Saudi Arabia Travel Guide - History

Over the next 100 years, the rulers had to defend their positions repeatedly from the Egyptians and the Ottomans. They eventually prevailed and the Saudi state was formally established by King Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud.

In 1902, the young king went on to capture Riyadh from the Al-Rashid family. He then set his sights on a number of other towns and regions including Hejaz, Nejd, Al-Qatif and Al-Hasa.

Despite the military successes, it wasn't until oil was discovered in 1938 that the state prospered economically. Production was delayed due to WWII, but it soon transformed the country and gave it a higher international standing and more influence.

After the death of Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud in 1953, he was succeeded by his son Saud who ruled until 1964. The mismanagement of the economy led to him being replaced by his more astute brother, Faisal, who remained king until he was assassinated by his nephew in 1975.