360
Saudi Arabia
Everything about Saudi Arabia on 360n60: 12 history, 10 dates in history, 10 future, 2 people. Each told in 60 words.
History · 12
- History · 11 December 2024
Saudi Arabia is confirmed as host of the 2034 World Cup
On 11 December 2024, FIFA's Congress confirmed Saudi Arabia as host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the world's most watched sporting event. It will be the first men's World Cup hosted by Saudi Arabia, with matches planned in cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha and NEOM.
- History · 28 November 2023
Riyadh wins the right to host Expo 2030
On 28 November 2023, member states of the Bureau International des Expositions voted in Paris to award World Expo 2030 to Riyadh. The Saudi capital won 119 votes, far ahead of Busan and Rome. Expo 2030 Riyadh will run from October 2030 to March 2031, welcoming visitors from around the world.
- History · 21 May 2023
Saudi astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali AlQarni fly to the space station
On 21 May 2023, Saudi astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali AlQarni launched from Florida on the Ax-2 mission and became the first Saudis to visit the International Space Station. Barnawi, a biomedical researcher, became the first Saudi woman in space. During about eight days on the station, they carried out 14 scientific experiments.
- History · 27 September 2019
Saudi Arabia opens its doors to tourists from around the world
On 27 September 2019, Saudi Arabia launched tourist visas for the first time, letting visitors from 49 countries apply online or on arrival. As part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom invited the world to discover its heritage sites, such as AlUla and Diriyah, its Red Sea coast and its cities. Tourism has since become one of its fastest-growing industries.
- History · 25 April 2016
Saudi Arabia launches Vision 2030
On 25 April 2016, Saudi Arabia announced Vision 2030, a national plan led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to diversify the economy beyond oil. It aims for a vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation. Since then, the Kingdom has opened to tourism, expanded entertainment and sport, and launched giga-projects.
- History · 17–24 June 1985
Prince Sultan bin Salman becomes the first Arab in space
On 17 June 1985, Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz flew aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery, becoming the first Arab astronaut. During the seven-day mission, the crew deployed a communications satellite for Arabsat. The flight was a proud moment for Saudi Arabia, and he later led the Saudi Space Commission.
- History · 24 October 1945
The United Nations is founded
On 24 October 1945, the United Nations came into existence, with 51 founding members, to maintain world peace and promote cooperation. Saudi Arabia was among the founding nations, and Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz, later King Faisal, signed the UN Charter for the Kingdom. The UN now has 193 member states.
- History · March 1938
Oil is discovered at Dammam No. 7
In March 1938, after years of searching, the Dammam No. 7 well in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province struck oil in commercial quantities. Six earlier wells had disappointed, but geologist Max Steineke urged the team to keep drilling. The discovery transformed the Kingdom's future, and the well later earned the name Bir Al-Khair, the Prosperity Well.
- History · 23 September 1932
King Abdulaziz unifies the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
On 23 September 1932, King Abdulaziz Al Saud proclaimed the unification of his lands under one name: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The royal decree joined the Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd and its dependencies into a single state. The day marked the end of three decades of unification and is celebrated every year as Saudi National Day.
- History · 15 January 1902 (5 Shawwal 1319 AH)
Abdulaziz recovers Riyadh
On 15 January 1902, the young Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud and a small band of companions recovered Riyadh, the capital of his forefathers. It was the first step in three decades of unification that led to the proclamation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932.
- History · 1824 (1240 AH)
Imam Turki bin Abdullah founds the Second Saudi State
In 1824, Imam Turki bin Abdullah founded the Second Saudi State and made Riyadh its capital. He restored stability to central Arabia and renewed the legacy of the First Saudi State. Riyadh's choice as capital shaped the future, and the city is today the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- History · 1727 (1139 AH)
Imam Muhammad bin Saud founds the First Saudi State
In 1727, Imam Muhammad bin Saud took leadership in Diriyah and founded the First Saudi State, the beginning of the nation that became the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Diriyah grew into a centre of stability, trade and culture. Since 2022, Saudi Arabia has celebrated this beginning every year on 22 February as Founding Day.
On this day · 10
- On this day · 11 December 2024
Saudi Arabia is confirmed as host of the 2034 World Cup
On 11 December 2024, FIFA's Congress confirmed Saudi Arabia as host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. It will be the first men's World Cup hosted by Saudi Arabia, with matches planned in Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha and NEOM.
- On this day · 21 May 2023
Saudi astronauts launch to the International Space Station
On 21 May 2023, the Saudi astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali AlQarni launched from Florida on the Ax-2 mission. They became the first Saudis to visit the International Space Station, and Barnawi became the first Saudi woman in space. They carried out 14 experiments in about eight days.
- On this day · 28 November 2023
Riyadh wins the right to host Expo 2030
On 28 November 2023, member states of the Bureau International des Expositions voted in Paris to award World Expo 2030 to Riyadh. The Saudi capital won 119 votes in the first round, far ahead of Busan and Rome. Expo 2030 Riyadh is planned to open on 1 October 2030.
- On this day · 22 November 2022
Saudi Arabia beats Argentina at the World Cup
On 22 November 2022, Saudi Arabia beat Argentina 2–1 at the FIFA World Cup, one of the biggest upsets in the tournament's history. After Argentina led at half-time, Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari scored early in the second half. Argentina went on to win the tournament.
- On this day · 21 November 2020
Saudi Arabia hosts the G20 leaders' summit
On 21 and 22 November 2020, Saudi Arabia hosted the summit of the G20, the world's major economies, chaired by King Salman. Held online because of the pandemic, it was the first G20 summit hosted by an Arab country. Leaders focused on the COVID-19 response and supporting the global economy.
- On this day · 25 April 2016
Saudi Arabia launches Vision 2030
On 25 April 2016, Saudi Arabia announced Vision 2030, a national plan led by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to diversify the economy beyond oil, develop tourism, culture and sport, and open new opportunities for young Saudis. It has since driven giga-projects, reforms and major international events.
- On this day · 17 June 1985
Prince Sultan bin Salman becomes the first Arab in space
On 17 June 1985, HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz launched aboard the space shuttle Discovery, becoming the first Arab and first Saudi in space. During the seven-day mission, he helped deploy the Arabsat satellite and carried out experiments.
- On this day · 23 September 1932
Saudi National Day: the Kingdom is unified
On 23 September 1932, King Abdulaziz Al Saud proclaimed the unification of his lands as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudis celebrate the date every year as National Day, with green flags, fireworks and festivities across the Kingdom.
- On this day · 15 January 1902
The young Abdulaziz recovers Riyadh
On 15 January 1902, Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud and a small band of companions recovered Riyadh. The young leader, later King Abdulaziz, began three decades of unification that led to the proclamation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932.
- On this day · 22 February 1727
Founding Day: the First Saudi State is founded
Every 22 February, Saudi Arabia celebrates Founding Day. It marks 1727, when Imam Muhammad bin Saud founded the First Saudi State in Diriyah, laying the foundations of the nation. Saudis celebrate with traditional dress, heritage events and festivities across the Kingdom.
Future · 10
- Future · 7 January – 5 February 2027 · Confirmed
Saudi Arabia hosts the AFC Asian Cup
From 7 January to 5 February 2027, Saudi Arabia hosts the AFC Asian Cup, the championship of Asian national football teams, for the first time. Twenty-four teams will play in eight stadiums in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar. It is the first of several major tournaments the Kingdom will host on the road to the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
- Future · 22 February 2027 · Anniversary
300 years since the founding of the First Saudi State
Founding Day 2027 marks 300 years since Imam Muhammad bin Saud founded the First Saudi State in Diriyah in 1727. Three centuries on, the Kingdom celebrates its deep roots every 22 February with heritage, traditional dress and national pride.
- Future · 2 August 2027 · Predicted
The century's longest total solar eclipse on land
On 2 August 2027, the Moon will completely cover the Sun along a path crossing Spain, North Africa, Egypt and western Saudi Arabia, including Jeddah and Makkah. Near Luxor in Egypt, totality will last about six minutes and 23 seconds, the longest total eclipse on land this century.
- Future · 2030 · Planned
Saudi Vision 2030 reaches its target year
2030 is the target year of Saudi Vision 2030, the national plan launched in 2016 to diversify the economy, grow tourism, culture and sport, and raise quality of life. Many of its goals, from new industries to giga-projects such as NEOM and the Red Sea destinations, are measured against this year.
- Future · 1 October 2030 – 31 March 2031 · Confirmed
Expo 2030 opens in Riyadh
World Expo 2030 is planned to open in Riyadh on 1 October 2030 and run for six months, under the theme 'The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow'. Countries from around the world will present ideas and innovations, and the Kingdom expects tens of millions of visits.
- Future · 23 September 2032 · Anniversary
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia turns 100
On 23 September 2032, Saudi National Day marks 100 years since King Abdulaziz Al Saud proclaimed the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. A century after its founding, the Kingdom celebrates its journey from unification to a modern nation with a growing global role.
- Future · 2034 · Confirmed
Riyadh hosts the Asian Games
In 2034, Riyadh hosts the Asian Games, the largest multi-sport event after the Olympics, with thousands of athletes from across Asia. The Olympic Council of Asia awarded the Games to Riyadh in December 2020. They will be the first Asian Games held in Saudi Arabia.
- Future · 2034 · Confirmed
Saudi Arabia hosts the FIFA World Cup
In 2034, Saudi Arabia hosts the FIFA World Cup, the world's most watched sporting event. Forty-eight teams are expected to play in 15 stadiums across Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha and NEOM. It will be the first men's World Cup hosted by Saudi Arabia.
- Future · March 2038 · Anniversary
100 years since oil was discovered at Dammam
March 2038 marks 100 years since the Dammam No. 7 well, the Prosperity Well, struck oil in commercial quantities in 1938. The discovery transformed the Kingdom's future and made it one of the world's leading energy producers.
- Future · 2060 · Planned
Saudi Arabia's net zero target
Under the Saudi Green Initiative, announced in 2021, the Kingdom has set a target of reaching net zero emissions by 2060. The initiative also aims to plant 10 billion trees across Saudi Arabia and greatly expand renewable energy such as solar and wind power.
People · 2
- Astronaut, first Arab in space · born 1956
HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz
HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz became the first Arab, first Muslim and first member of a royal family to travel into space. In June 1985 he flew aboard the space shuttle Discovery as a payload specialist, helping to deploy the Arabsat satellite. He later led Saudi Arabia's tourism and heritage authority and the Saudi Space Commission.
- Founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia · 1875–1953
King Abdulaziz Al Saud
King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud was the founder of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In 1902 he recovered Riyadh, and over three decades he unified the regions of the Arabian Peninsula, proclaiming the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 23 September 1932. Under his reign, oil was discovered and the young nation began to develop.