20 Interesting Saudi Arabia Facts

From having the largest oil reserve in the world to only country in the world without a natural river. Saudia Arabia is an interesting country to read more about. Learn more interesting facts on this list of Saudi Arabia Facts.

1. Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country with a monarchy system.

2. Saudi Arabia is the 14th largest country on Earth.

3. Saudi Arabia has the largest sand desert on Earth.

Source: Media Source

4. Saudi Arabia was rated as the best place to do business in the Middle East by the World Bank.

5. They provide free public health care services.

6. They have one of the most advanced banking systems on the planet.

Source: Media Source

7. Saudi Arabia is home to the world’s tallest water fountain named Jeddah.

8. Al Hamra Open Air Museum is the largest open-air art gallery located in Saudi Arabia.

9. Saudi Arabia has the largest desalination plant in the world.

Source: Media Source

10. A liter of potable water is more expensive than a liter of oil in Saudi Arabia.

11. Saudi Arabia is home to world’s 31st tallest building named the Kingdom Center in Riyadh.

12. The largest city of Saudi Arabia and their capital is Riyadh.

Source: Media Source

13. In 2012, Saudi Arabia banned smoking in government offices and most public places, which includes a ban on shishas (water pipes) and prohibits the selling of tobacco to minors. Saudi statistics state that the country is the world’s fourth-largest importer of tobacco, and Saudis spend about US$8 million a day on cigarettes.

14. Riyadh’s camel market is one of the largest in the world and sells about 100 camels per day

15. Motorists in Saudi Arabia have invented a perilous but exciting new driving sport called Sidewalk Skiing, which involves balancing a car on its side while the car is in motion.

16. Similar to Western damage settlements, the Arab world has the tradition of diyya, or blood-money payments, which comes from the Koran as a more humane alternative to settling eye-for-an-eye disputes. Practically, diyya works like an out-of-court settlement in a Western torte case. Foreigners who plan to drive in Arab countries, such as Saudi Arabia, are encouraged to purchase coverage for potential blood-money claims as part of their regular auto insurance.

17. Saudi Arabia is a prohibition state, and it is not legal to drink alcohol in the kingdom. However, amateur beer and wine making in Saudi Arabia is a minor industry among the many expats living in the country, and a full range of spirits is available through the black market. Various stills in the country also produce large quantities of hooch called sidiqui, which in Arabic means “my little friend.”j

18. Fifteen of the 19 accused hijackers of the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C., on September 11, 2001, came from Saudi Arabia

19. According to Forbes magazine, Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah is the 8th most powerful person in the world and the world’s most powerful Muslim.

20. Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to the religion’s holiest shrines, Mecca and Medina.

Wherever they are in the world, Muslims are expected to face the Kaaba when performing their prayers