As the kingdom celebrates its 90th anniversary this week, we reflect on the growth of one of the Middle East's most important countries from a tribal Bedouin culture to one of the leading forces in the region.
It is a history that charts the development of the modern world – where the rise of oil as the basis of the world economy tracks the rise of Saudi Arabia as the largest producer of crude.
In just a few short generations, the kingdom has gone from the harsh reality of life in largely hot and dusty deserts to glittering skyscrapers that rise in downtown Riyadh.
While many of the old ways have been swept aside, the kingdom has retained its traditional roots, preserved its heritage and – in recent years – opened up and begun to attract the outside world.
Under King Salman, women can now drive, tourists are welcomed and the country’s overwhelmingly young population has seen a cultural revolution unknown in its history.
This week, Balquees Basalom joins from the kingdom to chart that course, speaking with Marcel Kurpershoek, a Senior Humanities Research Fellow at NYU Abu Dhabi who has been researching oral narratives in Arab culture for over 3 decades. She is also joined by Nadia Abdulwahab is a Lecturer in English Literature at Umm Al Qura University, the oldest university in Saudi Arabia.
'Lost in Space'
Creators: Matt Sazama, Burk Sharpless, Irwin Allen
Stars: Molly Parker, Toby Stephens, Maxwell Jenkins
Rating: 4/5
Sour%20Grapes
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COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Letstango.com
Started: June 2013
Founder: Alex Tchablakian
Based: Dubai
Industry: e-commerce
Initial investment: Dh10 million
Investors: Self-funded
Total customers: 300,000 unique customers every month
Graduated from the American University of Sharjah
She is the eldest of three brothers and two sisters
Has helped solve 15 cases of electric shocks
Enjoys travelling, reading and horse riding
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Richard Jewell
Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Paul Walter Hauser, Sam Rockwell, Brandon Stanley
Two-and-a-half out of five stars
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
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TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
RESULTS
2.15pm Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
Winner Shawall, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi (jockey), Majed Al Jahouri (trainer)
2.45pm Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Anna Bella Aa, Fabrice Veron, Abdelkhir Adam
3.15pm Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner AF Thayer, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
3.45pm Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner Taajer, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
4.15pm The Ruler of Sharjah Cup – Prestige (PA) Dh250,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner Jawaal, Jim Crowley, Majed Al Jahouri
4.45pm Handicap (TB) Dh40,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner Maqaadeer, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson
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