Saudi Arabia is a land full of history, culture, and surprises. Known as the “Heart of the Arab World,” this country is home to ancient traditions as well as modern wonders. From its golden deserts and holy cities to its futuristic projects and rich heritage, Saudi Arabia has something that amazes everyone.
Beyond the Desert: Unveiling Saudi Arabia’s Secrets
A kingdom with no rivers that still imports sand. From the world’s largest flagpole and camel market to a futuristic city with no roads, these are just a few of the unusual facts that make this desert nation so special.
8 interesting facts about Saudi Arabia that will give you a fresh look at this unique country. Whether you love history, travel, or just fun facts, you’re sure to discover something new and exciting.
Quick Facts About Saudi Arabia
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
| Capital City | Riyadh |
| Population (est.) | ~ 36.5 million |
| Official Language | Arabic |
| Major Religion | Islam (Sunni majority, Shia minority) |
| Currency | Saudi Riyal (SAR) |
1. The Birthplace of Islam
One of the most important facts about Saudi Arabia is that it is the birthplace of Islam and the hometown of the two holiest cities, Mecca & Madina. In the 7th century, Prophet Muhammad received the first messages of Islam in Mecca.
Today, Muslims all over the world pray facing the Kaaba, a sacred cube-shaped building in the city. Madina, the second-holiest city, is where the Prophet is buried and where early Muslim communities grew. Each year, millions of Muslims make the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. It is one of the largest gatherings in the world and a once-in-a-lifetime duty for Muslims who are able to go.
Quick Fact
The cloth covering the Kaaba (known as the Kiswah) has had different colors over time—white, red, green, and yellow—before finally being consistently changed to black during the Abbasid era. Arab News + 2طقس + 2
2. Longest Highway: A Road to Nowhere?
Saudi Arabia’s Highway 10 is the longest straight road in the world. It stretches for an incredible 256 kilometers (159 miles) without a single bend or curve.
This unique road was originally built as a private path for King Fahd and cuts directly through the vast and empty Rub’ al Khali desert. It’s a surreal journey where you can set the cruise control and not touch the steering wheel for hours.
3. A Sandy Surprise: Importing Sand from the Desert Kingdom
You might think Saudi Arabia has endless sand, but here’s a surprise: they import it! The sand in the desert is too smooth and rounded by the wind to be used for building. For strong concrete, you need rough, jagged sand that can lock together.
That’s why this desert nation buys millions of tons of special construction sand. So, Saudi Arabia actually imports millions of tons of sand and gravel every year from places like Australia to build its cities.
Quick Fact
Saudi Arabia has added images of camels to its new passport design, showing herds across visa pages. The “camel passport” design is seen as a celebration of national identity—camels are more than animals there; they’re a symbol of heritage and desert life. arabnews.pk+1
4. Women and Saudi Laws: Key Rights and Recent Changes
- 2018—Women Can Drive
For the first time in history, women in Saudi Arabia were allowed to get driving licenses and drive on their own. - 2019 – Travel Freedom
Women above 21 can now travel abroad without needing a male guardian’s permission - Work Opportunities
Women are now part of many jobs in banking, aviation, law, medicine, and even the military. - Sports Participation
Saudi women can attend sports matches in stadiums and take part in sports more freely. - Business Ownership
Women can open their own businesses without needing consent from a male guardian. - Fashion Flexibility
Women are no longer required by law to wear abayas in public, though modest dress is still expected. - Rising Education
More Saudi women than ever are enrolling in universities and becoming leaders in research and science. - Rights in Public Life—Women can vote in municipal elections and also run as candidates.
Quick Fact
In many clothing stores across Saudi Arabia, there are no fitting rooms available for women. Women often must buy items first, try them on at home, and return or exchange them if something doesn’t fit. This is due to rules about male store staff and modesty norms. Gulf News + 3 Arab News PK + 3
5. Vision 2030—A New Dream for Saudi Arabia
Among the 8 interesting facts about Saudi Arabia, Vision 2030 stands out as a bold plan for the future. Instead of depending only on oil, the country is investing in tourism, renewable energy, technology, and new entertainment options.
Projects like NEOM, a futuristic city, aim to create jobs and attract visitors worldwide. Vision 2030 also focuses on empowering young Saudis with education and skills. It’s not just a government plan—it’s a national vision to build a modern, sustainable Saudi Arabia.
Quick Fact
NEOM is a $500 billion futuristic megacity being built in northwest Saudi Arabia. It covers about 26,500 square kilometers and aims to run entirely on renewable energy, using smart cities, tourist resorts, and technology hubs to help reduce the kingdom’s reliance on oil. The National+1
6. One of the World’s Youngest Populations
Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s youngest countries, with the majority of its people under 35 years old. The median age is around 29, meaning half the population is younger than that. This youthful energy shapes the country’s future, driving innovation, modern trends, and cultural change.
Quick Fact
In Saudi Arabia, as in many Middle Eastern cultures, using the left hand for eating, greeting, or handing items is considered impolite. The left hand is traditionally reserved for personal hygiene, while the right hand is used for social and daily interactions. Respecting this custom is important for visitors. (britannica.com)
7. No Rivers in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the world without a single river. Instead of rivers, it relies on underground water, man-made reservoirs, and desalination plants to meet its water needs. The desert climate makes water one of the nation’s most precious resources.
Despite this, Saudi Arabia has built advanced systems to supply cities and farms, proving how technology helps life thrive even in one of the driest places on Earth.
8. Largest Airport in the World
Saudi Arabia is home to the King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam, which holds the record as the largest airport in the world by land area. Covering around 780 square kilometers (301 square miles), it’s even bigger than the entire country of Bahrain!
While not the busiest airport, its size makes it a global landmark. The airport serves millions of passengers every year and connects Saudi Arabia to destinations worldwide.
FAQs
Q1. What is Saudi Arabia famous for?
Saudi Arabia is best known as the birthplace of Islam, home to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, and for its vast deserts, oil wealth, and rich traditions.
Q2. Does Saudi Arabia really have no rivers?
Yes! Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the world without a single river. It depends on underground water, reservoirs, and desalination plants for its water supply.
Q3. What is the most surprising fact about Saudi Arabia?
One surprising fact is that Saudi Arabia has the world’s largest airport by land area—King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, bigger than the entire country of Bahrain.
Curious by nature, storyteller by choice. I run Interesting Facts to bring you mind-blowing stories, hidden truths, and fascinating insights from around the globe. If it makes you say “Wow, I never knew that!”—my job is done.
Laiba Hanif is a professional fact-finder and the writer behind “Interesting Facts.” Fueled by a degree in Anthropology and over five years of experience unearthing hidden truths, she specializes in digging up the most bizarre, fascinating, and mind-bending tidbits the world has to offer. She’s here to prove that reality is stranger—and more amazing—than fiction.
