Top5 Interesting Facts About Saudi Arabia That will Shock You

In this article we will explore some interesting facts about saudi arabia that will change perceptions about the country. Saudi Arabia is a highly misunderstood country, often summarized as just desert, oil, and Islam. However, it has unique features that many people are unaware of. So let’s begin.

5) Petrol Cheaper Than Water

One of the interesting facts about Saudi Arabia is that in Saudi Arabia, a liter of water costs more than a liter of petrol, highlighting an odd situation for a nation with vast oil reserves. Petrol is heavily subsidized by the government, making it almost free, so filling a car costs less than a coffee. However, water is expensive due to the country’s lack of rivers, minimal rainfall, and reliance on desalination to provide drinking water.

Saudi Arabia gets very little rain, with most areas receiving less than 100 mm of rainfall annually, and some years getting almost none. The country lacks natural freshwater sources, as there are no rivers and minimal rainfall. To address this, Saudi Arabia built the world’s largest network of desalination plants, which convert seawater into fresh drinking water. It is now the largest producer of desalinated water globally. The entire drinking water supply for its 36 million residents relies on these facilities that turn salt water into drinkable water.

Without the desalination plants, the country would be unable to function, making it a remarkable example of water management. This costly process results in water being priced higher than oil. In summary, in Saudi Arabia, oil is cheaper than water.

4) Sidewalk Skiing

One of the interesting facts about Saudi Arabia is that Saudi drivers created a driving stunt called sidewalk skiing, where they tilt the car onto two wheels and drive at high speed while passengers hang out of the windows or sit on the roof. This stunt has been popular among young Saudis in the desert for years, with many videos going viral on social media. Some groups, like the Impossible Group, have gained international fame for their skills.

Despite being illegal and facing crackdowns from authorities, new videos frequently emerge. Sidewalk skiing is considered Saudi Arabia’s most extreme unofficial national sport.

3) Mecca City

One of the interesting facts about Saudi Arabia is that Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, receives over two million Muslim visitors each year during the Hajj pilgrimage, making it the largest annual gathering of people in the world. Managing this vast crowd is a complex task, requiring significant logistical operations. Saudi Arabia invests billions annually in infrastructure, crowd management, and safety technology for this week.

The Grand Mosque, known as Masid Al-Haram, is the largest mosque globally and can accommodate up to 4 million worshippers during Hajj. This event occurs consistently every year with 2 million people, one city, for one week.

2) World’s Largest Camel Market

One of the interesting facts about Saudi Arabia is that Saudi Arabia has the world’s largest camel market, located on the outskirts of Bida in the Alcasim region. It covers two square miles of desert and operates daily, selling around 100 camels each day. These camels are sourced from various parts of Saudi Arabia and the surrounding areas, and are sold for meat, milk, racing, breeding, and as status symbols.

The King’s Cup camel race, a highly prestigious event in Saudi Arabia, features up to 2,000 camels competing on a 20 km track. In Saudi culture, camels represent more than just animals; they are a significant cultural institution, and this market embodies that culture.

1) Saudi Royal Family

One of the interesting facts about Saudi Arabia is that Saudi Arabia has a royal family with over 15,000 members, making it the largest royal family in the world. This family has ruled Saudi Arabia since its founding in 1932 and holds absolute political power. Senior princes occupy all key government positions, including defense, interior, foreign affairs, and oil.

The family’s wealth is difficult to estimate, with its senior members among the richest individuals globally. The royal privilege in Saudi Arabia encompasses a vast network of palaces, private jets, and immense personal fortunes that would take a lifetime to fully uncover.