On September 23, 1932, King Abdulaziz Al Saud issued a royal decree to unify the parts of the Arabian Peninsula under the name “Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” announcing the birth of a new state in the region.
This historic step was the culmination of three decades of tireless efforts by King Abdulaziz to unite the scattered tribes and emirates under one banner. This unification came after a series of battles and political agreements that began with the recapture of Riyadh in 1902.
King Abdulaziz said on this occasion: “We announce the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and we pray to God to guide us to serve our people and achieve their aspirations for progress and prosperity.”
Since its founding, the Kingdom has witnessed a qualitative leap in all fields. In 1938, oil was discovered in the Eastern Province, marking a huge economic leap. By 1960, the Kingdom had become one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of oil.
The Kingdom has been keen to develop its infrastructure and public services. In 1953, the first Ministry of Oil and Mineral Resources was established, and in 1970, King Saud University was opened, becoming the first government university in the Kingdom.
In the field of education, school enrollment rates rose from only 2% at the founding of the Kingdom to more than 99% today. Life expectancy also increased from 38 years in 1950 to more than 74 years today.
On the international level, the Kingdom played a pivotal role in founding the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in 1960, and in 1981, it was one of the founding countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Today, 91 years after its founding, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its path of development and construction under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and his Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Through Saudi Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia seeks to achieve a qualitative leap in its economy and society, to become among the ranks of advanced countries.