timeline

KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

Foundation DAY

1932

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, established by Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, stands as a testament to visionary leadership and strategic diplomacy. Through astute consolidation efforts, Ibn Saud adeptly brought together disparate tribes and regions, forging a unified nation from the vast expanse of the Arabian Peninsula.

His determination and statesmanship laid the foundation for modern Saudi Arabia, a dynamic country with rich cultural heritage and significant global influence. Ibn Saud’s vision and leadership continue to resonate, shaping the trajectory of the kingdom and its role on the world stage.

Discovery of Oil

1938

The discovery of oil in commercial quantities marks a pivotal moment in the history of Saudi Arabia, catalyzing an economic transformation of monumental proportions.

With the unearthing of vast oil reserves beneath its desert sands, Saudi Arabia transitioned from a predominantly agrarian society to a global energy powerhouse. This pivotal discovery not only revolutionized the kingdom’s economy but also reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the entire region.

Foundation 
of OPEC

1960

Saudi Arabia played an integral and pioneering role in the founding of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). As one of the world’s largest oil producers, Saudi Arabia recognized the importance of cooperation among oil-exporting nations to stabilize oil prices and ensure fair returns on their resources.

Saudi Arabia emerged as a key architect in the establishment of OPEC in 1960. The formation of OPEC marked a significant milestone in the history of the global oil industry, ushering in a new era of collaboration and collective action among oil-producing nations to assert their influence on the international stage.

Participation
in the UNCED

1992

Saudi Arabia’s participation in the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 marked a significant milestone in the nation’s environmental engagement. By attending the Earth Summit, Saudi Arabia demonstrated its commitment to addressing global environmental challenges and contributing to sustainable development efforts. The country’s involvement in UNCED signified its recognition of the importance of international cooperation in tackling environmental issues.

Agriculture Advancement

2008

Saudi Arabia unveiled the King Abdullah Initiative for Saudi Agricultural Investment Abroad, a strategic move aimed at bolstering food security and agricultural sustainability. By investing in foreign agricultural projects, the Kingdom seeks to diversify its food production sources, reduce reliance on imports, and stimulate economic growth.

Vision 2030 Announcement

2016

The launch of Saudi Vision 2030 in 2016 marked a pivotal moment in the kingdom’s history, signaling a strategic departure from its traditional reliance on oil revenues. This ambitious framework aimed to diversify the economy, reduce vulnerability to oil price fluctuations, and stimulate sustain able growth across various sectors.

Spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the vision outlined a comprehensive roadmap for economic and social transformation, emphasizing initiatives to empower women, improve education and healthcare systems, and foster a vibrant private sector. With strong leadership and a commitment to reform, the launch of Saudi Vision 2030 set the stage for a new era of development and prosperity in the kingdom.

Vision 2030 marked the turning point for Saudi Arabia, embracing openness and global interaction.

Tipping Point

NEOM Announced

2017

On October 24, 2017, Saudi Arabia unveiled NEOM, a futuristic city project poised to redefine urban living with innovation and sustainability. Positioned along the Red Sea coast, NEOM aims to attract global talent and investment while prioritizing renewable energy, advanced infrastructure, and forward-thinking governance. As a key component of Saudi Vision 2030, NEOM exemplifies the kingdom’s commitment to economic diversification and embracing the future with vision and foresight.

Sustainable, Innovative, Technologically Advanced. Industrial city, reimagined.

Oxagon

Eco-friendly, community-centric. Urban living, modernized.

Sindalah

Linear design, green spaces, high-technology. The future starts here.

The Line

Luxury living, advanced technology, sustainable design. Residential living, upgraded.

Trojena

Breaking Gender Barriers

2018

Significant strides towards gender equality have been witnessed in Saudi Arabia under the ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, marking a departure from long-standing conservative norms. Reforms have dismantled barriers that once restricted Saudi women, including the lifting of the ban on female drivers and easing gender-segregated measures in public spaces.

Notably, women can now start businesses independently, access government services, and pursue various roles in the public sector without male consent. These reforms not only empower women economically and socially but also underscore a fundamental shift towards recognizing their contributions to the nation’s development. Furthermore, the relaxation of the guardianship system and the allowance of greater freedom in fashion choices reflect a broader societal transformation towards inclusivity and diversity.

Green Initiatives Announced

2021

The announcement of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative marked a significant milestone in the region’s commitment to combating climate change and preserving the environment. These initiatives, spearheaded by Saudi Arabia, aimed to address pressing environmental challenges through ambitious goals and concrete actions. By promoting renewable energy, investing in sustainable practices, and fostering international cooperation, these initiatives signaled a proactive approach towards building a greener and more resilient future for the Middle East and beyond.

Rapid Economic Growth

2022

Under Vision 2030, remarkable progress has been witnessed in the Kingdom, 
with the country emerging as the fastest-growing economy among the G20 nations in 2022. The private sector has expanded significantly, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) doubling since 2016. Moreover, non-oil government revenues have more than doubled since 2016, reflecting successful economic diversification efforts. Over 70 reforms targeting the private sector have been initiated, ensuring citizens enjoy 
the benefits of a more inclusive 
and prosperous economic future.

The Road Ahead

2022

Saudi Arabia is currently undergoing a monumental shift, a renaissance that is not restricted within the confines of the economy, nor the switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy. It is all-encompassing: from environmental sustainability to societal norms and governance. These milestones not only shape the Kingdom’s future, but also illuminate its vast potential, particularly in the realm of tourism. APINA believes in the captivating allure and rich cultural heritage that the Kingdom offers, and we are committed to showcasing its beauty to travelers worldwide. Through our dedication to curating tailored travel experiences and promoting Saudi Arabia’s diverse attractions, APINA endeavors to highlight the Kingdom’s worthiness as a must-visit destination on the global tourism map.

DISCOVER WHAT THE KINGDOM HOLDS