On Saudi Arabia Summary

We must understand a society to influence it, and Saudi Arabia remains an enigma to the outside world, ruled by tradition, absolute monarchy, and oil wealth.

1. Absolute Monarchy Rooted in Tradition

Saudi Arabia remains one of the few countries worldwide governed by an absolute monarchy. Unlike constitutional monarchies, where the ruler's power is limited, the Saudi king has near-total control over the nation’s institutions. Religious ties play a massive role in this control, as leaders are seen as divine representatives.

King Ibn Saud established the kingdom in 1932 after uniting warring tribes under his rule through military campaigns. To consolidate power, the king relied on Wahhabism, a puritanical and strict interpretation of Islam, persuading nomadic tribes to settle into unified communities. This social restructuring laid the foundations for a society deeply intertwined with religion and authority.

The royal family extends its dominance by managing media outlets, controlling regional governance via princes, and suppressing political dissent. Enormous wealth from oil further bolsters their position, leaving little room for opposition. The monarchy’s power stems equally from economic resources and religious influence.

Examples

• King Ibn Saud's 30-year military campaign unified rival Arabian tribes.
• Wahhabism was promoted to control tribal nomads and ensure loyalty.
• Saudi media is controlled by royal family members to protect their image.

2. Religion Governs Daily Life but Faces Internal Rifts

Religion deeply governs Saudi society, with strict adherence to Islamic practices like performing salat, prayer rituals conducted five times a day. These rituals emphasize discipline by requiring physical purification and dedication to prayer, often overriding ordinary activities.

However, religious unity isn't absolute. Disputes among scholars highlight differing interpretations of Islamic teachings, especially regarding gender interactions. For instance, debates arose when some scholars supported women attending universities, referencing Prophet Mohammed’s social interactions with unrelated women. This sparked resistance from traditionalists but encouraged public discourse on religious rules.

Conflicts within religious leadership reveal cracks in the rigidity of Wahhabi Islam. Such debates illustrate how interpretations may evolve, opening possibilities for questioning traditional norms.

Examples

• Saudis pause daily tasks for formal salat prayers toward Mecca.
• Sheikh Shatri criticized coeducation, reigniting debates on gender roles.
• Saudi newspapers began publishing religious disputes, exposing differences in views.

3. Social Media is Eroding Isolation

For centuries, Saudi society existed as isolated communities, shaped by a tribal mindset and authoritarian restrictions. Cultural suppression meant public gatherings were rare, personal expression was stifled, and loyalty to one’s family remained paramount.

The advent of social media began to bridge societal gaps, enabling open discussions and collective outrage. For example, during devastating floods in 2009 and 2011, Saudis used platforms like Facebook to criticize the government’s poor preparation and negligence. Over time, digital platforms became a safe harbor for public grievances in a country with few outlets for dissent.

Social media has united Saudis across cultural and regional divides, amplifying voices that challenge outdated norms and government mismanagement. This shift is transforming Saudi society by fostering collective awareness and solidarity.

Examples

• Satellite television and mobile phones introduced Saudis to global ideas.
• Poor flood management in 2011 led to vigorous online criticism of the government.
• Social platforms like Facebook facilitated communication between isolated groups.

4. Women Are Pushing Boundaries

Traditional roles confine Saudi women to the home, restricting their mobility and reinforcing male authority. Saudi Arabia is infamous for banning women from driving, a symbolic limitation preventing independence. However, women’s activism has emerged as a force for change.

The 2011 Arab Spring inspired movements like organized drive-ins, where women blatantly defied driving bans. Though still unable to drive legally, these efforts spurred reforms championed by King Abdullah, including women’s participation in parliamentary elections starting in 2015. Yet progress remains incremental and largely symbolic, as substantive power in political institutions continues to elude women.

Women’s defiance is carving out new opportunities, showcasing their resilience and determination to redefine their place in Saudi society.

Examples

• Women staged “drive-ins,” challenging the driving ban after the Arab Spring.
• King Abdullah gave women the right to vote and hold government positions in 2015.
• Women activists used social media to rally support for gender equality.

5. A New Generation of Youth Challenges the System

Saudi Arabia's youth, among the youngest populations globally, are shaking traditional structures. Unlike their predecessors, who conformed to an authoritarian and religious status quo, today's young Saudis openly challenge these norms.

This generational shift is evident in attitudes toward values, as reported in the Arab Youth Survey. Many Saudi youths expressed disillusionment with traditional values. Creative protests underline this rebellion, such as Feras Bugnah’s short film We Are Screwed, which highlighted poverty in Riyadh and went viral, stirring public outrage.

Youth rebellion has become a catalyst for societal change, pressuring the government to consider reforms and adapt to modern realities.

Examples

• 31% of Saudi youths rejected traditional values in the 2011 Arab Youth Survey.
• Feras Bugnah’s film exposed poverty despite Saudi Arabia's wealth.
• Public outcry following Bugnah’s arrest led to his release after 15 days.

6. A Nation Overflowing with Princes

The Saudi royal family is vast, with thousands of princes stemming from King Ibn Saud’s prolific lineage. Many princes oversee specific regions or hold government roles, but most find themselves underemployed, sustained by generous monthly allowances.

Despite perceptions of royal privilege, some princes actively work to improve the country. Prince Abdullah, for instance, founded a successful recycling business with a bank loan and later advocated for social progress through his writings on sportsmanship and responsibility.

The royal family’s sheer size complicates governance while fostering both excess and instances of individual contributions toward national development.

Examples

• King Ibn Saud fathered 44 sons, leading to thousands of descendants today.
• Most princes receive $19,000 monthly allowances without formal duties.
• Prince Abdullah launched a recycling business and authored a book on sports culture.

7. Education Sparks Change Amid Challenges

Education in Saudi Arabia has seen massive investment, yet outcomes remain bleak. Before the 1960s, formal education barely existed. Despite allocating substantial funds since then, many schools lack qualified teachers, and cultural biases against coeducation hinder progress.

The shortcomings extend to employment. Poor education quality contributes to high youth unemployment, with nearly half of Saudi women aged 20-24 jobless. King Abdullah invested heavily to address this, appointing new education ministers and increasing spending, but reform is slow-moving.

Improving education is essential for Saudi Arabia’s future, as an educated workforce is crucial for reducing unemployment and dependence on oil.

Examples

• Saudi public education spending exceeds that of the United States.
• Saudi students performed poorly in global math tests in 2011.
• King Abdullah invested $137 billion in education and appointed innovative leaders.

8. The Economy Hinges on Oil and Foreign Labor

Saudi Arabia's oil riches brought massive wealth, yet overdependence on this resource poses risks as reserves dwindle. Efforts to diversify the economy have struggled, leaving the country vulnerable to economic instability.

Foreign labor dominates key sectors, adding to local unemployment rates. Many Saudis reject private-sector positions, preferring the security of public sector jobs supported by government wages. This reinforces economic stagnation and limits productivity.

Efforts to address these issues—including creating jobs in education, health care, and security—have so far failed to establish long-term solutions, as oil remains the lifeblood of the economy.

Examples

• Oil reserves are depleting, risking economic collapse by 2030.
• 40% of Saudis live on less than $850 monthly despite national wealth.
• Public sector job growth has not boosted private-sector competitiveness.

9. Reforms Promise Change but Face Resistance

King Abdullah implemented reforms in women’s rights, education, and the economy. However, resistance from religious leaders and cultural inertia slows progress. Attempts to modernize Saudi Arabia are balancing acts between tradition and the demands of a changing world.

Programs targeting unemployment often rely on public-sector expansion, while reforms in areas like education fail to address deeply ingrained societal attitudes. Despite challenges, these efforts show recognition of the need for modernization.

Saudi Arabia's path forward requires navigating the delicate interplay of religious values and efforts to build a sustainable, diversified economy.

Examples

• Reform programs included expanded education spending and modernization initiatives.
• Religious leaders pushed back against coeducation and curriculum changes.
• Daniel Jadwa Investments projected Saudi debt risks by 2030 if reforms fail.

Takeaways

1. Engage in creating opportunities that emphasize sustainable growth over reliance on depleting resources, such as oil.
2. Encourage digital communication and social media to foster community engagement and political awareness in isolated societies.
3. Support and amplify grassroots movements advocating for gender equality and educational reforms.