Saudi Arabia: History

1932

The areas controlled by Abd-al-Aziz are unified and become the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  

1938

Oil is discovered in Saudi Arabia and production begins under the United States-controlled Aramco (Arabian American Oil Company).

1960

Saudi Arabia becomes a founding member of OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries).

1973

Saudi Arabia leads an oil boycott against Western countries that supported Israel in the October War against Egypt and Syria.  Oil prices quadruple as a result.   

1980 Saudi Arabia takes full control of Aramco from the United States.

1981 Saudi Arabia becomes a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

2005

The World Trade Organization grants member status to Saudi Arabia after 12 years of talks.  

2010 Saudi Arabia purchases $60 billion of weapons from the United States.

2015

In December 2015, then Deputy Crown Prince MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN announced Saudi Arabia would lead a 34-nation Islamic Coalition to fight terrorism (it has since grown to 41 nations).

2016

In April 2016, the Saudi Government announced a broad set of socio-economic reforms, known as Vision 2030.

2017

In May 2017, Saudi Arabia inaugurated the Global Center for Combatting Extremist Ideology (also known as "Etidal") as part of its ongoing efforts to counter violent extremism. In June 2017, King SALMAN elevated MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN to Crown Prince.