6. Oil and the Rise of Saudi Arabia
The discovery of vast oil reserves in Saudi Arabia during the 1930s dramatically altered the kingdom’s destiny, catapulting it from desert obscurity to global prominence. In 1938, American geologists uncovered enormous petroleum fields near Dammam, forever changing Saudi Arabia’s economic trajectory. Rapidly, oil revenues began to flow, funding infrastructure projects, urban expansion, and social reforms. The kingdom swiftly emerged as a pivotal player in global energy markets, leveraging its newfound wealth to assert significant geopolitical influence. This swift economic transformation not only reshaped Saudi society but also positioned the nation as a central actor in international politics and global energy security.
