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.