| Country | Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
| Economy | Diversified |
| Conflicts | Reduced Proxy Conflicts and Sectarian Tensions |
| Government | Constitutional Monarchy |
| Regional Role | Stabilizing |
| Political System | More Pluralistic |
| Compared to Our World | More Moderate than Authoritarian, Ultraconservative Kingdom |
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a constitutional monarchy and regional power in the Middle East. Emerging from the legacy of the Ottoman/Turkish Empire and the House of Saud dynasty, the modern Saudi state has undergone a transformation over the past century, evolving into a more pluralistic and economically diversified kingdom.
The origins of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia can be traced back to the 18th century, when the House of Saud first rose to prominence in the Arabian Peninsula. Building on an alliance with the conservative Wahhabi branch of Islam, the Saud family gradually consolidated control over much of the region, culminating in the establishment of the first Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932.
However, unlike in our timeline, the House of Saud's path to power and the subsequent development of the Saudi state have followed a markedly different trajectory. The survival and adaptation of the Ottoman/Turkish Empire played a crucial role in shaping events in the region, preventing the complete collapse of central authority and the ensuing instability that characterized the post-Ottoman Middle East in our world.
The emergence of the Turkish Empire as a dominant regional power, along with its more decentralized and pluralistic governance structure, meant that the House of Saud had to navigate a more complex political landscape. This led to a gradual process of reform and power-sharing within the Saudi state, rather than the absolute monarchy that took hold in our timeline.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral legislature, the Majlis al-Shura (Consultative Assembly). The monarch, known as the King, serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister, appointed by the King, holds executive power and leads the government.
The political system features a multi-party structure, with the two largest parties being the center-right National Unionist Party and the center-left Democratic Reform Party. While the royal family and the Wahhabi clergy maintain significant influence, the kingdom's constitution ensures a greater degree of power-sharing and checks on the monarch's authority.
Civil liberties, such as freedom of religion, speech, and the press, are constitutionally protected, though some restrictions remain in place. The kingdom also recognizes the cultural autonomy of its diverse regions, including the Eastern Province, Hijaz, and Najd, allowing for a degree of local self-governance.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's economy has evolved beyond its historical reliance on oil exports, with the government pursuing a strategy of economic diversification and sustainable development. While the kingdom remains a major producer and exporter of petroleum, it has also invested heavily in manufacturing, technology, and service industries.
Key economic hubs include the capital city of Riyadh, the commercial center of Jeddah, and the industrial hub of Dammam. The government has implemented policies to encourage foreign investment, foster entrepreneurship, and develop the country's human capital through education and vocational training.
Despite occasional fluctuations in global energy markets, the Saudi economy has maintained relatively stable growth, with a rising middle class and a decrease in income inequality compared to our timeline. The kingdom has also made strides in renewable energy, with a significant portion of its electricity generation now coming from solar power and wind power projects.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a socially and culturally diverse society, reflecting the kingdom's long history as a crossroads of civilizations. While the majority of the population adheres to Sunni Islam, the kingdom recognizes the rights of Shia Muslims, Christians, Jews, and other religious minorities to practice their faiths freely.
The kingdom's culture is a rich tapestry that blends Arab, Persian, and Turkish influences, with a vibrant arts scene that includes traditional music, literature, and architecture. Major cultural hubs, such as Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah, serve as centers of religious, intellectual, and artistic exchange.
Education is a high priority for the Saudi government, with the establishment of world-class universities and research institutions, such as the King Abdulaziz University and the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. This has helped to nurture a growing class of technocrats, scientists, and intellectuals who are shaping the kingdom's future.
Despite the kingdom's more moderate and pluralistic trajectory, it still grapples with challenges common to the region, such as resource scarcity, youth unemployment, and the need for continued social and economic reforms. However, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has emerged as a more stable and progressive force in the Middle East, playing a pivotal role in maintaining regional security and fostering greater cooperation among its neighbors.
