Diplomatic representation in the US - FAX
[1] (202) 295-3625
Diplomatic representation in the US - email address and website
saudisusemb@mofa.gov.sa https://www.saudiembassy.net/
Diplomatic representation in the US - consulate(s) general
Houston, Los Angeles, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US - chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Alison DILWORTH (since January 2025)
Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy
Riyadh 11564
Diplomatic representation from the US - mailing address
6300 Riyadh Place, Washington DC 20521-6300
Diplomatic representation from the US - telephone
[966] (11) 835-4000
Diplomatic representation from the US - FAX
[966] (11) 488-7360
Diplomatic representation from the US - email address and website
RiyadhACS@state.gov https://sa.usembassy.gov/
Diplomatic representation from the US - consulate(s) general
Dhahran, Jeddah
International organization participation
ABEDA, AfDB (nonregional member), AFESD, AMF, BIS, BRICS, CAEU, CP, FAO, G-20, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
23 September 1932 (unification of the kingdom)
National holiday
Saudi National Day (Unification of the Kingdom), 23 September (1932)
Flag
description: green (traditional Islamic color) with the Shahada, or Muslim creed, in large white Arabic script that translates as, "There is no god but God; Muhammad is the messenger of God;" the text is above a white horizontal saber pointing to the left history: design dates to the early 20th century and is closely associated with the Al Saud family that established the kingdom in 1932; the flag has different sides so that the text reads correctly from right to left and the saber points in the same direction on both sides
Flag - note
note 1: the only national flag that has an inscription as its primary design note 2: one of three national flags that differ on each side -- the others are Moldova and Paraguay
National symbol(s)
palm tree over two crossed swords
National color(s)
green, white
National anthem(s) - title
"Aash Al Maleek" (Long Live Our Beloved King)
National anthem(s) - lyrics/music
Ibrahim KHAFAJI/Abdul Rahman al-KHATEEB
National anthem(s) - history
music adopted 1947, lyrics adopted 1984
National heritage - total World Heritage Sites
7 (7 cultural, 1 natural)
National heritage - selected World Heritage Site locales
Hegra Archaeological Site (al-Hijr / Madā ͐ in Ṣāliḥ) (c); At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah (c); Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah (c); Rock Art in the Hail Region of Saudi Arabia (c); Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape (c); Ḥimā Cultural Area (c); ‘Uruq Bani Ma’arid (n);The Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area (c)
Economy
Economic overview
high-income, oil-based Middle Eastern economy; OPEC founding member; Vision 2030 strategy prioritizing economic diversification, increased private sector involvement, and projects funded by sovereign wealth fund and foreign investment; young labor force; falling but significant poverty rate despite lack of official statistics
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$2.213 trillion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$2.173 trillion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$2.161 trillion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024
1.8% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023
0.5% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022
12% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - note
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024
$62,700 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023
$64,500 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022
$67,200 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate)
$1.238 trillion (2024 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate) - note
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024
1.7% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
2.3% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
2.5% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture
2.5% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry
44.8% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services
47.2% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use - household consumption
45% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - government consumption
21.4% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in fixed capital
28.7% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in inventories
1.4% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - exports of goods and services
29.2% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - imports of goods and services
-25.6% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
milk, dates, chicken, wheat, tomatoes, watermelons, potatoes, olives, eggs, onions (2023)
Agricultural products - note
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic petrochemicals, ammonia, industrial gases, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), cement, fertilizer, plastics, metals, commercial ship repair, commercial aircraft repair, construction
Industrial production growth rate
-1.3% (2024 est.)
Industrial production growth rate - note
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
17.168 million (2024 est.)
Labor force - note
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2024
3.9% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2023
4.1% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2022
5.6% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate - note
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - total
13.8% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - male
9.8% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - female
23.8% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - note
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Average household expenditures - on food
20.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Average household expenditures - on alcohol and tobacco
0.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2024
0% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2023
0% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2022
0% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances - note
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget - revenues
$378.413 billion (2023 est.)
Budget - expenditures
$388.489 billion (2023 est.)
Budget - note
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt - Public debt 2016
13.1% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
7.8% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
Taxes and other revenues - note
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance - Current account balance 2024
-$5.685 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2023
$35.133 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2022
$150.353 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance - note
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports - Exports 2024
$360.897 billion (2024 est.)
Exports - Exports 2023
$368.731 billion (2023 est.)
Exports - Exports 2022
$445.881 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - note
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
China 21%, India 12%, Japan 12%, USA 6%, UAE 4% (2023)
Exports - partners - note
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, plastics, alcohols, ships (2023)
Exports - commodities - note
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports - Imports 2024
$317.012 billion (2024 est.)
Imports - Imports 2023
$289.91 billion (2023 est.)
Imports - Imports 2022
$258.371 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - note
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 21%, UAE 8%, USA 7%, India 6%, Germany 5% (2023)
Imports - partners - note
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
cars, refined petroleum, gold, broadcasting equipment, packaged medicine (2023)
Imports - commodities - note
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024
$463.87 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$457.949 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$478.232 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - note
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates - Currency
Saudi riyals (SAR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2024
3.75 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023
3.75 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022
3.75 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021
3.75 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020
3.75 (2020 est.)
Energy
Electricity access - electrification - total population
100% (2022 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity
119.62 million kW (2023 est.)
Electricity - consumption
383.512 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - exports
352 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - imports
308 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - transmission/distribution losses
38.23 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - fossil fuels
99.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - solar
0.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - wind
0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal - consumption
66,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - exports
500 metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - imports
223,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum - total petroleum production
11.174 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
Petroleum - refined petroleum consumption
3.524 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
Petroleum - crude oil estimated reserves
258.6 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas - production
121.219 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - consumption
121.219 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - proven reserves
9.423 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita - Total energy consumption per capita 2023
349.692 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications
Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions
6.788 million (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
20 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions
52.5 million (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
132 (2022 est.)
Broadcast media
state-controlled broadcast media; state-run TV operates 4 networks; major market for pan-Arab satellite TV broadcasters; state-run radio with several networks; multiple international broadcasters available
Internet country code
.sa
Internet users - percent of population
100% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total
14.5 million (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
44 (2023 est.)
Transportation
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
HZ
Airports
90 (2025)
Heliports
69 (2025)
Railways - total
5,410 km (2016)
Railways - standard gauge
5,410 km (2016) 1.435-m gauge (with branch lines and sidings)
Merchant marine - total
433 (2023)
Merchant marine - by type
bulk carrier 9, container ship 1, general cargo 20, oil tanker 55, other 348
Ports - total ports
16 (2024)
Ports - large
0
Ports - medium
1
Ports - small
7
Ports - very small
8
Ports - ports with oil terminals
10
Ports - key ports
Dammam, Duba, Jiddah, Jizan, Ju Aymah Oil Terminal, Ras Tannurah, Ras Al Khafji, Ras Al Mishab
Military and Security
Military and security forces
the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces (SAAF) are divided into two ministries: Ministry of Defense: Royal Saudi Land Forces, Royal Saudi Naval Forces (includes marines, special forces, naval aviation), Royal Saudi Air Force, Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, Royal Saudi Strategic Missiles Force; Ministry of the National Guard: Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG) Other security forces include: Ministry of Interior: Facilities Security Forces, Public Security Forces (police), General Directorate of Border Guard State Security Presidency (SSP): General Directorate of Investigation (Mabahith), Special Security Forces, Special Emergency Forces (2025)
Military and security forces - note
note 1: the regular armed forces under the Ministry of Defense are responsible for external defense, although they can be called for domestic security duties if needed note 2 : the SANG (also known as the White Army) is a land force comprised of tribal elements loyal to the House of Saud; it is responsible for internal security, protecting the royal family, guarding against military coups, defending strategic facilities and resources, and providing security for the cities of Mecca and Medina; it may also assist the regular armed forces in combat operations note 3: the SAAF includes the Saudi Royal Guard Command, a unit which provides security and protection to the ruling family and other dignitaries
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2024
7.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2023
7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2022
6.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2021
7% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2020
8% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 250,000 active Saudi Armed Forces, including 125,000 under the Ministry of Defense and 125,000 in the National Guard (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the inventory of the Saudi military forces, including the SANG, is comprised of imported modern armaments; major suppliers include Canada, China, France, Spain, the UK, and the US; Saudi Arabia is one of the world's largest importers of arms (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions - note
note: the Saudi Navy is in the midst of a multi-year and multi-billion-dollar expansion and modernization program to purchase new frigates, corvettes, and other naval craft from such suppliers as Spain and the US
Military service age and obligation
voluntary military service for men (17-40) and women (typically 21-40, although maximum age may vary by role); no conscription (2025)
Military - note
Saudi Arabia's security concerns include border security, cyberattacks, instability in Yemen, international terrorism, maritime security, and regional rivals such as Iran and Turkey Saudi Arabia has close security ties with the US; the SAAF conducts bilateral exercises with the US military and hosts US forces; the US has participated in a cooperative program to equip and train the SANG since 1973, and much of the equipment for both the regular forces and the SANG has been acquired from the US; Saudi Arabia also has defense relationships with China, France, India, Pakistan, the UK, and fellow Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members; it is a member of the Peninsula Shield Forces, a joint military force established by the GCC countries with the aim of maintaining security and stability in the region; the force was established in 1982, and its leadership is based in Saudi Arabia (2025)
Terrorism
Terrorist group(s)
Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); al-Qa’ida
Terrorist group(s) - note
note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons - refugees
4,355 (2024 est.)
Refugees and internally displaced persons - stateless persons
70,000 (2024 est.)
Environment
Environmental issues
desertification; depletion of underground water resources; limited freshwater resources; coastal pollution from oil spills; air pollution; waste management
International environmental agreements - party to
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
International environmental agreements - signed, but not ratified
none of the selected agreements
Climate
harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes
Land use - agricultural land
80.8% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 1.6% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 79.1% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
1.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
17.9% (2023 est.)
Urbanization - urban population
85% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
1.69% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - total emissions
656.511 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from coal and metallurgical coke
384,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from petroleum and other liquids
418.326 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from consumed natural gas
237.801 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
60.7 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Methane emissions - energy
1,743.8 kt (2022-2024 est.)
Methane emissions - agriculture
162.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Methane emissions - waste
927.6 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Methane emissions - other
28.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually
16.126 million tons (2024 est.)
Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled
18.8% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - municipal
3.392 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - industrial
1.4 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - agricultural
21.2 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
2.4 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Geoparks - total global geoparks and regional networks
2 (2025)
Geoparks - global geoparks and regional networks
North Riyadh; Salma (2025)
Space
Space agency/agencies
Saudi Space Agency (SSA; elevated to agency level from previous Saudi Space Commission or SSC, which was established in 2018); King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST; established 1977) (2024)
Space program overview
has a national space strategy (Vision 2030) that seeks to grow its domestic space industry and use the space sector to accelerate economic diversification, enhance scientific research and development, and raise private-sector participation in the global space industry; manufactures and operates communications, remote sensing (RS), and scientific satellites; develops a range of satellite subsystems and payload technologies; is the main founder and financier of the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat, launched in 1976 and headquartered in Riyadh); cooperates with the space agencies and industries of a wide range of countries, including those of Belarus, China, Egypt, the ESA and its member states (particularly France, Germany, Greece, and Hungary), India, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Ukraine, the UAE, the UK, and the US; member of the Arab Space Cooperation Group (2025)
Key space-program milestones
1985 - first communications satellite (Arabsat-1A) built and launched by European commercial companies; first Saudi astronaut in space on US Space Shuttle 2004 - first domestically built, experimental remote sensing (RS) satellite (SaudiSat-2) launched by Russia 2017-2019 - contributed to China’s robotic spacecraft mission (Chang’e-4) to the far side of the Moon 2021 - domestically built maritime-tracking satellite (Shaheen Sat) launched by Russia; began participating in Russia's astronaut training program 2022 - signed US-led Artemis Accords on space and lunar exploration 2023 - sent two astronauts, including first Saudi woman, to the International Space Station on a US commercial spacecraft
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